August 6, 2014

Vikings set sail in Class 6 Power Poll

Joe Beasley
MOsports.com

Mosports.com Class 6 Pre-Season Power Poll

 #9 Francis Howell Vikings (2013 record, 8-3)

A look ahead:  

"Our senior class has put in a ton of work over the last three years", commented head coach Bryan Koch.   "We have a great group of seniors to lead our program." 

A loss to Gateway Athletic Conference rival Ft. Zumwalt West ended the Viking playoff run a season ago, the seniors have returned on a mission this season.  Senior running back Sutton Smith(6-1 210), a Northern Illinois recruit returns leading five returning starters in the Viking spread offensive attack.  Smith rushed for 1,153 yards and scored 18 touchdowns a season ago. 
Sam Hefner(6-3 180) is another member of the senior class who performed well in limited duty a season ago completing 64% of his passes. Heffner will battle with junior Quentin White(6-1 170) for the starting quarterback duties. 

The Vikings will be solid on the line where they are dominanted by experienced seniors including: Tate Greifoner(6-4 285) OL/DL; Aaron Callaway (6-5 290) OL/DL; Cole Clement (6-3 275) OL/DL;  Blake Henson(6-1 200) OL/DL; Casden Key (5-11 160) OL/DL; 

Desmond Niboh(5-7 175) returns at running back, he rushed for 419 yards and 6 touchdowns and also caught 17 passes as a junior. Spreading the field, a trio of seniors wide outs return for the Vikings including Austin Johnson(6-0 170) WR/DB, JD Koehler (6-2 200) WR/DB, and Kaelen Riddick(6-2 170) WR/DB.

Seven starters return on defense including nearly the entire defensive line. Senior Connor Flynn(5-10 165) returns at cornerback and will be joined by some talented underclassmen on defense.

"Our underclassmen have worked equally as hard, and will provide competition at every position", added Koch.  Junior linebacker Ryan Perkins(6-3 200) returns as the leading tackler after finishing with 84 tackles, 2 interceptions, and 2 fumble recoveries. Twin brother Justin Perkins(6-3 205), also a linebacker, finished with 69 tackles and four sacks.  

"We have worked very hard this off season. The kids have shown that they want to win games by working in the Winter, Spring, and Summer. Now, we have to put it in place on Friday nights", stated Koch.