By Austin Duncan

DeKALB, Ill- Tri-Valley High School team is the king of the hill in Class 2A football after Friday’s 41-8 thrashing of Auburn in the state championship game at Huskie Stadium.

The undefeated and No. 1 state ranked Vikings finished a perfect season at 14-0 reached the top after finishing second in Class 1A two years ago.

Tri-Valley scored on its first possession as Jake Steiner’s 7-yard run capped a 64-yard, 10-play drive.

The Vikings erupted for 20 points in the second quarter for a 27-0 halftime lead as the Vikings scored on a 4-four yard run by Hayden Long, a 15-yard run by Brock Danko and a 7-yard run by Peyton Roop.

Auburn has a drive in the third quarter stopped abruptly when Tri-Valley’s Tom Kinsella intercepted his first of two Drew Chance pass. Kinsella then broke several tackles, winding his way to an 81-yard touchdown.

Roop added to the lead on a 4-yard run that capped a 7-seven play. 30-yard drive for a 41-0 lead heading into the fourth quarter.

Auburn, which ended the season 8-4, scored its lone touchdown with 5:08 to play on a Ryan McLaughlin 5-yard run.

Tri-Valley rushed for 325 yards with Roop leading the way with 137 yards. Danko added 101 yards, while Long had 53 on 10 carries and added 22.

The Vikings threw just one pass, a 3-yard completion from Roop to Steiner. Auburn finished with 178 yards in total offense and was paced by Chance with 126 yards passing on nine completions.

Tri-Valley’s defense was anchored by Cameron Elam’s nine tackles, including five for loss. Matt Sorensen added seven tackles and two for loss.

Listen to postgame interviews from head coach Josh Roop and athletic director Brian Knutson here.