FINAL: Viking Comebacks Fall Short, Rock Island Wins Opener 42-28

The Vikings came back to tie Rock Island three times Friday, but a Matt Williams pass was picked off with 3:17 to play, and Rock Island went on to win 42-28 in the season opener.

The Vikings passed well at times, ran well often, made several defensive stops at key moments and showed a lot of heart.

In the end, it was the rumbling Nikko Watson who made the difference.

Here's the Twitter second-half report:

• Nikko Watson scores again, this time on fourth-and-3 with 4:15 in the third quarter. It's 28-21 Rocks.
• End of third: Rock Island 28, Geneva 21. Vikings start fourth in midst of a drive, with ball on the Rock Island 12.
• Dylan Nobregas scores on a tough 12-yard run, carrying players into the end zone, and it's tied—again. Vikings do not quit. It's a 28-28 barnburner.
• Turning point: Big stop by Nick Caruso on third and 9 near midfield forces rare Rocks punt. But offense goes three and out. Rocks start at their own 46.
• Watson scores on a 21-yard run. Rocks back on top 35-28.
• Nathan Gray picks off a deflected Williams pass on third down, with 3:17 left. Rocks have ball on their 30.
• Geneva stops Watson on third-and-4 at the Geneva 47. There's 1:45 to go. Will Geneva get the ball back?
• Ouch. Rock Island goes for it on fourth down, and Gray scores on a 47-yard run. It's 42-28 with 1:36 left.