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The Goderich Signal-Star, 1977-11-17, Page 8kr .d, PAGE 11—CODERICHSIGNAL-STAR, THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 1977 - .y RTSI/1Es remarkable season withDefense ends Big Blue blanks Exeter for champions practice. Donnelly called him the team leader whose desire to bring his team to the championship was a- key factor in the team's success, His ball -handling was un- challenged in the Conference and coach Donnelly com- mented how many of the officials doing Viking games this year described Walters as the best executing quar- by T.D. The GDCI senior Vikings, overcoming field conditions that might have taken a lot away from their game, racked up their eighth Huron Perth Conference cham- pionship in the last ten years here Saturday with an 18-0 victory over the Exeter South Huron Panthers. • A snowfall of several inches Friday night and Saturday left the field in somewhat less than perfect condition, despite the dedicated efforts 'of a work -crew of GDCI students and supporters who cleaned off the gridiron prior to the game. The unsure footing might have been an equalizing factor by taking away the Vikings' superior speed which had been demonstrated in an earlier h1-0 victory over the Panthers during the regular schedule, but the Viking offence succeeded in moving the ball well enough to keep the Panthers from penetrating deep into Viking territory. Combined with the unusual fine defensive effort by a Viking defence which allowed only seven points i.n.a total of nine games this season, and a strong punting game from Tim McLean, the Vikings were in command all the way.. The Panthers, making some changes from their first game with the Vikings, tried to run a sweep play but were shut down by the work of the Viking corners, Tim Doherty and Paul Helesic. The Panther passing attack also proved ineffective against the Viking rush and the play of the Viking defensive backs. Middle linebacker Keith McLellan was a tower of strength throughout the game for the Vikings. The Viking's offence gained a total "of 220 yards, 167 by rushing and 53 via the pass: Dave Mackenzie, who scored the games only two touch- downs, was responsible for 60 yards of the rushing total and all 53 of the passing yards on two recepti,ns. On only the third series of downs in the game, Mackenzie went 60 yards on a reverse for the first Viking touchdown. Goderich got the ball when the Panthers fumbled on a second down play the first time they had the ball. Eric Mitchell kicked the convert. On the Panthers next series of downs Mitchell broke through to block a third -down punt which set up a 36 yard pass -and -run play from quarterback Bill Walters to Mackenzie for the Vikings second touchdown. Mitchell again kicked the convert. That first quarter outburst was really all the Vikings needed, with the job the defence was doing. The Vikings did add a single point on a 27 yard punt by Tim McLean, following a down - field drive by the Vikes in the last three minutes of the first half. In the third quarter, Eric Mitchell kicked a 23 yard field goal after Chris Wood recovered an Exeter fumble and Walters connected with Mackenzie on a 20 yard pass play to put the Vikings within range.. In the fourth quarter, a pass interception by Perry Teichert snuffed out another potential Exeter drive. Another apparent Viking touchdown on a 60 yard run by Mark Frayne followed, but it was called back on a clipping penalty. That plus a holding penalty on the next play put the Vikings in a hole, but a long run'by Randy Little and a good punt by McLean got them out of trouble. Late in the quarter, a 45 yard punt return by Mackenzie put the Panthers deep in their own end for the remainder of the game. Coaches Ray Donnelly and Al Drennan both credited the "togetherness" of their team as its chief attribute. Don- nelly, for whom the cham- pionship was his fourth in six years as senior coach, called them a dedicated and un- selfish team. He commented that his 28 man squad practiced long and hard all year and .showed the desire right from the first of the season that would eventually carry them to the cham- pionship. The 1977 Vikings were not a big, team physically, but - quickness and execution, along