Above: Sam O’Phelan led the Vikings’ ground attack this year. The durable all-purpose running back was named First Team All-Conference for his play on the gridiron by area coaches. Right: Dillon Sjogren and Ethan Sporn (on his knees) gang tackle the opposing team’s ball carrier (23). Both were named Honorable Mention All- Conference. Far right: The elusive Andrew Miller also was named Honorable Mention All-Conference.
Head football coach Mitch Dorr knew who had been voted by area coaches to the Polar League All- Conference team a couple of weeks ago, but he saved the “big reveal” for the team’s banquet held on Sunday night, November 20, at St. John’s Catholic Church.
Polar League coaches named Billy Hackett, a tough, hard-hitting junior defensive lineman and Sam O’Phelan, a speedy, elusive running senior tailback, to the Polar League All- Conference First-Team.
Hackett ended his year with 100 tackles from his defensive tackle position. O’Phelan rushed for a teamhigh 926 yards and scored nine touchdowns in his final year of play in a Viking uniform.
Four sophomores, Josh Prom, Ethan Sporn, Andrew Miller, and Dillon Sjogren were also voted Honorable Mention All-Conference.
Prom was the Vikings’ starting quarterback until an injury cut short his season. He ended his season with 473 rushing yards and amassed 448 yards passing in six games.
Above: Billy Hackett earned First Team All-Conference for his play at defensive tackle. Hackett made 100 tackles for the year.
Sporn, a lightning quick linebacker with a nose for the football, made 63 tackles in four games before his season ended due to a back injury.
The very versatile Andrew Miller, who replaced Prom at quarterback, finished with 693 rushing yards and nine touchdowns.
Sjogren, a hard-hitting linebacker, made 111 tackles from his middle linebacker position.
Coach Dorr also handed out several other awards at the banquet.
Keenan Hingos was awarded Freshman of the Year for his great play on the field.
The “Red Dog Player of the Year” (for the outstanding practice player) was given to Levi Sheils.
Connor Somnis received the “Man Built for Others Award.”
“This is given to the guy who represents our program the best,” Coach Dorr said.
Despite an injury plagued season, the Vikings ended their season with a 5-6 record, registering a playoff win over Mountain Iron-Buhl. Only two seniors graduate, Sam O’Phelan and starting lineman Noah Roth. Otherwise, everyone will be back, a good sign for a team with a lot of young, talented players who, with some time spent in the weight room, should win a lot of games next year.
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