BRYAN, TX -- The Bryan Vikings lost to Clear Springs 44 - 37 Friday night at Merrill Green Stadium in Bryan.

The Chargers got the scoring started when Howard Matthews took the opening kickoff back for a touchdown. It was the first of three kick return for touchdowns in the game.

The Vikings kicked a field goal to cut the lead to 7 - 3. Clear Springs got second quarter touchdown runs from Trevon Randle and Xavion Taylor to help build a 22 - 3 halftime lead.

Bryan would not go away. Early in the fourth quarter Nate Jones scored on a five yard touchdown run to cut the Charger lead to 29 - 23. Clear Springs got another touchdown run from Randle to push the lead to 36 - 23. Jones and Aaron Eike each scored on touchdown runs for Bryan to give the Vikings their first lead of the game at 37 - 36. Clear Springs answered with a touchdown pass from Dylan Doebler to Matthews. A two point conversion put the Chargers up 44 - 37, The Vikings drove to the Clear Springs 20 yard line with a chance to tie the game but Eike was sacked on fourth down. Clear Springs was able to run out the clock.

Bryan will be on the road September 10 to face Round Rock McNeil.