ROCKY MOUNT, N.C. -  Weather conditions, penalties, ball control, and the inability to find refuge in the end zone was the total sum of the situation for the Viking football team at the Down East Viking Football Classic in their 0-19 loss to the Livingstone Bluebears. The Vikings drop to a 0-2 season (0-0 CIAA) as the Bluebears of Livingstone improve to a split 1-1 season (0-0 CIAA). This is only the second time Livingstone has defeated Elizabeth City State in the match up series (7-2) with the last time being 16-27 in the 2019 season. 

Specific issues for the Vikings Saturday: 

-Conversions: low snaps and fumbles were just some of the issues noted in getting the pigskin from the signal callers's hand to an able receiver or rusher. The Vikings tied with Livingstone on first downs and third down conversions but became immobile in the mission to get in the red zone; they went 0-1 in attempts. 


- Penalties penalties penalties: a grand total of 103 yards were lost in fielding due to the 11 markers that went out against Elizabeth City State. The first one unfortunately set the tone for the gaps in field advancement at the 12:14 mark of the game with a holding call that put the Vikings on their own eight yard line. 


- Could not control the ball: Although the Bluebears only had an extra minute of possession time for the entire game, the Vikings totaled seven fumbles and suffered 10 turnovers.


 On the brighter side, the Viking defense had better ball management and execution in trying to put the ball back in the hands of the offense team. Although Livingstone's scoring drives were rushing-based, the Viking defense held the Bluebears to only 113 yards of total offense   Juanya' Majette, senior, was debuted at nine tackles with eight solo and one assisted. 

The Vikings will head back east to host Winston-Salem State in a CIAA TV game home opener this Saturday. Kickoff is slated for high noon.