Last season was a year of ups and downs for the Geneva Vikings football team. The positives were there, a high scoring offense that averaged almost 40 points a game last season. The Vikings also ended the regular season with a six game win streak. Whether we like it or not it’s the negatives that ultimately define a season. The Vikings were bounced in the first round by underdog St. Patrick. The Vikings weaknesses on defense were a problem they had for most of the season.

This season the Vikings are focused on correcting their flaws and continuing to improve their already effective offense. Santacaterina, who recently accepted an offer to play at Northern Illinois University, is at 100% and ready to make his mark as a senior. Other important returning players include senior Pace Temple, who had nine receiving touchdowns and seventeen total tackles as a cornerback last season. He is expected to be targeted by Santacaterina often. The Vikings also have receiver Mike Landi and running backs Max Woodworth and Liam Burns returning from last year’s team’s offense. All are expected to have big years.

Though the defense was spotty at times last season the Vikings have a number of skilled players that are ready to step up this year. Senior defensive linemen Matt Loberg, who recorded 35 total tackles last year, was made a team captain for the Vikings this season and is going to be a big part of the team’s defensive identity. Also returning is linebacker Stephan Kemp who had 5.5 sacks as a sophomore on varsity last season. The Vikings have a lot of players with talent and experience returning on defense, and most importantly they have the confidence to make this year’s team successful on both sides of the field.

The Vikings have a number of must see games this year. The obvious one is the game against rival Batavia, this year taking place in Batavia on the 17^th of October. The stakes are even higher this year with Batavia fresh off a state title. The Vikings also have their home opener against Richards, a new and talented team for the Vikings to face.

This season the Vikings look to translate their regular season success into a long playoff run. They have a number of big games where they’ll be able to prove themselves, both in their conference and outside it. With a strong supporting cast and a number of returning stars expect these Vikings to be playing deep into November.