Vikings have upgraded some 2005 deficiencies

Monday, August 21, 2006

Chris Beaven, Canton Repository

NORTH CANTON - They had nowhere to go but up last high school football season. They ended up nearly climbing back to the top of the Federal League standings.

The 2006 season begins with the Hoover Vikings trying to complete that climb, while hoping that key graduation losses do not result in them

slipping back.

“I had no idea last year what we were going to be,” said head coach Don Hertler Jr., whose team went 7-4 and reached the playoffs after going 1-9 the previous season. “It was a tribute to the kids and the way they competed and toughed it out.

“This year, like everybody, we have to get off to a good start, and stay healthy. But we have to get a lot better than we’ve been the last few years.”

Hertler thinks the Vikings have improved upon some of their deficiencies from last year, namely gaining some speed and athleticism. They also have eight defensive starters back. That’s why Hertler thinks they can be better this season.

But they also lost their offensive line, will break in a new quarterback and have to find a new kicker and punter — and those latter two positions were instrumental in their success last fall.

“We just happened to be fortunate to win close games mainly with our kicking game,” Hertler said. “When we played teams with a lot of speed, we struggled. In games where there was not a lot of speed, our kids toughed it out last year.”

The Vikings are now two years removed from a string of seven straight years in the playoffs. That run culminated in their 10-0 regular season in 2003 when they reached the second round of the playoffs. Then came heavy graduation losses and the 1-9 2004 season.

North Canton began last season at 6-1 before losing three of their last four, including a 45-14 loss at Massillon in the first round of the playoffs.

When the Vikings won, their formula for success was simple: Rely on defense, get some clutch offense and use the kicking game to control field position. It enabled them to go 6-0 in games decided by a touchdown or less.

“Their toughness was exceptional and it made up for some of the things we lacked,” Hertler said.

It will be up to the defense early on to establish that toughness again this season.

One of Hoover's potential standouts is defensive end Ken Staudinger, who also will double as an offensive lineman. He is drawing the interest of Mid-American Conference schools.

“In college, he can probably play either side of the ball, whatever level he ends up at,” Hertler said.

Two other seniors — Jordan Bucar and Scott Gnau — are anchors at outside linebacker. Bucar led the Vikings last year as a junior with 114 tackles and has darned Division I interest.

The secondary features Aaron Dodds (six interceptions last year) and Seth Allman. “They’re probably the two fastest kids on our team,” Hertler said. “They give us quickness and experience.”

Hertler lists developing senior leadership as one of the team’s keys, and those five will be looked upon in that area.

The Vikings also have a promising junior class. Kevin Dahl is the top returning rusher (369 yards) and Matt Wakulchik is the top returning receiver (27 catches for 407 yards). Wakulchik, though, has been hindered by an injury that could force him to miss some games. Wakulchik like Staudinger and Bucar are being recruited by Division I schools.

Another junior to watch is 6-foot-4 quarterback Jared Wackerly. Hertler said Wackerly has enjoyed a good camp.

“He works hard at doing what he’s coached to do,” Hertler said. “He’s dedicated himself to football. ... He’s got good height, a good release and he’s very committed.”

Hoover’s long-range success will be predicated on it being able to both run and pass. The Vikings averaged just 100.8 yards rushing per game last season, a figure they would like to improve significantly. They don’t want to put too much pressure on Wackerly, especially early on.

“We’re not good enough just to throw and we’re not good enough just to run,” Hertler said. “When we’re at our best on offense, we’re balanced.”

Developing a strong offensive line will go a long way in allowing Hoover to be balanced. If they get that balance, and their defense plays like it should, the Vikings know they could improve on last year’s second-place finish in the league.

Hertler also knows that a slip back is not too far away if the Vikings get some bad breaks or get sloppy.

“It always comes down to who plays best Fridays,” he said, “and who stays healthy and what teams come together.”

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