Vikings score 6 against rival Spartans

The Francis Howell Vikings used a steady forecheck, a smothering defense and six different scorers as they overwhelmed visiting Francis Howell Central Monday night, 6-1.

Senior Danny Del Vecchio put the Vikings on top late in the first period with his 5th goal of the year, assisted by Junior Brayden Brandhorst with just :42 left in the opening period.  The Vikings controlled the period, outshooting the Spartans 10-2.

Central tied the game with 5:17 left in the second period, but the Vikings defense and Senior Goaltender Jack Finch shut the door after that, allowing the Spartans a total of just 10 shots on the night.  As they have done so many times this season, the Vikings answered right back with a goal of their own following an opponent's goal.

Brandhorst, assisted this time by Del Vecchio and Junior Will Peterson, put the home team ahead for good with 4:58 left in the period. The goal was Brandhorst's fourth of the season and was the game winner.

The Vikings opened the offense in the final period, netting four more tallies. Junior Colton Johnson found the net for his first goal of the season, assisted by Freshman Nolan Manzella with 13:34 left in the third period.

Junior Alex Griffith also scored his first goal of 2025, assisted by Junior Jonas Blankenship with 12:09 left.  Senior Sean Gilmore chipped in his second of the season, assisted by Freshman Lilli Christiansen and Sophomore Nate Angelo. The assist by Christiansen was her first point as member of the Vikings' varsity squad.

Junior Michael Land was the third Viking in the third period to score his first goal of the season with 3:34 left. Assisted by Peterson, both he and Brandhorst finished the night with two points apiece.

Francis Howell (10-2-0) will host Chaminade (5-2-3) at the Rec Plex in St. Peters at 7:45 pm Friday Night.