MEMPHIS, Tenn. - The Berry College football team bounced back from their first loss of the season with a commanding 50-7 win over the Rhodes College Lynx on Friday evening on the road.
The Vikings got off to a strong start marching down the field on a 14 play 75 yard drive culminating with an Andrew Hunter one yard touchdown run to put the Vikings ahead 8-0 with 7:44 remaining in the first. The Vikings defense then forced a three and out on the next possession the offense went right back down the field on an 11 play 83 yard drive ending in a 30 yard rushing touchdown by Andrew Davis to increase the Vikings lead to 15-0 with 14:43 to go in the second.Â
The Vikings defense then forced two more three and outs as they continued to stifle the Rhodes defense. The Lynx were able to hold the Vikings to one punt in the first half but the Vikings offense couldn't be stopped as they punched it in again on a 6 play 57 yard drive with a 14 yard rushing touchdown by David Ortiz-Ramirez increasing the Vikings lead to 22-0. The Lynx looked to respond as they recorded their first first down but the Vikings defense held forcing another punt. The Vikings then struck again right after the punt as Hunter tossed a 73 yard touchdown pass to Cam Coleman to make it 28-0 with 3:26 to go. The Vikings would then get the ball back one more time and Hunter would once again lead the Vikings down the field in 1:42 as he tossed his second touchdown pass of the game, a 19 yard pass to Jake Hunter to make it 36-0 at halftime.
The Lynx got the ball to start the second half and the Vikings defense quickly shut them down with another three and out allowing zero yards. The offense then quickly scored again on a four play 63 yard drive ending in a 43 yard rushing touchdown by Ben Plemons to increase the Vikings advantage to 43-0. The Lynx continued to fight to get on the board but the Vikings defense came up with two turnovers on downs to keep their shutout intact through the third quarter.Â
The Vikings defense then forced their first turnover of the game as Bryce Kazmierczak forced a fumble that was picked up by Malaki Knight who raced 68 yards for a scoop and score touchdown to increase the Vikings advantage to 50-0. The Lynx would finally break through with 4:15 remaining in the game to make it 50-7. That would be all the scoring as the Vikings emerged with a dominant 50-7 victory.
Hunter led the Vikings offense going 14-for-20 in the air for 228 yards and two touchdowns while adding 43 on the ground and another touchdown. Plemons rushed for 104 yards and a score to lead all rushers.Â
The Vikings will continue action at home next week as they host Southwestern on Saturday, October 17 at 12:00 PM at Valhalla Stadium.
