2006 Hoover Vikings Preview

Monday, August 21, 2006

TODD PORTER Repository sports writer

Head coach Don Hertler Jr., 11th season, 79-33.

Last year 7-4, 5-2.

Postseason assignment Division I, Region 2.

Date Opponent Time 2005

Fri., Aug. 25 at Central Catholic 7:30 W, 17-14

Fri., Sept. 1 D.C. Coolidge 7:30 W, 38-8

Fri., Sept. 8 Louisville 7:30 L, 29-35

Sat., Sept. 16 at McKinley 7:30 L, 10-39

Fri., Sept. 22 Boardman 7:30 W, 19-15

Fri., Sept. 29 at Lake 7:30 W, 21-0

Fri., Oct. 6 at GlenOak 7:30 W, 14-10

Fri., Oct. 13 Fitch 7:30 W, 19-14

Fri., Oct. 20 Perry 7:30 L, 21-35

Fri., Oct. 27 at Jackson 7:30 W, 10-7

Returning lettermen (15)

Player Pos. Ht. Wt. Year

Seth Allman 5-11 176 WR-DB Sr.

Jordan Bucar 5-10 200 RB-LB Sr.

Kevin Dahl 6-2 215 RB-LB Jr.

Jason Draime 6-6 195 TE-DE Jr.

Aaron Dodds 5-10 162 WR-DB Sr.

Steve England 5-11 233 OL-DL Sr.

Jordan Fleischman 6-0 151 WR-DB Sr.

James Georgiades 6-0 226 RB-DL Jr.

Scott Gnau 5-10 190 RB-LB Sr.

Blaine Maze 5-10 170 WR-DE Sr.

Neil Michaels 6-0 155 DE-WR Sr.

Mitch Rose 6-0 182 RB-LB Jr.

Andrew Sampsel 5-10 215 OL-DL Sr.

Kenny Staudinger 6-5 235 OL-DL Sr.

Matt Wakulchik 6-1 180 WR-DB Jr.

Difference makers

The Vikings have a strong group of seniors. The biggest of them, perhaps figuratively,

for sure literally, is two-way lineman Kenny Staudinger. He can be a force on both

sides of the ball. Staudinger is a Mid-American Conference recruit. “We need him to

step up and be an All-County-type performer,” head coach Don Hertler Jr. said.

“He’ll go from a one-way player to two ways, at least a lot of the year. He’s worked

hard, and he needs to continue to take his intensity level to a Division I level. We don’t

have many guys who have his ability up front.

Scott Gnau scored three TDs a year ago and ran for 276 yards. He is joined in the

backfield by Kevin Dahl, who had 369 yards. Dahl will

also play MLB.

Candidates to fill out the rest of the OL include Steve England, James Georgiades

and Andrew Sampsel.

A key to the season could be how soon WR Matt Wakulchik returns from a preseason

injury. He could miss the opener. Wakulchik is a Division I recruit. Vanderbilt has

shown an interest.

As usual, Hoover’s aggressive 5-3 defense should be tough. OLBs Jordan Bucar

and Gnau are solid. Bucar is a 3 year starter at LB and led the team in tackles as

a junior with 114. Like Staudinger and Wakulchik, Bucar is being recruited by

Division I schools, notably, Bucknell.

Top newcomers

The goods news is QB Jared Wackerly won’t be asked to put the offense on his

shoulders. Wackerly got a taste of Friday night football last year, and the 6-foot-4,

170-pound junior is capable of big things. “If we can get some pieces around him,

if we can run the football and block, he can have a nice year,” Hertler said. ...

Phillip Howard is a RB and has nice speed.

Keys to the season

Hertler had no idea a year ago what to expect. His team went 7-3 and made the

playoffs before losing to Massillon. This year the Vikings have a solid nucleus and

players who tasted success a year ago. “I’m hoping we’re better this year,” said

Hertler, whose team was picked to finish second by league coaches, including two

first-place votes.

A year ago, North Canton had a problem with teams with speed. All three regular

season losses were against faster opponents. That shouldn’t be an issue this

season. The Vikings got faster and more athletic with the offseason.

The Vikings have to replace a kicker and punter. Special teams gaffes will lose

games in the Federal League.

Pivotal games

Central Catholic, a Division IV regional finalist, is there in the opener. Hoover could

have a tough go in this game. The Vikings have a creampuff in Week 2 before facing Louisville at home and McKinley at Fawcett Stadium. If Hoover gets through that four-game stretch unscathed, eyes will open.

Odds and ends

Hertler has one of the most experienced coaching staffs in the county. Dick Gross is entering his 42nd season, Glenn Commings has 15 years, Andy Logan has 17 and Doug Burwell has 10. ... Hoover won five games by a touchdown or less last season, mainly from its kicking game. ... Despite a 7-4 record a year ago, Hoover was outscored 232-212 for the season. ... Hertler needs five wins for his 150th career victory. He is 145-48 at Hoover and Garaway.

NETWORK

Coach Hertler

Seth Allman

Jordan Bucar

Matt Wakulchik

Ken Staudinger

Hoover Vikings Football

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2006 Hoover Vikings Preview