The football team shut down the Walter Johnson Wildcats 40–7 on Friday, improving to 3–5 on the season.

The Vikings dominated the first quarter, scoring twice. Their first touchdown came on a short pass from receiver Matt Anderson.

Minutes later, wide receiver Carter Hughes scored again on an acrobatic catch, bringing the Vikes’ lead up to 14–0. An interception from defensive back Austin DeRamus gave the Vikes good field position for their second drive.

Quarterback Matt Clayton added another score in the second quarter on a 98-yard rushing play, and he connected with DeRamus on a 20-yard touchdown with just seconds left on the clock to put the Vikings up 27–0 at halftime. Clayton finished with 380 yards total offensive yards in the game.

As successful as the Vikes’ offense was in the game’s opening drives, perhaps even more impressive was the team’s stout defense, which kept the Wildcats scoreless in the first half.

Hughes said the team was able to prevent the Wildcats from completing long passing plays, which was something they struggled with last week.

The Vikings maintained control throughout the second half. Running back Gunnar Morton rushed for a touchdown in the third quarter, and defensive back Cal Cibel put the game away with a pick-six in the fourth.

While the Wildcats broke the shutout late in the fourth quarter, it was not enough to shift momentum away from the Vikes.

The Vikings will take on the division-leading Quince Orchard Cougars (7–1) in their next game Friday at 6:30.