WEST CHESTER TWP. — The Lakota West Firebirds hosted the Princeton Vikings after falling to St. Xavier 10-0. They were looking to return to their winning ways and extend their winning streak in Greater Miami Conference play.
But the Vikings had other ideas, defeating the Firebirds 18-3 and handing the Firebirds their first GMC loss since 2019.
The pace of the game started very slow for both teams, as neither team could score until the second quarter.
After a three-and-out on first and goal to start the second quarter, the Firebirds were forced to settle on a field goal by Brayden Benner, which would later prove costly.
In the first half, Eli Davis led the Firebirds defensively, controlling every play from the Princeton offense and shutting it down quickly.
In contrast, Princeton defensive back Andrew Wells led the Vikings with multiple pass breakups and tackles on the Firebirds receiving core. Lakota West showed a different offensive play style this week, relying on freshman quarterback Jackson Smith for passing — as seen against St. X — but also utilizing junior quarterback Sam Wiles for designed QB runs.
The Firebird’s offense also used the Wildcat formation multiple times throughout the first half, possibly a sign of what will come from this offense for the remainder of the season.
The second half started with the Vikings in full offensive and defensive command, stopping the Firebirds on every drive while powering down the field and into scoring position multiple times in the game.
Running back David Hambrick scored a touchdown run in the third quarter, pushing himself through multiple Firebirds to kick things off for the Vikings. The PAT was no good after a high snap over the holder’s head.
Hambrick scored another touchdown in the fourth quarter, putting the Vikings up 12-3 after that PAT was blocked.
When the Firebirds received the ball back, Smith was picked off by PJ Nelson, who brought it back fifteen yards to the house for the pick-6. That put the Vikings up 18-3 after a third missed PAT.
After a fourth interception throw in two games by Smith — and with the game being essentially over with just under three minutes remaining — senior QB Nolan Parker came into the game and made an immediate impact.
Parker hit Jiovionni Wilson on a 51-yard throw to bring some energy back to the Firebird sideline. Unfortunately, it was too late, as the Firebirds could not score again, leading to their second loss of the year.
The Firebirds (0-2) face off against the Fairfield Indians at Fairfield on Friday night.
