Big Fourth Quarter Breaks Open Tight Game

Parker 50, Craig 23, Friday, August 26, 2011 at Monterey Stadium



The Vikings led 29-23 late in the third quarter before stopping a potential Craig scoring drive. At the 10:40 mark of the fourth quarter Viking quarterback Decker Thompson scored on a 28 yard scramble that gave Parker a 35-23 lead. Parker's Adam Vesterfelt then scored on 25 and 75 yard runs to make the final margin 50-23. Vesterfelt gained 260 yards on 25 carries and scored six touchdowns in the 45th edition of the Craig-Parker series.

The Monterey Rock with scores of all Craig-Parker football games resides in the winning teams trophy case

Above left: Adam Vesterfelt. Vesterfelt had an outstanding night with 6 TD's and 260yds rushing. Above right: New Parker principal Christopher Laue [left] and Parker assistant principal Dan Keyser [right].

Arik Albeck impressed on offense, defense, punting and the return game. One of his gains was made posssible by the blocking of Michael Rainiero [70].

Cast of blockers: The offensive line and backfield

Adam Vesterfelt [20] and Cavann Conley [81]


Adam Vesterfelt [20] and blockers Cavann Conley [81], Michael Rainiero [70], and Vernon Franklin [80]

Arik Albeck [3] had a busy night. He punted, played defense and was a runner and receiver for the Viking offense.

Albeck had 5 catches for 69 yards and 3 intereceptions.

Tyler Brooks [4] had 2 interceptions and one knocked down pass. Craig QB Tom Gabower [16] who had a outstanding night [182 yards rushing and 1 TD pass] is shown below left passing. His potential TD pass was knocked away by Brooks [below center]. Brooks is pictured [below right] returning a first half interception.

Viking QB Decker Thompson [12] was 5 for 7 in passing and had a key scramble [right] for a 28 yard TD run that broke open a close game early in the fourth quarter

Above left: Center Max Huebner [74] and guard Michael Dubanowich [65] set up to pass block in the second half. Above right: Vernon Jordan [80] on a first half run. Tight end Jacob Welch [41] gives Jordan a running lane.

With Parker clinging to a 29-23 lead late in the 3rd quarter Kevin Bell [22] and Max Monson [89] combined to stop a Craig 4th and 1 play deep in Viking territory [that play is not shown in the photo above].

Coach Dick Schuh's defense swarming to the ball in second half action

Defensive line play in the first half

Matt Pakes [14] on a first half stop Craig of running back Ron Lingren

Kevin Bell [22] was a force when blocking and also helped the Viking defense contain a potent Craig offensive attack

Mitch Bailey [above left and right, 30] in first half action

Brad Money [above, 46] rushes the passer.
Matt Higginbotham [48] pressures Craig QB Tom Gabower. Higginbotham [below, 48] in second half line action

Kicker Cullin Simonson [59] kicks a 'PAT.' The holder is QB Decker Thompson [12]. Below: PAT team.

Above left: Max Monson [89] rushes the QB. Above right: TJ Steinke [67] blocks for an Adam Vesterfelt run.

Above: Linebackers Tommy Petrick [28] and Sam Fischer [52] with lineman Matt Higginbotham [48] and safety Mitch Treinen [5]. Below Fischer [52], Higginbotham [48] and Matt Pakes [14] converge on Craig QB Tom Gabower [16].

Mitch Treinen [5] and Sam Fischer [52] come up to assist Mitch Bailey [30] on a stop of Craig RB Michael Wittaker [21].

Retired Parker principal Steve Schroeder [above, green shirt] was the PA announcer for the game. His 'trademark' "Gooooo Vikings" is well known to Parker staff, students and parents

The Rock!




History of the Craig - Parker Football Series:
1967 - 2010