Leimbach, Schultz lead Vikings on 'O' for crucial first win

Walled Lake Central picked up its first win of the season in a 42-26 victory at Plymouth Salem on Thursday, Sept. 1.

The win was much needed for the Vikings, who were coming off a 42-14 loss at Canton the week before.

“It was a huge game to get that first win. Some of our kids are still fighting for starting positions,” said Central Head Coach Robert Meyer.

The Vikings (1-1) struck on their very first play from scrimmage with an 80-yard touchdown run by KJ Schultz. Quarterback Zac Leimbach then threw a 28-yard touchdown pass to Schultz to give the Vikings a 13-0 lead at the end of the first quarter.

However, Salem (1-1) would strike back in the second quarter as Jacob Deprez scored on a 1-yard touchdown run and Marcus Houston scored on a 3-yard touchdown run, as the Rocks took a 14-13 halftime lead.

Leimbach responded for Central with a 3-yard touchdown run in the third quarter for a 20-14 Vikings’ lead.

After Cameron Werner caught a 62-yard touchdown pass, Salem missed a 2-point conversion and the game was tied at 20-20.

Schultz then scored his second rushing touchdown of the day, this time from 54 yards out, and a Leimbach 2-point conversion gave Central a 28-20 lead at the end of the third quarter.

Leimbach then scored two rushing touchdowns in the fourth quarter from 16 yards and 56 yards to put the game away for the Vikings.

Schultz finished with 397 all-purpose yards, including 206 rushing yards, while Leimbach finished with 206 rushing yards and 86 yards passing.

Central will now look forward to its Kensington Lakes Activities Association (KLAA) North Division opener at home against Walled Lake Northern on Friday, Sept. 9.

The Vikings are the two-time defending KLAA North Division champions.