The Jasper Vikings fell just short in their 2023 season opener, falling at home to Cullman 15-13.
The win gives the Bearcats (1-1) the overall advantage over the Vikings (0-1) in the series now at 37-36-2.
Jasper fell behind early after mistakes gave Cullman a safety in the first quarter and a touchdown in the second quarter, giving the Beartcats a 9-0 lead with 9:03 left in the first half.
The Vikings answered with 5:41 left in the second quarter when Tanner Morrow connected with Titus Waldron on a 7-yard touchdown pass. The point after by Nathan Morrison cut the Cullman lead to 9-7.
Jasper’s JoJo Odom then intercepted a Cullman screen pass on the Bearcats’ 17 with 4:45 left in the half. Only 41 seconds later, Morrow called his own number on a read option, scoring on a 3-yard run to give the Vikings a 13-9 lead a the 4:04 mark of the second quarter.
Cullman kicked a field goal as the first half time expired to cut the Jasper lead to 13-12 at halftime.
Jasper held the same 13-12 lead at the end of the third quarter.
With 9:41 left in the game, Cullman kicked a 20-yard FG to go up 15-13, which would be the final score.
Micah Pledger led the Vikings with 70 yards on 17 carries. Morrow finished with 25 yards rushing and a touchdown. He also completed 14-of-23 of passes for 99 yards and a touchdown.
Luke Horsley and Conner Elmore led Jasper with 10 tackles each.
Jasper will return to action next Friday when the Vikings host Ramsey (1-1) in a Class 5A, Region 5 matchup.
