Valparaiso used a stingy defense and overwhelming size on offense to roll over La Porte 49-0 Friday night at Kiwanis Field. The defending 5A State Champions scored on their first seven possessions and allowed La Porte into their territory just once in the one-sided contest.

 

The Vikings scored three touchdowns in the first quarter to lead 21-0 at the break. Travis Davis scored on runs of six and five yards for Valpo’s first two scores. Scotty Bradney caught a seven-yard touchdown pass from Justin Clark with 35.6 seconds left in the opening quarter for the third Vikings score.

 

Davis scored his third touchdown of the game at the 5:32 mark of the second quarter, followed by a 24-yard scamper by Clark. The Vikings lead 35-0 at the half scoring on drives of 80, 70, 43, 75, and 76 yards. 

 

The second half was played with a running clock. The Vikings scored at the 3:39 mark of the third quarter on an eight-yard run by Thomas Burda. This capped off an 80-yard drive. Backup running back Gage Finlay scored from 33 yards out at the 11-minute mark of the fourth quarter to make the final 49-0.

 

The Slicer offense had trouble sustaining momentum. Aiden Penziol was 4-16 passing for 32 yards. Ollie Kring caught all four of the completed passes. There wasn’t much room to run either as Jon Laine finished with 13 yards on nine rushes, while Tre Beghtel ran three times for 15 yards. Kicker/Punter Jack Doty had a nice night, putting his only in the end zone for a touchback and getting off seven impressive punts. 

 

La Porte played without starters Drew Flores and Sam Pressler who were out with injuries. 

 

Valparaiso’s starting offensive line is huge, ranging in size from 265lbs to 325lbs. 

 

Valpo, 2-1 on the year and 1-0 in the Duneland Conference, will host Michigan City, also 2-1 and 1-0 next Friday night. The Slicers, 1-2 and 0-1 travel to Chesterton to face the 0-3 Trojans. 96.7 The Eagle will cover the game with kickoff at 7:00 p.m. and the pregame show airing at 6:45.