Coming off back-to-back victories over district rivals Contra Costa and Los Medanos, the Vikings played host to West Hills, in their first home game since renovations began on DVC’s stadium nearly two years ago.

But the extra motivation didn’t prevent a 35-32 fall to West Hills.

DVC wasted what was another big time performance from WR John Hendershott who caught three touchdown passes for the second straight game while going over a hundred yards receiving.

Even wide receiver John Hendershott couldn’t pull out a win, despite catching three touchdown passes for the second straight game while going over a hundred yards receiving.

It was a close game throughout, but in the end the athleticism and the ability to be a dual threat of the West Hills quarterback Tate Humphrey, using his legs to pick up key first downs in the fourth quarter, that led to the Vikings defeat.

The Vikings were also without their kicker, John Urena, for the second straight game.

“This happened to our kicker last year,” said head coach Mike Darr. He attributed such injuries to the kicker’s increased adrenaline and intensity in comparison to summer workouts.

Without their kicker, the Vikings were forced to attempt conversions on many fourth downs in the redzone, instead of kicking field goals.

“If we could have just kicked extra points or if we could have kicked field goals, we probably would have won that game,” Darr said.

The Vikings traveled all the way to Reedley only to lose big 56-13.

“They had a lot of good athletes,” said linebacker Jordan Atkinson, “but we came out a little flat and never really gained any momentum”

DVC heads into their bye-week with a non-conference record of 2-3, before beginning of conference play at Foothill on Oct. 18.

“This couldn’t be a better time for a bye,” added Atkinson, “we’ve got a few guys banged up right now so it’s good for us.”

Foothill currently sits atop the NorCal conference going undefeated through non-conference play (5-0).

“We all know what were going up against and what’s on the line,” Atkinson said about the upcoming conference schedule, “so we’re going to step it up a little bit in practice physically and mentally.”

What’s on the line is a shot at the state title, with a spot in the championship game being awarded to the winner of the NorCal conference. The Vikings will have a tough road ahead as their conference foes have a combined record of 20-4, with two of the loses belong to defending state champion San Francisco City College.