Friday night’s Gator-Viking game was about as good as it gets

It was everything Friday night lights should be.

Viking Stadium about 45 minutes before the game. Photo by David Day from VDN Air-1

A long-standing cross-town rivalry on a beautifully lit field with the stands full and both teams up to the fight. And what a fight it was. The teams were evenly matched and the score reflected that. The second half opened with the Vikings pushing downfield to score a touchdown, extending their lead by 11.

In the next play, the Gator’s Nicholas Mickey returned the kick-off 96 yards and killed the morale of the Vikings.

Nicholas Mickey: Photo by David Day

In the final quarter, from midfield, a short pass to Decorey Knight, Jr. set up this amazing run (with a little help and some inspired blocking by his teammates) to bring the game to within 2 with just over 50 seconds left:

The Gators desperately needed a 2-point conversion to tie the score and force the game into overtime. A whole mess of the Vikings shut that effort down in the backfield. The Gators then tried an onside kick that the Vikings were able to recover, effectively ending the battle.

From the sidelines, it seemed like the Gators could have prevailed with a couple more passes. The Viking defense, while strong, had a hard time containing Knight.

Getting out of the parking lot was a nightmare, it reminded me of leaving the Palace at Auburn Hills in the early 90s after watching the Bad Boy Pistons beat Michael Jordan’s Bulls (we had season tickets, hate me later). My vehicle didn’t move for over 20 minutes in the Viking parking lot and it was wonderful. The windows were down and every other person spoke about the game, lamenting or offering praise for their team. The hardworking Deputy near me and his exhausted cohorts could do little other than making sure everyone stayed safe as the packed house all left at the same time.

On Saturday, people were still talking about the game. Social media was buzzing with all the Apple and Android Quarterbacks calling the plays that would have changed the outcome.

The game couldn’t have been any tighter, the crowd was perfect and it was hell getting out of there. Everything a memorable game should be.