VASJ>>Vikings

Just the facts

Conference: Crown Conference OHSAA: Division IV, Region 13

Coach: Jeff Rotsky, first year

2020: 1-7

Twitter: @Vikings_AD

Home field: Case Western Reserve University

Outlook

A new era of football has started at VASJ, with program-builder Jeff Rotsky now at the helm. Numbers are at a high, with 105 kids in the program — 45 of whom are freshmen. Having good numbers and depth is huge. There’s exceptional team speed, including returning starter Andre Terry (4.4in the 40). The offensive line is big and strong, thanks to the offseason weight program. Former Beachwood QB Jalen Minter takes the reins at quarterback this year. Tailback LaVonte Thornton (6-1, 190) could be up for a big year running the ball behind a big and physical offensive line. Euclid transfer Ty Howard will be a key on defense, where seven starters return from a year ago. The back end, with Matthew Okocha and Noah Clark back, is very talented. Run-stoppers Johnathan Pitts (6-4, 300) and Brandon Johnson (6-3, 280) are going to be hard for the opposition to block.

The coaching staff hopes that confidence comes as the season progresses, but the pieces certainly look like they’re in place.

Player to watch

Noah Clark is a returning two-way starter. He is big, strong and fast. On top of that, he’s a leader on and off the field. He sports a 4.1GPA to go with everything he is on the football field.

Underclassman to watch: Mac Mulhan is a 5-9, 200-pound junior. He’s a hardnosed kind of kid who can play fullback and linebacker. Pound for pound he’s the strongest player on the roster.

Bottom line

IF: VASJ gets some confidence with early season wins; THEN: the Vikings are going to be a team no one wants to face come playoff time.

— John Kampf

Clark