Jim Walker
jim.walker@irontontribune.com

PADEN CITY — The Symmes Valley Vikings were hot and cold.
And then hot again.
The Vikings stormed out to a 21-0 first quarter lead, cooled off in the second quarter but then got going again in the second half as they opened the season with a 39-16 win over the Paden City Wildcats on Friday.
“We played really well the first quarter. We got a little satisfied in the second quarter so we went in and talked to our kids that we need to finish off,” said Vikings’ coach Rusty Webb.
“We came out and ran four plays in the third quarter and scored twice. The kids did a really good job with our adjustments and we’re proud of the way they finished off the game.”
The Vikings rolled up 352 total yards — all on the ground — led by Derik Brace who ran 13 times for 128 yards and scored three touchdowns.
Austin Waugh had 43 yards on eight carries and scored a touchdown while Derek Crum ran just twice for 74 yards and a score.
The Vikings had 12 first downs and lost their only fumble.
Symmes Valley jumped in front 21-0 in the first quarter but Paden City scored in the second quarter to trail 21-8 at the half.
The Vikings then got a pair of touchdowns in the third quarter and one in the fourth to lead 39-8.
The Wildcats then got their final touchdown in the fourth quarter against the Vikings’ backups.
Symmes Valley hosts Fairfield Christian next Friday.
Symmes Valley    21    0    12    6    =    39
Paden City    0    8    0    8    =    16