HOMER — Few will relish playing East Hall's offense this postseason.
The Vikings marched into the playoffs with their fifth straight victory of the season, fending off Banks County 35-27 in Homer to also end the Leopards playoff hopes.
East Hall (6-4, 5-1 Region 7-AAA) rolled up 347 yards in the win, including 238 passing as quarterback Austin Parker completed 16 of 25 attempts to go along with three touchdowns. Two of those scores went to Jacquen Hopkins, who caught seven balls for 131 yards. Tripp Rider hauled in the other scoring strike.
Meanwhile, running back Jiel Vargas rushed 17 times for 121 yards and two touchdowns, as East Hall used its balanced attack to see off a determined Banks squad.
Trevae Cain paced the Leopards offense with 192 yards rushing. Quarterback Griffin Godwin and receiver Zez Steeple also notched rushing touchdowns, while Steeple returned a kickoff for a touchdown.
Yet Banks County could not muster enough ammo to get back into the playoffs.
The Leopards season is now complete.
East Hall, meanwhile, will play host to Sonoraville next week in the first round of the Class AAA playoffs.
