Josephson spark Vikings' win over YME

A.J. Josephson scored on a 24-yard run, a 16-yard pass and a safety to spark Minneota to a convincing 37-6 win over Yellow Medicine East on Friday night at K.P. Kompelien Field in Minneota.

Game time was moved up to 5:30 p.m. to combat the unseasonably cold weather the area has has the past few days.

Jacob Hennen threw touchdown passes of 51 yards to Cale Sorensen, and 16 yards to Josephson in the first quarter. Hennen added a third TD pass when he connected with AJ Myhre from a yard away in the fourth quarter. Hennen completed 8 of 13 passes for 159 yards with temperatures hovering around the freezing point.

Minneota (3-0) scored three touchdowns in the opening quarter for the second time in three games.

The Vikings also allowed a kickoff return for a touchdown for the second time in three games; this time a 74-yarder from YME's Tyler Syring in the first quarter for the Sting's lone score.

Minneota went up 28-6 when Conner Sik scored from three yards out. Leading 30-6 following Josephson's safety, the Vikings capped the scoring on the short TD pass to Myhre.

Josephson gained 77 yards rushing in just six carries. Sik added 70 yards in nine totes. Anthony Rybinski had a 45-yard run in his only attempt.

Sorensen led with three receptions for 78 yards. Myhre had two catches for 29 yards.

Peyton Gillund converted all five of his extra point attempts.

The stellar Vikings' defense limited YME to only 127 total yards. Minneota amassed 385 total yards. Jayden Gamrak had seven tackles for the Vikings, while Beau Banish had six stops (a team-high five solo tackles). Josephson also had six tackles, Mitchell Rost and Tucker Thooft had five apiece and Joey Rybinski four. Jacob Citterman had three solo tackles, including two for losses.

Minneota travels to take on Lakeview next Friday night in Cottonwood.