MILLERSPORT — Control the line of scrimmage and you control the game.

Behind a strong effort by the offensive line, the Symmes Valley Vikings controlled the game as they coasted past the Fairfield Christian Knights 37-22 Saturday night.

Ends Hunter Boggs, Scott Dial, Drew Brock and Wayne Meade tackles Billy Bloomfield and Jordan Wells, guards Nick Clay and Garrett Foster and center Grant Foster were instrumental in the Vikings’ rolling up 395 rushing yards on 50 attempts.

“Any time your rush for that many yards, that means you’re getting something done up front,” said Vikings’ coach Rusty Webb.

“We’re very happy with our skilled guys. Our offensive line is starting to come together. The kids are getting a better grasp of what trying do. We still have some things to iron out, but we feel we made a big sep from week one to week two.”

Taking advantage of his line was running back Evan Herrell who racked up 186 yards on just eight carries and scored two touchdowns. The Vikings used 11 different ballcarriers.

The Vikings drove 75 yards in 10 plays to score first with 3:58 left in the first quarter. Justin Payne went 6 yards for the touchdown and Tyler Easthom’s conversion kick make it 7-0.

The Knights used a long pass to get deep in Vikings’ territory, but the defense held on downs at the 14. On first down, Herrell bolted 86 yards for a touchdown and it was 13-0.

Herrell ran 12 yards to cap a 53-yard, 11-play drive with 2:57 left in the half and it was 19-0.

After a quick three-and-out, the Vikings scored with 1:12 left in the half when Easthom ran 37 yards for a touchdown and a 25-0 lead.

The Vikings took the second half kickoff and went 41 yards in just six plays. Kyle Bowen ran the final 4 yards and it was 31-0.

The Knights scored all their points in the fourth quarter against the Viking reserves.

The Vikings’ second unit scored on a 13-yard run by Dial to finish off a 74-yard, nine-play march.

“We had some mental letdowns on defense that we can not have when we get to conference play,” said Webb. “It took a while for our defense to set in. Playing on Saturday was different, but our kids did a good job of adjusting.”

Symmes Valley 7 18 6 6 = 37

Fairfield Christian 0 0 0 22 = 22

First Quarter

SV — Justin Payne 6 run (Tyler Easthom kick) 3:58

Second Quarter

SV — Evan Herrell 86 run (kick failed) 10:45

SV — Evan Herrell 12 run (pass failed) 2:57 11-53

SV — Tyler Easthom 37 run (kick failed) 1:12

Third Quarter

SV — Kyle Bowen 4 run (kick failed) 8:51 6-41 on KO

Fourth Quarter

FC — Luke Johnson 1 run (run failed) 10:59

SV — Scott Dial 13 run (kick failed) 6:24 9-74

FC — Tyler McFarland 28 pass from Zach Sullivan (McFarland pass from Sullivan) 3:46

FC — Tyler McFarland 6 pass from Zach Sullivan (McFarland pass from Sullivan) 0:18

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SV FC

First downs 19 9

Rushes-yards 50-395 35-77

Passing yards 26 98

Cmp-Att-Int 1-6-1 12-27-2

Fumbles-lost 0-0 2-2

Punts-average 3-27.7 3-30.3

Penalties-yards 5-20 2-10

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Individual Leaders

RUSHING—Symmes Valley: Evan Herrell 8-163, Jacob Patterson 7-23, Cody Myers 7-8, Justin Payne 7-47, Kyle Bowen 5-29, Tyler Easthom 3-48, Scott Dial 4-23, Jordan Fulford 2-3, C.J. Blankenship 3-9, Alec Herrell 3-37, Austin Owens 1-5; Fairfield Christian: Tim Longest 14-64.

PASSING—Symmes Valley: Cody Myers 1-6-1 26; Fairfield Christian: Zach Sullivan 12-27-2 98.

RECEIVING—Symmes Valley: Wayne Meade 1-26; Fairfield Christian: Tyler McFarland 3-65.