The Vikings football team concluded its spring training with an intrasquad scrimmage last Friday night at Johnston High School. The young Grand View squad improved tremendously over the year and made great strides offensivley and defensively in preparaton for the 2009 season.

"We arrived last fall in a brand new program trying to adjust to each other as coaches and players. A sense of identity is very important on offense. There were some positives in the fall, but we feel as though we are much more developed with the progress we made in the past three or four weeks. With one year of experience gained, we're really excited to see what we can become in the fall," said Viking Offensive Coordinator Pete Sterbick.

Defensive Coordinator Joe Woodley was pleased with the effort and energy shown by the defense during spring training.

"We have come a long way up front since the fall. All of our defensive linemen have been really coachable this spring. They are all extremely hungry to get on the field and contribute. We added two kids at semester time that instantly made us better because they added much needed depth. This group has to be strong in order for us to compete in our league," said Woodley.

"We have real solid group of backers. I never have to question their toughness or physicality. All of them play to the echo of the whistle. I truly feel that we can be 3 deep at both backer spots in the fall. All of them are really into the game. I trust each and every one of them when they are out there."

"We have gotten better everyday at each defensive back position throughout spring ball. We are a little inconsistent at times, but that will get better the more experience they get. We need to get better in space when it comes to tackling and making plays. However, I have a lot of confidence in each kid to improve and make this unit a strength as time goes on."

The Vikings open the 2009 season opens on August 29th against Briar Cliff in Sioux City.

The team gathers to listen to coaches in the locker room.

 

Head Coach Mike Woodley addresses the squad.