The Vikes won their home opener in convincing fashion despite early offensive struggles and inconsistencies Friday afternoon.

The offense, led by junior quarterback Nathan Ford, struggled early in the game, but Paly’s defense got the job done. The game ended in a 35-14 decisive victory for Palo Alto over visiting Burlingame, last year’s Central Coast Section Division IV runner-up.

“Our entire team stepped up and played well, that was one of the best home opener games I’ve seen, definitely the best since the1995 home opener vs. SNLV when we won 24-0. Ford had a great game,” Coach Earl Hansen said. Ford ended up 9 for 18 passing for 170 yards and two touch down passes. "His two touchdown throws were thrown perfectly, Ford’s game on Friday was one of the best games I’ve seen him play in
a while," Hansen said.

The game showed that the Vikes are looking to win every game from both sides of the ball. The Vikes looked sharp offensively and defensively.

The Vikes defense showed how tough they are early. During the first set of defensive plays senior defensive end James McCluskey picked up a Burlingame fumble and returned it 11 yards for a touchdown.

In the second quarter Ford got into a good rhythm and hit Junior Matt Wismann for a 18 yard gain. After a series of three carries for 23 yards, by senior running back Detrich Clay, Ford hit Weisman again, this time 14 yards out for six more points.

Junior linebacker Teddy Way had a very strong defensive game with two interceptions, two tipped passes and several tackles. Way added points to the board when he made his second interception of the second quarter and returned it for a 16-yard touchdown. Palo Alto went into the locker room up 21-0 at the half. "Teddy was obviously impressive, he had an incredible game," Hansen said.

On the other side of the ball, Panthers junior quarterback Drew Shiller was struggling more than Ford was and continued to struggle for almost the entire game. Shiller had a rough first half as he was held to3-of-13 passing and 20 yards. His playing did not improve much in the second half as the margin was never less then 21 points in favor of Paly.

Ford continued his rhythm into the second half as he hit Chris Reade with a pass down the left sideline for a touchdown to finish off the first drive of the second half with a score of 28-0.

Shiller finally got Burlingame on the board with 3:21 left in the third quarter, connecting with senior Jeff Peck from 29 yards, making the score 28-7.

Palo Alto stopped any comeback hopes the Panthers may have had soon thereafter. Junior Nabil Balamane recovered an on-side kick and the Vikings marched down the field. The Vikes capped of the drive with an18-yard touchdown run from senior running back Tydus Kiger.

Shiller finally showed something for himself by completing four consecutive passes in a drive, including an 11-yard touchdown pass to Steve Quadt. The Vikes won 35-14 beginning the season with a winning record of 1-0. The Vikes take on Seqouia next at 3:15 this Friday at Paly.