STC’s Mickey Wanatee (55) and Kyler Smith (5) work in tandem to tackle a Vinton running back in Friday’s matchup with the Vikings. South Tama came from behind to win 18-14. Allison Graham/News Chronicle

South Tama moved to 2-1 following Friday’s District 6 contest with Vinton-Shellsburg.

The Trojans rallied from a 14 point deficit and finished a wet and dreary night with an 18-14 victory.

Head Coach Nate Doran said his team came out flat in the first quarter both offensively and defensively. Doran thought they would try something different but it didn’t work.

Vinton scored on their first two possessions of the night jumping out to a 14-0 lead.

STC’s Payton Vest did manage to break free for a 66 yard rushing touchdown in the first quarter.

Still trailing, the Trojans went back to their base defense and score offense and stuck with it and that made all the difference.

Just before halftime the Trojans scored again. Vest once again found the end zone. The touchdown brought the Trojans within two points of the Vikings.

South Tama took the lead in the third quarter. A 15 yard penalty call on the Trojans gave Vinton another chance.

For coach Doran the penalty was untimely but he instills a bend, don’t break attitude in his team.

However, just moments later, Matt Weiss intercepted the ball with just a minute and a half on the clock. It was the third turnover recovery of the night for Weiss and secured the win for STC.

“It was a relief feeling. We got something to go our way,” Doran said.

Vest led all rushers with 197 yards (unofficial) and the Trojan defense captured some late turnovers to seal the win.

“Our special teams were huge tonight. We had two blocked punts and our o-line was smashing it,” Doran said.

He also said Vest had an outstanding game on both sides of the ball and Logan Schmidt made some huge plays as well.

Friday’s victory raises the all-time series record for STC against Vinton-Shellsburg to 14-7, dating back to 1991.

South Tama will take on the defending 3A State runner up, Solon at home next Friday.

“Solon is good. They are going to have a lot of big guys. Did lose their head coach. Luckily for us they do a lot of similar stuff that we are used to. We just have to see what they are really good at,” Doran said.

Scores from around District 6 (9/11/20):

South Tama 18, Vinton-Shellsburg 14

Solon 42, Union Community 0

Mount Vernon 22, Center Point Urbana 8

District Standings:

#9 Mount Vernon – 3-0, 1-0 (district)

South Tama – 2-1, 1-0 (district)

Solon – 1-2, 1-0 (district)

Vinton-Shellsburg – 1-2, 0-1 (district)

Union Community – 0-3, 0-1 (district)

Center Point-Urbana – 0-3, 0-1 (district)