Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
MENTONE - Seventeen turnovers. Seven Valley fumbles turned over. Seven Northfield interceptions thrown.
When the dust cleared after a sloppily-played game at Valley Friday, the Vikings came away with a 31-14 Three Rivers Conference win despite being without starting quarterback Brandon Eaton.
Eaton missed the game due to sickness, but back-up Craig Kuhn played solidly enough to give the Vikings their first win since the season opener.
Eric Prater continued his pass reception onslaught with six catches for 50 yards and he also rushed for 58 more yards. Anthony Domenico had two interceptions in the game.
Northfield jumped out to a 6-0 lead after the first quarter, but Derek Eby hit a 37-yard field goal to cut the lead in half by the break.
In the third quarter, the Vikings took over as Eric Prater scored two touchdowns and Nathan Patterson had another. Valley led 24-6 after three quarters, before Northfield tacked on one last touchdown.
Northfield had just 30 yards rushing for the game on 30 carries but outgained Valley through the air 159-58.
Valley (2-3, 1-2 TRC) will be at Oak Hill Friday.
VALLEY 31
NORTHFIELD 14
Northfield 6 0 0 8 - 14
Valley 0 3 21 7 - 31
TV NF
First Downs 9 9
Rushes-Yards 33-140 30-30
Passing Yards 58 159
Comp-Att-Int 7-15-1 11-30-7
Fumbles-Lost 7-7 3-2
Punts-Avg. 4-33.0 4-27.0
Penalties-Yards 10-90 7-80
First Quarter
NF - Brian Hoffman 1 run, 6-0 Northfield
Second Quarter
TV - Derek Eby 37 field goal, 6-3 Northfield
Third Quarter
TV - Eric Prater 5 run (Eby kick), 10-6 Valley
TV - Prater 12 pass from Craig Kuhn (Eby kick), 17-6 Valley
TV - Nathan Patterson 12 run (Eby kick), 24-6 Valley
Fourth Quarter
NF - Nick Clifton 2 pass from Shawn Smith (Shane Haecker pass from Smith), 24-14 Valley
TV - Prater 12 pass Kuhn (Eby kick), 31-14 Valley
Individual Leaders
Rushing - Valley, Prater 12-58, Patterson 5-23. Northfield, John Miller 9-9.
Passing - Valley, Kuhn 7-15-58-1. Northfield, Hoffman 5-18-72-4, Smith 6-12-87-3.
Receiving - Valley, Prater 6-50. Northfield, Haeker 5-39, Clifton 3-46.
