Thompson, Perkins lead Valparaiso's domination of Crown Point

CROWN POINT | When Matt Hittinger picked off Crown Point's Joe Hopman on the first play from scrimmage, one could sense it might be Valparaiso's night.

But no one could have expected the onslaught that followed Friday.

Valpo's powerful running game was in fifth gear in a 56-21 Duneland Athletic Conference victory over the Bulldogs.

The Vikings, again using multiple offensive formations, including the single wing, totaled 369 yards rushing, with seniors Michael Perkins and Nick Thompson picking up right where they left off last week against Chesterton.

Thompson carried 11 times for 168 yards with four touchdowns, the highlight a 65-yarder on the first play of the second half. Perkins carried 10 times for 166 yards with three rushing touchdowns and another on a 6-yard pass from Paul Andrie.

"Our line blocked extremely well and our running backs did what they do best," Valpo coach Mark Hoffman said. "Our two-headed monster did well today.

"Perkins is a thoroughbred from California and Thompson is a stallion who once lived in South Central. Electrifying, wasn't it?" Thompson's first touchdown came on an 8-yarder when he dove to the left pylon of the end zone, one play after Hittinger's game-opening interception. Thompson scored two more touchdowns, from 13 and 10 yards, running toward the same pylon.

"It became my best friend," Thompson said.

On his 65-yarder, Thompson appeared to stopped on the sidelines near the line of scrimmage. But he suddenly emerged from the scrum and raced to the end zone yet again.

"I felt their guys just kind of slowing down and I took the opportunity to give it everything I had left," Thompson said. "We're playing with passion now and we're finishing. I hope we're not peaking."

Valpo (3-3, 2-2) scored on its first eight possessions and led 42-7. The Bulldogs (2-4, 1-3) added two late touchdowns against the Vikings' reserve defense, including a 57-yarder by Pete Parks.

"It was ugly," C.P. coach Chip Pettit said. "But our kids are working at it. We'll get back to work."

Valpo again played without senior quarterback Zach Livovich, who has missed every game since the season opener against Penn.

"We've had a lot of adversity this year," Hoffman said. "But with our overall program and the leadership of our seniors, our kids give it all they have. Our seniors have played this season with a lot of ambition."

PREP FOOTBALL

Valparaiso 56, Crown Point 21

Nick Thompson and Michael Perkins scored four touchdowns apiece for the Vikings.