The Snohomish County Vikings were outmatched on the field but not in the effort they extended against the West Sound Saints in last week’s Northwest Football League matchup.

West Sound scored on eight of their first nine possessions en route to a 56-7 victory June 26 at Silverdale Stadium.

“Our kids played so hard for us,” said Snohomish County coach Wes Fischer. “The Saints are so loaded. They are the best team I’ve ever seen in semipro ball.”

The Vikings’ lone touchdown was scored by ex-Meadowdale standout Nate Pirak, who returned a fumble recovery 94 yards for a touchdown in the first quarter.

“He just did a heck of a job for us all day long,” Fischer said of Pirak.

The Snohomish County defense has its moments against the Saints.

“They battled all day long,” Fischer said. “They’d hold them for a little bit but they couldn’t contain them the entire game.”

The Vikings and the rest of the NWFL have a bye this week in observance of the Independence Day holiday but return to action with a game against the Apple Valley Bucks at 6 p.m. July 10 at Edmonds Stadium.

Apple Valley defeated Snohomish County 19-7 in a preseason matchup.

“They’re capable of throwing some good balls. They’ve got a quarterback with a decent arm,” Fischer said. “I think we can match up real well with them. It’ll be a real good game.”

Jac Cates, the owner of the Bucks, used to play for Fischer several years ago.