Blake Childers, Viking Fusion Sports Producer
Luke Chadler, Brad Tilka, Viking Fusion Reporters
Holli Gibbs, Sports Information Writer
History was made on Saturday, Oct. 4. The Berry College football team overcame Washington University of St. Louis in overtime, bringing home their first varsity win in program history.
Josh Bullock’s 25-yard touchdown reception from Dale Jackson in overtime completed the Vikings’ comeback and propelled Berry College to a 29-23 victory on the 100th anniversary of Mountain Day.
The Vikings trailed 23-10 heading into the fourth quarter. With 12:54 left in the game, Dale Jackson connected with Josh Bullock for a 7-yard touchdown, boosting the score 23-17. Three possessions later, Dale Jackson completed a 63-yard pass to Trey Ciresi to tie the game 23-23. Campbell Harrison failed to complete the extra point attempt, which sent the game into overtime.
The Bears received the first possession in overtime and failed to convert a fourth and one, turning the ball over on downs.
Berry’s defensive stand allowed the Viking offense a shot at winning the game on its first offensive drive in overtime. On the first play, Jackson found a wide-open Bullock in the end zone, completing a 25-yard pass for the game-winning play. Concluding the duo’s historic performance, Bullock had eight receptions for 92 yards and two touchdowns, while Jackson was 29-47 for 374 yards and three touchdowns.
The Mountain Day crowd of 4,241 fans rushed the field after Bullock’s touchdown before joining hands and singing the Berry Alma Mater. Post-game fireworks to celebrate Berry College’s 100th Mountain Day Anniversary capped off the night.
“You couldn’t have written a better script since it’s the 100th Mountain Day,” said Berry Head Coach Tony Kunczewski. “It was looking bad when we trailed 23-10 and they were driving to score. But I couldn’t be prouder of our guys and the way they hung in there and fought to the end.
The Viking’s offense was the storyline of the night, putting up over 450 yards of total offense, reeling off big plays late in the game to force the game into overtime.
The Bears lack of offense late in the game, coupled with their highly penalized squad that committed 11 penalties for 98 yards, set the stage for the Viking comeback.
The Vikings (1-3) play at Centre College next Saturday. Washington University dropped to 1-4 on the season.