Allen, TX - Fresh off a state runner up finish in 2020, Nolan Catholic HS ran into another state champion, Argyle HS to open the 2021 campaign. Argyle led by a host of returners from last season's undefeated run thru UIL 4A, jumped on the Vikings early, to run away with a 45-29 opening night victory.
The game played at Eagle Stadium on the campus of Allen HS, was the second game of the two night Tom Landry Classic.
Captains (L-R) Kaleb James, Gerald Lacy, Skyler Patterson, Joseph Muraski
After Argyle scored on their opening drive, the Vikings marched right back down the field and tied the game up when junior quarterback, Cole Matsuda, connected with senior wide receiver Skylar Patterson, for a seventeen yard touchdown pass.
The Eagles however would score twenty-three unanswered points and led at halftime 29-6.
Argyle would eventually stretch the lead to 45-6, before the Vikings would score twenty-three unanswered points of their own over the final fifteen minutes.
Senior quarterback TJ Williams, two rushing touchdowns and junior running back DK Smittick, one rushing touchdown, finished the scoring for the Vikings.
Matsuda finished the game 13-22, 122 yards and one TD, while Williams finished 4-6, 32 yards, 2 rushing TDs. Williams also led the ground game for the Vikings, finishing with 65 yards on eight carries.
The Vikings will return the field next Saturday night in Frisco as they take on Little Rock Catholic HS in the inaugural Catholic Bowl. Kickoff is slated for 7:00 pm at The Star.
Tickets for the Catholic Bowl can be purchased online via Nolan Catholic Athletics homepage.
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Photo: Malachy O'Connor