By TOM KLEIN, Cook-Orr Timberjay

COOK — Littlefork-Big Falls scored three touchdowns Friday before the first quarter ended as the Vikings spoiled Cook's homecoming and cruised to a 53-0 win over the Little Gophers. The win improved the Vikings to 6-0 for the season.
"We seem to play better when we get off to a quick start," said Vikings coach Derek Bilben. "Momentum for our team is big. If we get down, we play that way. But if we get up, we play that way also."
Leading the way was fullback Bryce Zeimba, who rushed for four touchdowns and 104 yards on seven carries. Senior running back Gage Klemetsen also topped the century mark, rambling for 103 yards and a touchdown on 12 touches, while Justin Franz added a rushing touchdown.
“I thought all of our backs did a great job of reading blocks and making cuts," said Bilben, who said the team's running game has improved significantly in recent weeks. “It's our goal to keep getting better each game."
The Vikings scored on their first possession, driving down the field on a series of runs that ended with Zeimba's 1-yard dash into the end zone. Cook couldn't convert on its first series and the Vikings blocked the punt, starting their next drive deep in the Gophers' territory.
"We've been working on those blocks all year, trying to pressure punters," said Bilben, whose team blocked another Gopher punt at the top of the second quarter. "Obviously, those efforts were rewarded."
The Vikings effectively shut down Cook's ground game, forcing the Gophers to go to the air with limited success. Most of the Gophers’ drives fizzled out before they reached midfield and the home squad tallied only 44 total yards. The Vikings racked up 361 yards of offense.
"They never had an opportunity to establish their run," said Bilben. "We gave them a few outlet passes, but we did a great job penetrating their defense."
The Vikings also had success with their passing game when quarterback Mason Imhof threw a 43-yard touchdown strike to Jesse Steele.
"We're going to give what the defense gives us," said Bilben. "When they started creeping up their safeties, we know that it's time to pass." With the Vikings leading 53-0 at the half, the remainder of the game went into running time and Bilben played his substitutes.
The Vikings stay at home this week when they host Mesabi Academy on Friday.

L-BF 24-29-0-0 53
Cook 0-0-0-0 0

First Quarter
L-BF — Bryce Zeimba 1 run (Gage Klemetsen run).
L-BF— Klemetsen 3 run (Zeimba pass from Mason Imhof).
L-BF — Zeimba 26 run (Zeimba run).
Second Quarter
L-BF — Zeimba 42 run (Klemetsen run)
L-BF — Justin Franz 13 run (Paul Imhof kick)
L-BF — Jesse Steele 43 pass from M. Imhof (kick failed)
L-BF — Zeimba 26 run (P. Imhof run)