Preston Jackson promised that better days were on the horizon.
He was right.
Valley's first-year coach has a triumph in which to build momentum on for a program that has struggled in recent seasons. The Vikings earned their first victory of the season by downing Monterey Trail 34-27 on the strength of four first-quarter touchdowns.
Marquis Dixon was the star, rushing for two scores and returning a kickoff 80 yards for another. Monterey Trail scored 21 in the opening quarter - what was this, an Arena Football League showcase? - before stalling the rest of the way.
Valley lost its season opener 13-12 to Sacramento, then was plowed under by Burbank 41-0 before losing to another ranked team in Whitney 35-6.
And Jackson, a Valley alum, will surely stress focus in practice this week. The Vikings next Florin for the Highway 99 trophy, where another victory will be two-fold.
