Week five into the season, and the Vikings are clicking on all cylinders.

With key players from the last two seasons gone, the doubters were definitely talking during the offseason. However, they’ve been quieted by outstanding play these past four weeks.
The offense, led by senior quarterback Bryant Wright, senior running back Herbert Hughes, junior Justin Hall and senior wide receiver Tyrice Richie, is averaging 50 points a game.

The Vikings have been an imposing force all season on offense as well as defense. Totaling 2,240 yards over the course of four weeks, they’ve held their opponents to almost 1,200 less yards than them.

“We believe our program is in place, and there’s always guys willing to step up,” head coach Craig Buzea said. “To be able to say we were going to average 50 points a game for the first four games might be pushing it, but these guys have really done a nice job.”

Starting off blazing hot, the Vikings have ran away with an undefeated 4-0 start and look to extend that streak over the undefeated Lincoln-Way West Warriors, who were state runner ups last year.

“It should be a real fun game since their offense is a very strong run offense, and our defense is strong stopping the run,” Hall said. “It’ll be a very competitive game.”

Both teams are battling the injury bug as well. West’s quarterback Cal Pohrte sat in last week’s 35-12 West win against Andrew.

Two weeks ago, senior WR/DB Tyler DeMartra suffered a freak injury, resulting in a compound fracture in his right ankle. This shook the team, as no one knew the seriousness of the injury.

“I think it’s emotionally tough for the coaches,” wide receiver coach Alexander Pratt said. “The team has really rallied around him and that’s just a testament to him as a person and a player.”

Although losing a key player in DeMartra, the team came together and wore “Tyler Tough” shirts last week, honoring their injured teammate and in turn blew out Lockport last week 53-24.

“I didn’t expect all this,” Demartra said. “I knew people were going to know about it, but I didn’t think people would be down to help like they are. I really didn’t expect the t-shirts the coaches made.”