Football team swats Hornets in 52-33 win
The Portland State football team played its final regular season game at PGE Park Saturday against Sacramento State. The Vikings pummeled the Hornets 52-33. This was the Vikings fourth consecutive win and they finished at 7-4 overall, 5-2 in conference. The Viks earned second place in the Big Sky Conference over Northern Arizona’s Lumberjacks. By beating the Jacks earlier in the season the Vikings broke the tie for second. Unfortunately, because NAU has a better overall record of 8-3, the Lumberjacks were given a bid into the NCAA I-AA playoffs.
In Saturday’s game the Viks offense came out and exploded early. PSU was up 31-14 going in at halftime and did let up in the second half.
“Offensively we played as good as anyone could,” coach Tim Walsh said. “We played with intensity and had the commitment of the offensive line.”
On offense, the game was split even for the Vikings. The first half was mostly orchestrated by the passing of Juston Wood and his receivers. Wood connected with Terry Charles and Tim Hester for two touchdown passes in the first half. Wood also found the clutch receiver Jesse Levin, who led the team with 165 yards.
Charles, in his last regular season game as a Viking, broke a few more records on Saturday and earned Big Sky Player of the Week honors. “It’s going to be tough to get out,” Charles said. “I’ve had the time of my life here.” Charles has made his mark at PSU and will be missed next season. Among the returnees for the Viks are Wood, Levin and Fuqua.
