McHale Korf ran for a 4 yard touchdown and passed to Logan Fahje for a 22 yard score in the first quarter.  Korf and Jayden Rutherford scored on two-point conversion runs as the Vikings took a 16-0 lead at the end of one.

In the second quarter, the visitors struck on a 37 yard run by Riley Welk, trimming the lead to 16-6.  With just 36 seconds left in the half the Vikings took a 24-6 lead when Korf connected with Rutherford on a 9 yard touchdown pass.  The two hooked up again for the two-point conversion, leading to a 24-6 halftime lead for the home team.

Matt Ziebell’s 3 yard touchdown run and Rutherford’s two-point conversion run put the Vikings ahead 32-6 with 8:50 left in the third quarter.

Walker-Hackensack-Akeley scored with 1:04 left in the third when Jacob Smith hit Carson Strosahl from fifteen yards out.  The final points of the game came on a 30 yard run by Kai Ashmore.

“Great start to the season picking up a win at home,” commented Pelican Rapids Head Coach David Haugen.  “Offensively, we were able to break some long runs and picked up key passing yards to keep WHA off balance.  Defensively, we were able to come up with turnovers (two pass interceptions and 2 fumble recoveries) which were a big advantage in the game.  Two areas we will need to improve on are pass blocking and tackling.  Lots of positive things that we can build on moving forward.”  

Walker-Hackensack-Akeley had 73 offensive snaps and 355 yards of total offense, compared to 33 plays and 258 yards for Pelican Rapids.

Individual leaders were Korf (6 completions, 10 attempts, 69 yards, 2 TDs), Johnny Ziebell (11 carries, 100 yards), Rutherford (3 attempts, 51 yards, 2 receptions, 16 yards, TD), and Fahje (3 receptions, 43 yards, TD).

Welk (6-13 passing, 45 yards, 21 carries, 134 yards, TD) and Ashmore (8 rushes, 86 yards) led Walker-Hackensack-Akeley.