Vikings Ready to Start 2011 Season
by Chace Murphy
By the time the Bryan Vikings kick off the 2011 varsity football season, they will be two games behind most of their peers.
Head coach Bob Bellard, however, is quick to point out they will make up the difference quickly, playing three games in 12 days.
The Vikings (6-5 in 2010) begin the 2011 campaign Saturday night in League City, taking on the Clear Springs (0-1).
The Chargers lost their season opener to Pearland Dawson, 34-14. Dawson is no slouch, though, ranking in the top 10 in most polls.
Saturday’s matchup is the second meeting between the two schools, with Bryan losing 44-37 in 2010 at Merrill Green Stadium.
Like most coaches, Bellard would like to get a win. But he says putting new players on the field will mean valuable experience.
“It would be great to go get a victory,” Bellard said. “But right now, I think our progress is going to be huge between the first ball game and the second.”
Bryan returns a solid group on defense, including linebackers Hunter Maphet and Curtis Orozco, who missed most of 2010 with injuries. The secondary also looks solid with the return of CB Johnny Childs.
Offensively, the Vikings return several familiar faces including T Tim Hines and WR Tim Willett. Willett, however, will likely miss Saturday’s game with an ankle injury.
The offensive backfield could have a heavy rotation of potential stars. Kevin Jefferson moves from wide receiver to start at the halfback position. Bobby Johnson and Marvin Dowdy will split time at fullback.
Senior Zach Alvarado and Chris Johnson, a junior, will likely split time at quarterback for the first three games. Bellard, as of Thursday, had not named a starter.
The Vikings and Chargers kick off at 7 p.m. from Veterans Memorial Stadium in League City. Pregame begins at 6:30 on KZNE, Sports Radio 1150 “The Zone.” You can also get scoring updates on Twitter at twitter.com/brazosfootball.
12-AAAAA Scores, August 25-27
San Angelo Central 21, Killeen Shoemaker 7 (Thurs)
Klein Oak 19, A&M Consolidated 7
Southlake Carroll 38, Killeen Ellison 31
Georgetown 33, Harker Heights 28
Pflugerville Connally 52, Temple 33
Belton 24, Richmond Foster 20 (Sat)