Submitted file photo Mifflin County’s Jonathan Dodson (45) looks to run as teammate Dylan Luckovich attempts to make a block.

From Staff Reports

NORTH PHILIPSBURG — The Mifflin County Tomahawks lost their road battle with the Moshannon Valley Vikings Saturday night.

Despite the 36-32 setback, the Tomahawks are hoping to win the war as the same two teams are scheduled to meet again in the opening round of the Great Eastern Football Association playoffs Saturday.

“I think overall we played well,” Mifflin County head coach Brian Rodgers said. “But three trips inside the redzone with no points and no conversions is killing us. If we are to win big games, we have to do a better job in those areas.”

The Tomahawks (6-4) grabbed the early 6-0 lead thanks to a two-yard run by Jonathan Dodson.

The Vikings (9-1) responded to take an 8-6 lead before Tim Beck returned the kickoff to put Mifflin County back in front. Moshannon Valley picked off the two-point conversion to make it a 12-10 ballgame.

The Tomahawks added to their lead as RJ Buford caught a screen pass going 30-yards for a score, making it 18-10. He found the endzone again for a 24-10 cushion.

Moshannon Valley battled back on a long pass play to cut the deficit to 24-16. Mifflin County’s Jordan Bell returned a fumble on the two-pointer to make the halftime score, 26-16.

The Vikings posted the next two scores to take a 30-26 lead before Beck struck again to put the Tomahawks back in front.

Moshannon Valley rallied again for 36-32 lead. With 13 seconds left on a fourth and goal play, Beck caught a pass in the endzone but was ruled out of bounds. The Vikings escaped with a four-point win.

“I am happy to make the playoffs,” Rodgers added. “Our opponent really doesn’t matter, but it should give us confidence in that it’s a winnable game for us.”

The Mountain Conference playoffs are No. 7 Tomahawks at No. 2 Vikings; and No. 6 Williamsport Wildcats at No. 3 Bedford County Buffaloes.

In the Valley Conference, the matchups are No. 8 Hazleton Mustangs at No. 1 Lancaster County Cyclones; and No. 5 Dauphin County Comanche at No. 4 Wilkes-Barre Warriors.

Kickoff for the Tomahawks’ game is slated for 7 p.m. Saturday.