Vikings cruise past Libby to earn third win

Eli Thorness caught three touchdowns and the Bigfork defense got three interceptions from its defense as the Vikings had no trouble against Libby at home Friday, downing the Loggers 41-6.

Quarterback Tristen Herd finished 13 for 20 passing for 209 yards, threw four touchdowns and accounted for two of the Vikings’ interceptions as Bigfork improved to 3-1 in Western A this season and 3-0 in Northwest A action.

Asher Knopik rushed for 86 yards and a touchdown on two carries, Wyatt Johnson ran for 49 yards and a score and Sam Plummer added 40 rushing yards.

Knopik also led the defense with 8.5 tackles and an interception while Johnson added 6.5, David Jayne had 5.5 and Andrew Wallen added 4.5.

Bigfork’s assault on the scoreboard started with the defense in the first quarter as a holding penalty on Libby in their own end zone resulted in a safety and put the Vikings up 2-0 after 12 minutes of play.

The Vikings’ offense got rolling in the second quarter, scoring on a 76-yard pass from Herd to Thorness before Knopik broke free for 76-yard touchdown run on Bigfork’s next possession.

Another 28-yard TD reception by Thorness put theVikings up 28-0 at the half.

A 6-yard run by Johnson and a 6-yard pass from Herd to Barnes put the Vikings up 41-0 before Libby scored its only touchdown of the contest late in the third quarter.

The Vikings currently stand alone atop the Northwest A standings at 3-0 while Whitefish overcame Columbia Falls in overtime Friday in their conference opener and currently sit in second at 1-0.

The Vikings will be back in action Friday as they travel to Frenchtown for a non-conference matchup with the Broncs at 7 p.m.

The Broncs are 0-3 this season with losses to Columbia Falls, Corvallis and Dillon.