Niles snapped a 43-minute scoreless drought Friday night to capture a 7-0 victory late in the fourth quarter over visiting Fairfield.

An evenly played defensive game between the two teams eventually turned in favor of the Vikings after Trevon Williams scored the only touchdown of the night, with 4:35 left to play from 4-yards out.

The successful extra point from Mauricio Aguirre sealed the win for Niles, which improves to 2-1.

The spark on offense started when quarterback Cole Simpson hit Javond Ball with a 44-yard pass, bringing Niles to the 17-yard line. After three successful gains, Williams nailed the touchdown. This came at a crucial time for the Vikings, who struggled to complete passes and drives.

“We had guys open all night, we just couldn’t make the passes and sustain those drives. We finally got that one key play we needed in the end and that was enough to get the win,” said Niles head coach Joe Sassano.

But just getting by with a win is not enough for Sassano and his team. The Vikings are strong on defense, but he admitted the offense must be even stronger.

“Our whole defensive unit kept us in this game. We were able to get away with playing sloppy on offense because of our defense,” Sassano said. “I am very happy with our defensive line, and yes, defense wins games, but if you don’t score, you’re not going to get anywhere, and it’s time to focus on our offense even more than we have been.”

Leading the way for Niles was Ball with 11 carries and 47 yards rushing.

The Vikings return to action next Friday at home against Portage Northern. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m.

 

NILES 7, FAIRFIELD 0

At Niles

Fairfield          0          0          0          0 – 0

Niles                 0          0          0          7 – 7

N – Trevon Williams 4 run (Mauricio Aguirre kick).

Varsity records: Fairfield 1-3, Niles 2-1