Niles beat Three Rivers 49-0 in a game that showcased the Vikings' prowess on offense, defense, special teams - and dancing ability.
NILES, Mich. ― In the short break between the third and fourth quarter of Niles football's homecoming game against Three Rivers, the Vikings’ defense stayed on the field rather than huddling as a team near the sideline like the Wildcats did.
Miley Cyrus’ “Party in the U.S.A.” was blaring over the speakers at Viking Stadium, and the Niles’ home fan base was, in fact, putting their hands up while the PA system was playing their song. The joyous atmosphere displayed by the hundreds of Vikings fans in attendance was nearly matched by those on the field at the time.
The Vikings haven’t lost in front of that fun-loving crowd since September 2022, and senior Brenden Olsen is cherishing the limited time he has left at Viking Stadium. That’s why he didn’t hesitate to lead the Niles defense in their dance party.
“Nothing compares to the feeling of coming out here on a Friday night and just whooping on somebody for four quarters,” Olsen said.
The Niles defense was grooving while Cyrus sang about nodding her head like, ‘Yeah,’ and moving her hips like, ‘Yeah.’ There were no butterflies flying away on this Friday night, but the Vikings’ run game was the closest thing to doing so.
In a 49-0 victory, Niles scored seven rushing touchdowns, including three for senior Elijah Norris.
“We’ve all got a bond together, and we use that,” Norris said. “We try to come out here on Fridays and put on a show.”
By the time the Vikings felt comfortable enough to take a dance break in between quarters, they led 42-0 in what was a game that got out of hand for the Wildcats before the first quarter even ended.
It took less than three minutes for Niles’ to score on the game’s opening drive, made possible by a 33-yard rushing touchdown from senior Alex Anderson.
“We play ‘Smack-You-In-The-Mouth’ football,” Anderson said. “Every time we get on the field, we’re going to punch you and punch you and punch you … If you’re down, we’re just going to keep stepping on you.”
On the second play of Three Rivers’ first offensive drive, the Vikings forced a fumble. Three plays later, Norris found the end zone on a seven-yard run.
The Wildcats couldn’t get much going on their next drive, and things were made worse for the visitors when they botched a punt that Niles recovered within 30 yards of the end zone. The Vikings used just four plays to score again, another touchdown from Norris.
With 3:56 remaining in the first quarter, Three Rivers trailed Niles 21-0. Maybe the Wildcats were nervous and feeling too much pressure, like Cyrus was in 2009.
Regardless of the reason, the Vikings dominated their Wolverine Conference rival Friday night to remain undefeated in 2025 at 6-0. They average 38 points per game while allowing just under 11.
After making a Division 4 State Championship appearance last season and finishing with a 12-2 record, head coach Scot Shaw expected nothing less despite Niles moving up to Division 3 this season.
“They have to believe in something,” Shaw said. “It’s something they take pride in, and it’s fun to watch.”
Here’s my post-game breakdown of Niles’ 49-0 win against Three Rivers. The Vikings are 6-0, and despite the move up to MHSAA Division 3, they haven’t missed a beat this season. Big game against Vicksburg (5-1) next week. 🏈🎥 pic.twitter.com/WTRkGW6tDq
— Kyle Smedley (@KyleSmedley03) October 4, 2025
Friday night was special on many levels for Shaw, who earned his 250th career win against the program he led to a 2003 Division 4 State Championship in Three Rivers. The 2025 Wildcats are a team featuring the sons of players he coached while leading Three Rivers for 19 years.
In fact, lined up across the field at Viking Stadium where Shaw once stood as the Wildcats’ head coach was their current leader in Jeff Awe, who is also a player Shaw once coached. Despite the sentimentality each game against Three Rivers carries for Shaw, he is adamant that Niles adapts that ‘Smack-You-In-The-Mouth’ mentality that Anderson spoke proudly about.
It's how Niles has compiled a 39-15 record since Shaw took over in 2021, and it’s how the Vikings are about to compete in the MHSAA Playoffs for the fourth-straight season. A state championship is still the goal for Niles this fall, even with the division promotion in mind.
But first, the Vikings want to clinch a Wolverine Conference championship. Next Friday’s contest against Vicksburg (5-1) will be pivotal toward doing so.
“Our kids are hungry,” Shaw said. “They’ve got a lot of things to play for … We’re going to get their best game, because we get everybody’s best game.”
If Friday night was Three Rivers’ best game, anyone with Niles on their schedule should be fearful of watching the Vikings dance their way to another win.
Contact Kyle Smedley with comments via email at [email protected] and follow him on X @KyleSmedley03.
This article originally appeared on South Bend Tribune: Niles football beats Three Rivers as the Vikings stay dominant
Category: General Sports
