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Football practice is underway, and the coaches are running the kids through various drills to help with conditioning and build strength and coordination. The players are also learning the offense and defensive systems they will use this year, and with the first game scheduled for September 2, there’s not a second to lose.
The 2022 Cook County Vikings have 25 kids out for fall football. Leading the team is new Head Coach Steven Anderson. Steven will be assisted by Kyle Anderson, Theo Rex, and Mike Theisman, with Keaton Reilly heading up the junior high program.
The Vikings will have to find a new starting quarterback because Paul Dorr, an All-District First Team selection last year, moved with his family after completing his junior year, and he left some big shoes to fill. However, the football team is returning several outstanding players from last year’s 6-3 squad. Coming back this year are firstteam all-conference players Kole Anderson, Ray Dressely, and Ryan Christensen, with second-team all-conference selections Ryan Smith and Calvin Battees.
Kole Anderson is a hard-hitting linebacker. On offense last year, he was a ferocious run blocker who sometimes carried the ball at fullback. Ray Dressley was the team’s top running back and sure tackling linebacker. Ryan Christiansen returns after winning the 100 and 200 meters at the conference track meet. Last year, Ryan was a speedy, big-play running back/wide receiver; on defense, he played linebacker. Ryan Smith was a great offensive lineman, blocker, pass defender, and solid defensive tackle. Calvin Battee played defensive tackle and offensive lineman, a great blocker and strong rusher/tackler. There are also a lot of younger players who have moved up and will be counted on to make big plays this fall. The Vikings have some size and speed, and they should be a lot of fun to watch.
The Vikings open their nine-man schedule with two games on the road. They will travel to McGregor on Friday, September 2, to play the McGregor Mercs and then play Cherry on Friday, September 16, before entertaining Ely at home on Friday, September 23. That home game starts a 7 p.m. Come out and cheer for your Vikings!
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