The Vinton-Shellsburg Vikings looked back on a tough season plagued by injuries, but looked forward as well to next year, during the annual wrap-up on Thursday.
Coach Joe Womochil reminded the team that in its early losses, it held 4th-quarter leads.
The Vikings finished 2-7 on the year, and will play in a new district next year. Womochil said he believes the new districts will be announced in January.
Despite the disappointing win-loss record, the Vikings tallied 500 more rushing yards than last year’s team, and scored seven more rushing touchdowns.
The shortage of junior and senior players meant that about 10 sophomores saw a lot of playing time. Two of them, Nick Hyland and Joel Barnes, earned All-District honors.
Coach Womochil expressed optimism about the future; next year the Vikings will return most of their starting linemen along with many of the skilled position players.
Womochil also predicted that whatever the district the Vikings end up in, it will include three or four strong contenders for a state title.
The coach urged his players to continue working in the weight room – and the classroom.
While five players earned District All-Academic honors, Coach Womochil said he would like to see that number increase significantly. VS football is at its best, he said, “when the best people are the best players.”
The freshmen and sophomore coaches also spoke about their players, and reviewed the highlights of the season. Coach Womochil also presented team awards.
Honorees included:
Coach’s Award: Brady Silberger, Chase Overton, Eli Rogers
Offensive Player of Year/Top Back: Zach Hyland
Defensive Player of the Year: Michael Neal
Special Teams Player of the Year: Aaron Henderson
Mr. Hustle: Tanner Spies
Most Improved: Brandon Geiger
Lineman of the Year: Warren Rouse
First Team All-District: Tanner Spies Eric Studer, Warren Rouse, Nick Hyland.
Second Team All-District: Andrew Freeman, Chase Overton, Michael Neal, Joel Barnes.
Academic All-District: Tanner Spies, Chase Overton, Dylan Rippel, Warren Rouse, Aaron Henderson.
Comments
Submit a CommentPlease refresh the page to leave Comment.
Still seeing this message? Press Ctrl + F5 to do a "Hard Refresh".