Vikings fall in overtime, 27-26

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Box Score

The Princeton football came up a couple yards short to spoil the Sycamore Aviators' homecoming, falling 27-26 in overtime on Friday, October 12. The loss drops the Vikings to 1-7 overall, and 1-4 in the Greater Miami Conference.

The Vikings came out attacking on all cylinders to start the game, resulting in a 27 yard field goal by Jake Bent to give Princeton a 3-0 lead early in the first quarter. The momentum carried over on the defensive side of the ball, as the Vikings forced the explosive Sycamore offense to a three and out. On fourth down, Aviators' special teams had a meltdown with the snap, traveling over the punter's head. Princeton was able to tackle the punter inside the 5 yard line, giving the offense an excellent opportunity to add to their lead. Quarterback Tyrell Gilbert would capitalize on the Sycamore miscue, scampering in for a 2 yard touchdown.

Up 10-0 in the second quarter, Princeton continued to keep the Aviator defense guessing. A 29 yard field goal by Bent with 9:28 remaining in the first half, would give Princeton a 13-0 lead. Sycamore's offense finally got things going late in the first half. Quarterback Greg Simpson would finish the drive with a 13 yard touchdown, but a missed PAT kept the Aves down by 7.

Sycamore's offense started to get things going against the very quick and aggressive Viking defense. The electric Simpson would fine some running room, taking it 41 yards for a Sycamore touchdown. Tied 13-13 in the third quarter, Princeton's Gilbert seemed to match the Simpson run with his own, breaking loose for a 21 yard touchdown.

Princeton leading by 7 late in the fourth quarter, Sycamore would thread the needle down the middle of the field for a 74 yard touchdown reception by Caleb Coletts.

In overtime, Sycamore would need just two plays to score a touchdown on their first possession. Princeton needed to match a touchdown to stay in the game. Failing to score on the first two downs, Gilbert would find William Blevins on a 8 yard slant. Rather than going for the extra point, Princeton attempted the 2 point coversion for the win. However, the Aves defense stood strong, stopping Demarco Thomas on the handoff, just 2 yards from the goal line.

The Vikings finished the game with 340 total yards of offense, but 5 costly penalties for 105 yards. 

Gilbert finished 13-22 for 169 yards, including 43 yards on the ground. Blevins recorded 6 receptions for 53 yards and a touchdown.

Princeton will return to action on Friday, October 19 in their final home game of the season.