Charlo thumps Seeley-Swan to clinch playoff berth

CHARLO - Three weeks into the 2011 year, the Charlo Vikings football team was 1-2 and had to run the table over their final six games to reach the postseason. Six games later, the Vikings season isn't over.

Jacen Petersen had three first-half touchdown runs and Tra Ludeman added a pair before halftime as Charlo cruised to a 50-8 victory over Seeley-Swan on Wednesday, Oct. 19 to clinch a playoff berth.

The Vikings used a 20-point first quarter and a 22-point second to build a huge lead early. Head coach Mike Krahn was able to use that to his advantage, as he removed some starters late in the second quarter to rest them and get some kids in who haven't seen as much playing time.

"It was nice to get everyone in," Krahn said. "Some of the kids didn't get in as much this year, but they did well and responded."

Ludeman got Charlo going with a 36-yard score to give the host Vikings an 8-0 lead. Petersen followed with touchdown runs of 26 and 5 yards to put Charlo up 20-0 after the first.

Kolten Andrews started the second quarter with an 11-yard TD run to boost the lead to 28-0. After a Stephen Delaney interception, Petersen and Ludeman added touchdown runs to give the Vikings a 42-0 halftime edge.

"Not to look past anyone, but we wanted to come out and treat it like a polish game to get ready for the playoffs," Krahn said.

Webb O'Neill hit Danny Blevins on a 41-yard score to open the second half before the Vikings put it in cruise control. Seeley-Swan added a touchdown late in the fourth quarter to account for the final score.

With the win, Charlo hosts Absarokee High School in the first round of the playoffs. Coach Krahn has already put a lot of time into preparing for their first-round opponent.

"I scouted them - drove 12 hours," Krahn said. "They're a big, senior-heavy team that runs an option attack. We're going to have to play sound defense. It'll be challenging; they're a perennial playoff team."

It should be a challenge for the Vikings, but not one they won't be ready for. Charlo has been playing must-win football for most of the season. Krahn thinks it's just going to be business as usual on Saturday.

"We've had pressure each week with our backs against the wall for six weeks," Krahn said. "Our mindset is nothing new. I don't think our kids will be in panic mode."