(Crookston, Minn.)- Despite the season the professional Minnesota Vikings are having, purple and gold fans from across the region now have reason to stand up and cheer. On Sunday, November 7, the underdog Vikings NFL Youth Flag Football team marched onto the muddy tundra of Ed Widseth Field and did what many thought was impossible; the Vikings defeated the top ranked 49ers 27-25 for a piece of NFL Youth Superbowl glory.

Coming into the final matchup, the 49ers were a perfect 7-0 while the Vikings were an impressive 6-1. Both teams struggled on the defensive side of the ball in the first half as both offenses seemed to score at will. In the second half, the game got interesting with the 49ers taking the lead for just a short period of time, but perseverance of the young Vikings squad showed through as they scored a touchdown late in the game to take the championship by two points. This is the second year in a row the superbowl has been decided by two points or less.

Members of the 2010 champion Vikings include: John Wuitschick, Sam Overgaard, Kyle Alfso, Tayson Ambuchl, Nick Garmen, Killian Kuchan, Joey Doda, Isaiah Aquino, Caleb Amundson, and Peyton Swanson. Coaches are Jason Burdick, Ben McGraw, and Jonique Andrews, all members of the Golden Eagle Football team.

The Vikings team will receive their medals at a Super Bowl celebration party at Happy Joe's on Thursday night at 5:30 p.m. All team members of the Vikings and 49ers are invited to the pizza celebration party Thursday night at Happy Joe's in recognition of their tremendous play all season.

Thank you to all the players, families and student-athletes who participated in another successful NFL Youth Football season.

For more information, visit the Golden Eagle Athletics website at www.goldeneaglesports.com.

The University of Minnesota, Crookston is an NCAA Division II Institution and a member of the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC). The Golden Eagle Equestrian team is a member of the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association (IHSA).

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