The Tigers led 22-20 in the closing minute of the game. With 21 seconds remaining in the game, the Vikings lined up for the game winning field goal. Viking’s kicker Chris Matejcek has been in this position before. In October, against Freedom, the junior kicker hit the upright in a loss to the Patriots. But on this night, Matejcek nailed the 30-yard field goal stunning the top-seed in the District 11 Class 4A semifinals at Tiger Stadium Saturday night. The Vikings won 23-22 and move on to the District finals.
“Chris missed one a couple weeks ago against Freedom,” said Head Football Coach Tim McGorry. “We trust him and to see him get that kick is redemption. He’s a great kid and works really hard. He deserved it.”
The Vikings next opponent will be Pottsville who defeated Bethlehem Catholic Saturday afternoon 18-13 in the other District 11 Class 4A semifinal game.
The Tigers started the game forcing a three-and-out and went right down the field for the 32-yard touchdown pass from Deven Bollinger to Justin Holmes.
Northwestern Lehigh wasn’t done in the first quarter. After Bollinger intercepted the ball on defense, he hit Jayden Allen for a 40-yard touchdown pass. The two-point conversion was good and the Tigers led 15-0 with 8:14 left in the first quarter.
Finally, Matt Rauscher got the Vikings on the scoreboard. The Vikings got a huge fourth down conversion that setup the score. His one-yard quarterback sneak cut the Tigers lead to 15-6 with 5:26 left in the first half.
The Tigers answered right back. Bollinger threw his third touchdown pass of the half. His 11-yard pass to Dom Harding gave Northwestern Lehigh a 22-6 lead with 1:13 left in the first half.
The Tigers, Reed Conrey picked off a pass ending Central Catholic’s drive, and they went into halftime leading 22-6.
Rauscher got his second rushing touchdown of the night late in the third quarter. The two-point conversion failed and the Tigers led 22-12 with 2:37 left in the quarter.
Heading into the fourth quarter, the Vikings defense forced two three-and-outs and headed into the fourth quarter with a lot of momentum.
“We moved some kids around on defense in the second half and the kids stepped up,” said McGorry. “They did a good job shutting them down in the second half.”
Tristan Francis scored from 12 yards out. The two-point conversion was good and the lead was cut to two with 9:31 to go in the game.
The Vikings defense stepped up in the second half. Both teams turned the ball over on downs. The Vikings got the ball back trailing by two points with 3:18 to go in the game.
The Vikings got to Northwestern Lehigh’s 12 yard line. They called their final timeout with 31 seconds remaining in the game. With 21 seconds left in the game, they lined up for the 30-yard field goal attempt. This time, Matejcek’s kick was good. The Vikings led for the first time of the night, 23-22.
The Tigers had one more chance. Bollinger hit his wide receiver for a 57-yard pass completion down to the Vikings 19. But time ran out on Northwestern Lehigh’s season.
