Sometimes, what matters most is how you finish—it hasn’t been a great season for the Vikings, but they closed out their 2008 campaign with a win, after having lost five in a row.  They beat Orange Coast College, 50-46, in a wild shootout that saw huge performances from departing sophomores Josh Powell and Stephen Burton. 

Burton saw a significant number of carries for the first time all season, as he’s been at receiver all year—he finished with eleven rushes for 84 yards and two scores, and eight catches for 248 yards, and three touchdowns.  With one kickoff return added on, he had a total of 349 yards, and five touchdowns—kind of makes you wish he was on your fantasy team, doesn’t it?

Burton’s huge night was maybe outpaced by his quarterback’s, as Powell left behind his turnover problems to finish 25-41 for 519 yards and five touchdowns, including a game-winning 32-yard touchdown pass with 13 seconds on the clock.  Curtis Johnson led the team with 7.5 tackles, and an interception.

The Vikings finish 4-6 overall, and 1-5 in league.  They’ll return a number of key starters next season, especially on the offensive and defensive line.