Losing starting running back Justin Schuh early in the first quarter didn’t hold the Vikings back. Instead, they rallied to defeat Pattonville securing the first district title in 11 years.

The 17-14 victory brings the Vikings to 9-1 on the season and gives them home field advantage in the first round of playoffs against Jefferson City next Friday.

The Vikings never trailed, beginning the game with a quick touchdown. The Pirates scored a touchdown in the second quarter, but Howell responded by scoring a touchdown and field goal leaving them on top 17-7 at the half.

The second half was all about defense. Giving up a single touchdown, the Pirate’s on-side kick failed, giving the Vikings the ball with 1:30 remaining in the game. At that point Howell retained possession and ran the clock down to victory.

Schuh never returned to the game sitting out with a knee injury, but Head Coach Bryan Koch said that he should be fine.

Koch has been a part of the last two district championships for Howell, the first as a player in 1999 and the second as head coach this year.

“It’s not about me; it’s about the kids,” Koch said. “They stepped it up exactly when they needed to.”

Jefferson City’s defeat of Columbia-Hickman brings them to Howell. They’re the first challenge on the Viking’s road to a state championship.

“We’re going to do what we do every week [to prepare],” Koch said. “We will focus on the things we can control.”

The home field advantage against Jefferson City could prove to be invaluable.

“We love our fans; we love our stadium,” Koch said. “It’s awesome to have people come into Viking Country.”

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Listen to Head Coach Bryan Koch discuss what the team talked about in the locker room at half-time.