Vikings Looking To Fill Key Holes

July 28, 2016 at 4:25 p.m.


AKRON - Opening the season with a midnight practice, the Tippecanoe Valley Vikings may have been the first high school football team in the state to be on the field.

It goes without saying, the Vikings would like to be one of the last teams on the field as well.

In order to put together another successful season, Valley will have to fill a pretty big void left by last year's talented class that included the likes of Chad Hoffer, Kyle Ritchey and Kyle Brady, amongst others.

"We have a huge class to replace," said third-year coach Jeff Shriver, who has led the Vikings to a 15-5 record the past two seasons. "We had a great year last year, but some of those guys are gone, and we're going to have to find some kids who want to step up and take their place."

Both Ritchey and Brady rushed for nearly 1,000 yards, all the while playing a huge roles on defense and special teams.

Hoffer was a two-year starter at quarterback, was a force in the defensive secondary and was Mr. Excitement as a kick returner.

"Replacing Kyle Ritchey and Kyle Brady is going to be tough," said Shriver, whose team finished the season 8-2, losing only to Three Rivers Conference rival Rochester in the regular season and to state runner-up South Bend St. Joe in the first round of the sectional. "Those guys were Times-Union co-offensive players of the year. Both rushed for close to 1,000 yards. But, as good as they were, they didn't rush for all those yards without great blocking from our fullbacks or the offensive line."

It's play by the offensive line, as well as the defensive line, that Shriver said is a strength of this year's team.

Shriver may hold the answer to the 1980s Wendy's commercial that begged the question "where's the beef?"

Among the large statured linemen on Valley's roster are Dustin Gilstrap (6-1, 294), Sam Kimmel (6-3, 294), James Zimmerman (6-0, 280), Aaron Howard (5-2, 326), Logan McDonald (6-4, 281, Tyler French (6-1, 245), Kyle Grossman (6-1, 272) and Jordan Littlejohn (6-2, 275).

For a smaller school, Valley has some big boys up front.

"We have a lot of people to replace from last year, but we feel like we have a group of guys who could be great athletes, especially on the offensive and defensive line," said Shriver. "A big part of our success will be because of the depth of our offensive and defensive line."

The Vikings also have size at the tight end position with Zack Rockhill (6-3, 189) and Josh Pinkowski (6-4, 187). Shriver said Littlejohn has been playing tight end as well during the summer two-a-days.

Stepping into take Hoffer's place at quarterback will be Ross Miller, who replaced Hoffer last season while he was recovering from a leg injury.

With Miller under center against Bremen, the Vikings were able to put 64 points on the board.

"Ross is our quarterback, but he has to play well to keep that job," said Shriver. "Ross step in and did a great job for us last year when we lost Chad, and I have confidence in him to get the job done this year."

Also vying for time at quarterback are Gus Lukens and Kameron Akers.

Those who could carry the ball in Valley's power running game include Derek Leckrone, Kegan O'Brien and Keith Koser, amongst others.

While the Vikings would love to win the TRC championship and contend for a sectional championship, Shriver said one of the team's biggest goals is to get better as the season rolls along.

"One of the things we're focusing on as a staff and a team is to make sure we improve each week," said Shriver. "If we work hard and continue to improve as a football team, I think good things will happen. At the end of the day, whether it's practice or a game, I want the kids to walk off the field feeling like they gave everything they had."

The Vikings open the season Friday at 7 p.m. when they host Culver Military Academy. Valley hits the road next Friday for a 7:30 p.m. game at Bremen, and then opens TRC play Sept. 5 by hosting Manchester.[[In-content Ad]]

AKRON - Opening the season with a midnight practice, the Tippecanoe Valley Vikings may have been the first high school football team in the state to be on the field.

It goes without saying, the Vikings would like to be one of the last teams on the field as well.

In order to put together another successful season, Valley will have to fill a pretty big void left by last year's talented class that included the likes of Chad Hoffer, Kyle Ritchey and Kyle Brady, amongst others.

"We have a huge class to replace," said third-year coach Jeff Shriver, who has led the Vikings to a 15-5 record the past two seasons. "We had a great year last year, but some of those guys are gone, and we're going to have to find some kids who want to step up and take their place."

Both Ritchey and Brady rushed for nearly 1,000 yards, all the while playing a huge roles on defense and special teams.

Hoffer was a two-year starter at quarterback, was a force in the defensive secondary and was Mr. Excitement as a kick returner.

"Replacing Kyle Ritchey and Kyle Brady is going to be tough," said Shriver, whose team finished the season 8-2, losing only to Three Rivers Conference rival Rochester in the regular season and to state runner-up South Bend St. Joe in the first round of the sectional. "Those guys were Times-Union co-offensive players of the year. Both rushed for close to 1,000 yards. But, as good as they were, they didn't rush for all those yards without great blocking from our fullbacks or the offensive line."

It's play by the offensive line, as well as the defensive line, that Shriver said is a strength of this year's team.

Shriver may hold the answer to the 1980s Wendy's commercial that begged the question "where's the beef?"

Among the large statured linemen on Valley's roster are Dustin Gilstrap (6-1, 294), Sam Kimmel (6-3, 294), James Zimmerman (6-0, 280), Aaron Howard (5-2, 326), Logan McDonald (6-4, 281, Tyler French (6-1, 245), Kyle Grossman (6-1, 272) and Jordan Littlejohn (6-2, 275).

For a smaller school, Valley has some big boys up front.

"We have a lot of people to replace from last year, but we feel like we have a group of guys who could be great athletes, especially on the offensive and defensive line," said Shriver. "A big part of our success will be because of the depth of our offensive and defensive line."

The Vikings also have size at the tight end position with Zack Rockhill (6-3, 189) and Josh Pinkowski (6-4, 187). Shriver said Littlejohn has been playing tight end as well during the summer two-a-days.

Stepping into take Hoffer's place at quarterback will be Ross Miller, who replaced Hoffer last season while he was recovering from a leg injury.

With Miller under center against Bremen, the Vikings were able to put 64 points on the board.

"Ross is our quarterback, but he has to play well to keep that job," said Shriver. "Ross step in and did a great job for us last year when we lost Chad, and I have confidence in him to get the job done this year."

Also vying for time at quarterback are Gus Lukens and Kameron Akers.

Those who could carry the ball in Valley's power running game include Derek Leckrone, Kegan O'Brien and Keith Koser, amongst others.

While the Vikings would love to win the TRC championship and contend for a sectional championship, Shriver said one of the team's biggest goals is to get better as the season rolls along.

"One of the things we're focusing on as a staff and a team is to make sure we improve each week," said Shriver. "If we work hard and continue to improve as a football team, I think good things will happen. At the end of the day, whether it's practice or a game, I want the kids to walk off the field feeling like they gave everything they had."

The Vikings open the season Friday at 7 p.m. when they host Culver Military Academy. Valley hits the road next Friday for a 7:30 p.m. game at Bremen, and then opens TRC play Sept. 5 by hosting Manchester.[[In-content Ad]]
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