with that desire, made them winners. Donnelly also paid tribute to the work done by coach Drennan in his first year back with his old high school team. Donnelly felt Drennan did an outstanding job with the offensive and ' defensive backs. The Vikings had a total of 12 graduating players and coach Donnelly commented on each GDCI running back Randy Little tries In vain to keep warm on the sidelines during Saturday's championship game. Little and backfield mate Dennis Donnelly were the top running combination In the conference. (staff photo) of them. Tim Doherty he labelled as a fine blocking back and receiver along with his good work at the corner defen- sively. Bernie Van Osch was described as probably the Vikings best defender against the pass and a good tackler. Co -captain Steve Chase, at his defensive left half back position plays football "tough" according to Don- nelly and was one of the hardest tacklers on the team, Paul Helesic, a year four right corner was described as one of the pleasant surprises coming up from last year's juniors, doing an excellent job at his right corner position. Paul Schaefer won Donnelly's recognition as a fine pulling guard and open field blocker who was responsible for many Viking touchdowns on sweeps and reverses. Ben Worsell was commended for his fine job at offensive centre, a new position for him this year, where his toughness and quickness and I00 - percent effort were appreciated. Tim McLean earned plaudits for his strong pun- ting and his work at right guard where he proved himself a good blocker, ex- tremely fast at getting out- side. Defensive middle guard Shawn Dalton was described as a hard-nosed player who did a good job anchoring the middle of the Viking defen- sive line. Scott Raithby, who was out with injuries in the first half of the season, came back to play fine football as a defensive lineman and probably the Vikings best pass rusher. Dwight Isaac, new to the game this year, worked hard at learning his offensive halfback position. Co -captain Keith McLellan, a key to the Vikings success this season in his offensive right tackle and defensive inside linebacker positions, was described by Donnelly as an intense, dedicated young man who leads by example. Five years, ago McLellan set his goal to become the best player in the conference at his position, and coach Donnelly feels there is no doubt he reached his goal; He describes McLellan as the finest inside linebacker he has ever coached. Quarterback Bill Walters, elected team captain by his team mmates, used his abilities to the fullest potential in every game and terback they had long time, Already s six. starting looking! next season, coach ha players and five defensive players r This leaves i t kno positions to fill, buts ,Donnelly says work, who ws happen?" An Exeter running back tries desperately to' hang onto the football as three Viking linebackers Keith McLellan (50) Paul Helesic (34) , and Steve Chase (25) move in for a 4 recovery. Goderich thumped the Panthers 18-0 towI eighth championship in ten years. (staff photo) GD ball -de, gar ast of 3 thei fin yt Stt st g otal ay( the f d. victc to ly g She f 14 befl sots RECEIVE ONE COUPON WITH EVERY WORTH OF GASOLINE PURCHASED, REDEEM THEM FOR THE MERCHANDISE,, BELOW, AND ON DISPLAY IN THE GASB a' There's no doubt about It Scott. Goderich Senior Vikings Lineman Scott Raithby signals victory after the Vikings clobbered Exeter 18-0 to win the Huron -Perth senior football championship in Goderich,, Saturday. It was the eighth cham- pionship in ten years- for the Vikings. (staff photo) 10 oz. MARQUIS TOPAZ TUMBLER Goderich Arena SPECIAL EVENTS Public Skating Friday, November 18, 8-10 p.m. Sunday, November 20, 4:30-6:30 p.m. Admission:'1.O° per person Minor Hockey Thursday, November 17 - Pee Wees vs. Walkerton 8:00 p.m. Saturday, November 19 Atoms vs. Hanover 5:00 p.m. Bantams vs. Listowel 6:00 p.m. Midget "A" vs. Mt. Forest 8:00 p.m. Sunday, November 20 Midget "A" vs. London (Exhibition) 2:00 p.m. Monday, November 21 Midget "8" vs. Mitchell 8:30 p.m. Goderich Recreation & Community Centre Board v, 11 81 to WATCH FOR DOUBLE COUPON DI Is su .� COUPON REDEMPTION VALUE�;lf CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE DUE CHANGES MADE BY OUR SUPPLIER„""