Vandals Lock up Top Playoff Spot

A 32-point first quarter powered the Eureka Vandals to a 48-0 shutout of Owyhee last week to conclude the league season.

Now the Vandals huddle and prepare for the first round of the Class 1A playoffs as they will most likely host Sierra Lutheran of Carson City, who should be able to hold onto the No. 2 spot.

A possible three-way tie could occur in the 1A North west, because Sierra Lutheran played at Whittell Oct. 25 and a loss there would give each team two league losses along with Excel Christian.

However, based on a point system used by the NIAA, Sierra Lutheran would seem to have the advantage for the No. 2 seed.

Eureka quarterback Wyatt Anderson had another good game for the Vandals against Owyhee, throwing for 101 yards and three touchdowns.

Coach Fred Minoletti played nearly everyone on the roster and spread the ball around as well. Seven different players had at least two carries each. Quade Fillippini had the most rushes with six, but Brandon Lee gained the most yards with 55. Garrett Todd had 36 yards and was also credited with nine tackles.

The Vandals (8-1, 5-0) finished the season on a seven-game win streak and their second 1A North east title, with only a non-league early season loss on the road at Coleville to mar their record, and the Wolves did not make the playoffs this year.

The playoff scenario as it stands right now and if all things remain equal, begins Nov. 2 or Nov. 3, with the following likely matchups: Sierra Lutheran at Eureka, Pahranagat Valley at Tonopah, Wells at Virginia City and Mineral County at Spring Mountain.

Mineral County and Spring Mountain have not played each other in football since 2012.