OLIVET, MI., -- North Park entered this afternoon coming off a heartbreaking loss in their season opener to Franklin College. After leading most of the first half, the Vikings entered a shootout in the fourth quarter against the Bears ultimately falling 34-31. This week, they stayed on the road traveling to Olivet, Michigan to square off against the Comets of the University of Olivet. The Comets (1-0) are coming off a week one 39-19 victory against fellow CCIW foe Millikin University, showcasing an offense that can light up the scoreboard. The Vikings battled in a double-overtime back-and-forth this afternoon despite piling up 404 yards of total offense, including 223 yards on the ground, 25 first downs, and converting 8/16 third downs; ideal numbers for any team.
Midway through the first quarter, North Park struck first after marching down the field on a 10-play, 73-yard drive that was capped off with a touchdown pass from quarterback Paul Palmer to receiver JJ Wilmore for a 27-yard touchdown pass. Running back Aidan Delisi was heavily featured on the first drive and throughout the game, totaling 97 rushing yards on the afternoon. After kicker Robert Kubon's extra point went through the uprights, the Vikings enjoyed a 7-0 lead. The Comets responded with back-to-back scoring drives to open the second quarter, with their first score coming from running back Jaylan Johnson's 9-yard rushing touchdown to cap off a 74-yard drive, followed by an 18-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Khanye Donalson to Solomon Powell. Before the halftime break, the Vikings tied the game up 14-14 after Palmer found Niko Armstead-Lehti for a 32-yard touchdown strike.
North Park continued to dominate on the ground to start the second half, as Delisi opened with runs of 11, 9, and 7 yards that helped set up a 6-yard touchdown run by fellow running back Marco Castro to take a 21-14 lead. On the preceding kickoff, Olivet had a huge return that led to their eventual tying touchdown thanks to a Donalson rushing score. Now 21-21, the Vikings went back on another methodical 12-play, 69-yard drive that took nearly seven minutes off the game clock. Delisi powered his way into the endzone rom seven yards out to regain the 28-21 lead for the Vikings. As the clocked ticked down to less than two minutes left in the fourth quarter, the Comets were driving to try and tie the game and put themselves in a position to do so by getting inside the Viking 30-yard line. A defensive stop is what the Vikings needed and veteran safety Darrius Whiters read Donalson's eyes and stepped in front of a slant route for an interception. However, on his return a Comet player forced Whiters to fumble and Olivet to regain the possession, getting a fresh set of downs and better field position. The Comets capitalized on the short field tying the game 28-28 and sending the game into OT.
The first overtime mirrored the back-and-forth theme of regulation, as the Vikings opened with a touchdown with Palmer using his legs to outrun the Comet linebackers. Olivet answered quickly with a touchdown pass from Donalson to even it up at 35-35. Overtime number two saw the Comets striking first behind another passing touchdown and converting a two-point attempt to give the Comets an 8-point cushion, as well as forcing the Vikings to not only score, but convert a two-point play to continue the game. On fourth down of the Vikings final drive, Palmer connected with Trey Obinson to keep the drive alive, allowing Palmer the chance to score his second rushing touchdown of the day on a QB sneak from 1-yard out of the endzone. The two-point attempt would be stuffed as the Comet defense swarmed Delisi's rushing attempt to tie the game, securing the Olivet victory 43-41.
Palmer accounted for four total touchdowns, completeing 17/27 passes for 181 yards, two passing touchdowns, two rushing touchdowns, and no interceptions. Armstead-Lehti led the Vikings with three catches, 47 yards, and a touchdown, while Wilmore caught two passes for 34 yards and a score. Defensively, Kory Pradia was the Vikings' leading tackler with 10 total (7 solo, 3 assists) with Armando Martinez right behind him with 9 total (5 solo, 4 assists) and a pass breakup.
The Vikings move to 0-2 on the season and continue their play next Saturday, September 19th when they host #1 North Central College in their home opener at 1pm.
