Thompson leads Vikings to stunner over Pine Forest

PENSACOLA — Fort Walton Beach sophomore quarterback Ryan Thompson did his best Luke Barnes and Danny Wuerffel impersonation Friday night as he led the Vikings to a 42-39 upset overtime win against Pine Forest in the Class 4A football regional quarterfinals.

Maybe it was youthful bliss or he’s just blessed with a calm demeanor, but whatever you call it, Thompson was the difference for the Vikings.

On a night when Fort Walton Beach was in negative yards on the rushing end, Thompson threw for 334 yards and six touchdowns to give the Vikings the win.

Thompson spread the wealth, hitting four different receivers for scores.

Carter Liufau had two touchdown catches, including the winner from 9 yards out as the Vikings rushed the field in jubilant celebration while the Eagles stood stunned in their own end zone.

Pine Forest struck first with a 62-yard punt return by Loucheiz Purifoy early in the first quarter.

But as would be the case throughout the game, Thompson rallied the Vikings on a 66-yard drive to tie the game.

Brandon Goldston had a big 44-yard catch in the drive. And Thompson hit Robert Willis with a 3-yard pass for the Vikings’ first score.

Dale Smith and J.T. White were on the receiving end of touchdown passes in the second quarter. Smith’s touchdown catch from 16 yards out tied the game at 14. And White’s 25-yard score on a screen pass tied things up with a minute left in the half.

Thompson hit Liufau with a 24-yard touchdown early in the third quarter to give the Vikings their first lead of the night. The extra point was wide, but Eric Leurinda redeemed himself with a 43-yard field goal to push the lead to 30-21.

Pine Forest regained the lead in the fourth quarter, scoring two unanswered touchdowns.

But the Viking defense stood tall when it needed to, forcing a fumble that was recovered by Tommy Bowling. Fort Walton Beach tied the game at 36-36 on a 1-yard pass to White.

Pine Forest was driving late in the game when Chaun Lynn intercepted an Eagle pass to assure the game would go into overtime.