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Sports CLIPPER • THURSDAY, AUG. 18, 2011
Vikings football team ready for new challenge BY SHAIN GILLET Clipper Sports Editor
BOUNTIFUL — The Viewmont Vikings will have plenty of changes to contend with during the 2011 season. One thing they won’t have to worry about, however, is the amount of experience they’ll be taking to the football field every Friday night. The Viewmont Vikings will have as many as 15 players this season returning on both sides of the ball, a key point to having a successful season. Among them will be Josh Staples, who started several games for the Vikings and threw for over
1,000 yards with 11 touchdowns last year. “We have a lot of players that will be coming back that played on both sides of the football,” said Vikings coach Brad Lloyd. “And I’m expecting our seniors to step up and provide a leadership role to the team this year.” Among many of his returners include Luke Minhondo, Parker Beyeler, Haden Heath, Jordan Johnston, Micah Carlson, Holden Grandstaff, Tanner Palmer, Cameron England Brayden Waiters and Colton Steele. Minhondo and Johnston both saw time on the offensive and defensive line, while Grandstaff, Carlson and England were either
at receiver, One side tight end, or to wanting somewhere the senior on the defenleadership sive side of could be the ball. the tough • 8/19 @ Woods Cross But regardpreseason • 8/26 @ Davis less of who and region • 9/2 Layton takes the games field for the sched• 9/9 @ Bountiful Vikings this uled. With • 9/16 Lehi season, Lloyd teams like • 9/23 @ Granger said that he Bountistresses the ful, Davis, • 9/30 Taylorsville team above Layton • 10/7 West all else. and Woods “I always Cross all • 10/13 @ Kearns preach to on their • 10/19 Hunter these players schedule that the team before is the most the region important,” he said. “We games, Lloyd mentioned play as a team, we win as that he doesn’t expect a a team. I expect a lot from drop off in his team’s perall the players we have.” formance.
Vikings 2011 schedule
“I actually like it,” said Lloyd of the team’s preseason games. “There are some natural rivalries going on there. “We’ve obviously played Davis, with them being in our (former) region, and Bountiful is always tough to play. Woods Cross is a tough team too, and we expect to go out there and compete in every game we’re in this year.” One major difference, however, is the move to Region 2 with the likes of Hunter, Granger, Kearns, Taylorsville and West. “It could be a doubleedged sword,” said Lloyd of playing in the new region this season. “When we played in Region 1, our opponents were familiar
with each other and we knew our tendencies. “But with all the new teams, we really don’t know what to expect from each other. One thing I know is that a few of these teams are going to bring some size and speed with them.” Lloyd stressed, however, that he expects every player to “put a good brand of football on the field. “There may be some intimidation factor having to travel to the ‘big city,’” he said. “But it should be a good challenge for the kids this year.” The Vikings kick off the season Friday with a battle against Woods Cross. sgillet@davisclipper.com
Few changes for Lady Vikes soccer, despite move BY SHAIN GILLET Clipper Sports Editor
BOUNTIFUL — It’s a new year for the Viewmont Lady Vikings girls soccer team. And while the ultimate goal remains the same, a few changes have come the Lady Vikes’ way as far as their future opponents are concerned. The 2011 season will mark the first year that Viewmont will not be in Region 1 competing with the likes of Davis, Syracuse and Northridge, to name a few. And that’s OK with Lady Vikes coach Eric Landon. “The region we were in last year was awesome with lots of great games,” he said. “I think being in Region 1 helped us prepare for the playoffs every year. “But we have to make sure we’re prepared for this region this year.” The Vikings will be as prepared as they ever could be this year, with nine of their 11 starters returning for another year at Viewmont.
Of those nine, five of Ali Forsberg, who led the them were sophomores Lady Vikes with 16 goals two years ago when the scored last season. Lady Vikings started The Lorshieder sismaking it deeper in the ters will also be making state 5A playoffs. an appearance in the “The practices have 2011 season, with Heidi gone reand Sara ally well, and returnthe group ing from chemistry is last year’s good,” said finalist Landon. team. “This is goAt the • 8/23 @ Woods Cross ing to be a backstop, • 9/1 Granger strong team.” Alex • 9/6 Taylorsville Last year Cook the Lady returns as • 9/8 @ West Vikes finthe team’s • 9/13 Kearns ished fifth goal • 9/15 Hunter in Region keeper. 1, having Cook • 9/20 @ Granger to play an had five • 9/22 @ Taylorsville extra game shutouts • 9/27 West to make during the the opening regular • 9/29 @ Kearns round of the season, • 10/4 @ Hunter 5A state socbut her cer playoffs. four shutThey out effort ended up in the going to the finals, where playoffs lifted Viewmont they lost a doubleinto the finals. overtime game 1-0 with Those were among the just minutes remaining best games witnessed by before forcing Brighton fans during the playoff into a shoot-out. period. Among the many reThe move to Region 2 turning starters include will be an unfamiliar one
Lady Vikings 2011 schedule
to Viewmont in soccer, as they will be facing many of their opponents for the first time ever. “We’ve played a couple of those teams in the playoffs before, so we know a little about those teams,” said Landon. “A lot of the girls wish they could still play in the other region because they know what to expect from those teams. “This year we’ll just
have to be prepared for our opponents and see what happens.” Viewmont opened up its season with a shutout victory over Skyline, an opponent they faced in the 5A semi-finals last year. With the new region will come new opponents such as Granger, Taylorsville, West, Kearns and Hunter; and four of the team’s final five games
will be on the road. However, with the nucleus of players that have deep playoff experience, fans will likely not be surprised to see the Lady Vikings in the playoffs for the ninth straight year. Viewmont will start its Region 2 schedule with a match against Granger. It will be played on Sept. 1 at Viewmont’s home field.