Each Week following Spartanburg Viking Football games, I’m going to take a couple of days and think about the 3 most important things I saw on the field. Some good, some great, some not so good. I’ll try to break through what mattered, and what not to overreact to. So here’s 3 things from Week 10’s 42-41 win over Dorman.
1-Before I get to Spartanburg, #1 has to be out this rivalry. Spartanburg Dorman is truly the best rivalry in this state. It’s got all the makings of a great traditional rivalry but when you add the electricity of both fan bases, the energy in each stadium, plus the TONS AND TONS of epic games and moments between the 2, there’s no match. Last Friday was an incredible example of this as the Vikings survived 42-41 with a game winning tackle on a 2 pt conversion. After battling the flu all week, the Vikings toughed out a win as Dorman once trailed by 20 in the 2nd half. Give the Cavs credit, they never quit, but neither did Spartanburg. I love this game – it’s my favorite game hands down every single year.
2-Keke Kelly is going to be (if he stays healthy of course) one of the top 3 RBs in school history. Now before anyone starts yelling at me or throws out 3 names right away…hang on. This kid is only a Freshman. A FRESHMAN. In the biggest game of his life, he had 14 carries for 165 yards and 1 TD. He also opened the game with a return to the 50 yard line, a drive that Spartanburg would go up 7-0 on. His speed at his age is unlike anything I’ve ever seen and how he cuts the way he does while not losing speed is elite level talent. His run down to the 1 yard line in the 3rd Quarter showcased this. Spartanburg has been blessed with amazing RBs in their history…and Keke will no doubt stand out as one.
3-Spartanburg can play through chaos. Think about all the things that happened before the last snap by Dorman on the 2 pt conversion. The flu crushed the Vikings all week, barely any practice, a 20 point 2nd half lead was down to 1, you’re on the road in a very loud environment, and you make a play against an 8-1 team (your rival) to win the game. Next Play Mentality is something that this Spartanburg team has shown time and time again that it has. From the captains down to the Freshmen, all age groups are making big time plays in big time moments. Sophomore LBs Cam Smith and Peyton Jones had incredible moments Friday night and I know I won’t forget them.
