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NILES — The legend of Sam Rucker soared to new heights in Friday night’s 37-34 win over Portland.

In his final game at Vikings Stadium, the senior had 18 touches for 177 yards of total offense, three touchdown runs and a touchdown catch – including a season-saving 4th down conversion and the game-winning touchdown in the fourth quarter. He added 11 tackles on defense for good measure.

Leader Publications spoke with Rucker about his performance and the growth of the Vikings program:

You guys are regional champs. How does it feel, has it sunk in yet?

“It feels great. Obviously, this is history – Niles has never made it this far, we knew that coming in. It was a really tough game – we played very well and it just feels great.”

At halftime, what were you guys talking about with the game tied?

“It was 21-21, it was a 0-0 game. The game wasn’t over obviously and we stuck it out.

That fourth down play was an incredible play. Just walk me through that play and what allowed you to be successful?

“I obviously knew that they thought that we were gonna pass the ball, so I kind of just did my best to make myself open as possible. I was ready for the contact when it came so when I got it, I was able to shake it off and get the first down.”

You scored the go-ahead touchdown a couple plays later. How did it feel to cross the goal line there and just hear the crowd? 

“I knew that there was gonna be contact right when I got it, so as soon as I got that through that first contact and scored, it felt great.”

As a senior, you’ve been through this program from the very beginning. What does it mean to be standing here as a regional champion and just having the whole community behind you?

“It feels great. When I first got here the year before they only won one game. We haven’t had a losing season, so we know what winning feels like; we knew we had so many young guys starting at a young age and we just knew that by this time we’d be a great team.”