The new look Vikings

August, 2004

Akron Beacon Journal

Head coach: Don Hertler Jr., eighth year, 63-17

Last year's record: 11-1, 4-0 Federal League

Returning lettermen: Joe Pope, Sr., WR-DB, 5-9, 155; Nathan Logan, Sr., WR-DB, 6-2, 195; Jason Foote, Sr., QB-DB, 6-0, 200; Sean Kostelnik, Sr., QB-DB, 5-11, 180; Aaron Miller, Sr., RB-LB, 5-8, 184; Jordan Jeffords, Sr., RB-LB, 5-9, 179; Andrew Dahl, Jr., WR-DB-K, 5-10, 179; Kyle Agnes, Sr., WR-DB, 6-0, 175; Kyle Adams, Sr., RB-DB, 6-1, 192; Kyle Robbins, Jr., RB-LB, 6-2, 184; John Bertsch, Jr., RB-LB, 6-0, 204; Ronnie Gnau, Jr., OL-DL, 5-8, 197; Curtis Brickwood, Sr., OL-DL, 6-1, 209; Nate Whiteman, Sr., OL-DL, 6-5, 238; Grant Keeney, Sr., TE-DE, 6-1, 180.

Shoes to fill: The Vikings are looking to fill dozens of shoes after graduating one of the school's finest senior classes. Playmakers such as RB-LB Alex Ramsey, QB Sam Cerreta and WR-DE Kyle Watts are the most obvious losses to graduation. But it was the number of role players who excelled in certain areas that allowed the Vikings to enjoy their success a year ago.

Difference makers: With so many guys graduated, coach Don Hertler Jr. said, "there's not a whole lot back to say, These are the guys. That remains to be seen ... I wish I knew." What Hertler knows is the guys who did start or see significant time a year ago must step up early to lead the way. The returning starters are wide receiver Joe Pope, guard Ronnie Gnau, tackle Nate Whiteman and kicker Andrew Dahl on offense, and linebacker John Bertsch and lineman Kyle Robbins on defense. Also, defensive backs Nathan Logan and Sean Kostelnik saw quite a bit of time a year ago.

Top newcomers: Hertler sees a wide-open field of contenders who can step forward and excel in new roles. An example of a guy making an early impression is junior running back Kyle Adams, who ran hard during Hoover's first scrimmage. He lettered on special teams a year ago. Another impressive newcomer is sophomore linebacker Jordan Bucar who is pushing senior Aaron Miller for a starting role. "We'll find a place for Bucar," Hertler said. "He's a playmaker." A number of other Vikings also will be going from a bit part a year ago into more of a starring role. Hertler said their success "will depend on how quickly they mature and adapt to playing the varsity game."

Keys to season: The Vikings need to replace virtually their entire defense, which will be a huge challenge. The offense has a few more holdovers, but new players will break in at key spots such as quarterback, where Hertler may rotate Jason Foote and Kostelnik. ... A strong start will help with confidence, and depth must be built along the way. Hertler knows he may never see another group such as last year's, but he thinks these Vikings share the same team concept that defined the seniors a year ago. "I think this group will be unselfish and put in the work," he said. "It's very important to them to be successful and they'll do everything in their power to have a good year."

Turning point last season: A 14-7 win over a talented Akron Buchtel team in Week 2 was the springboard to Hoover's first unbeaten season since 1975. Another tight win, 13-7 at Perry, followed two weeks later, and the Vikings were on their way to something special.

Pivotal games: The Buchtel game in Week 2 again will be another good measuring stick, but it will not be their only non-league test. Green and Louisville are strong playoff contenders in Weeks 1 and 3, respectively. ... The Vikings definitely will have a good idea of their strengths and weaknesses by the time they open defense of their Federal League title in Week 4, when Boardman visits Hoover's Memorial Stadium.

What's new: Hertler made no major changes on his staff or in the way Hoover will play the game. But nine new starters on defense and eight more on offense will definitely give Hoover a new look.

NETWORK

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