Building momentum: Viking Football rolls into 2007

After a memorable playoff run last season, Coach Tom Tri’s Vikings are in position to take a run at the Wesco North title

JOURNAL STAFF One year removed from the Vikings’ magical run to the State Playoffs – a season that included a thrilling home field defeat of the eventual State Champion Oak Harbor Wildcats – Lake Stevens is locked and loaded once again under Head Coach Tom Tri.
With two games under their belts, the Vikings have proven they will again be a team to be reckoned with in the competitive Wesco North division. An intriguing mix of old and young, power and speed – the Vikes return one of the area’s best rushers, Senior running back Isaac Molstre – who set ream record in several categories last year – including a season total of nearly 1,500 yards rushing. Molstre looks as quick as ever (he is a member of the LSHS Track squad’s 4x100 meter relay team) but has added strength and power to his formerly slight frame. He’s shown the ability to break tackles and beat pursuers to the perimeter while handling a 20-plus carry/per game workload. The Purple and Gold passing attack looks sharp under the command of Junior southpaw quarterback Nick Baker – who gained valuable experience during last year’s playoff run and has started this year with a fantastic completion percentage and a sterling touchdown to interception ratio.

Last year the Lake Stevens’ lightning strike playmaker was David “Superman “McMurray – a dynamic talent who now plays on Saturdays for Western Washington University. This year’s Vikes again feature the ability to strike from anywhere on the field – and this threat is embodied by Senior Wideout/Defensive Back Dustin Adams. Known simply as “D.A.”, Adams, opened eyes during the Vikes season opener against Stanwood - scoring four touchdowns on four consecutive touches – including TD receptions of 28, 69 and 37 yards. In addition to Adams, Junior running back Bo Dickinson has shown flashes of brilliance and elusiveness both out of the backfield and on runs after receptions including a 17 yard scamper and a 28-yard third-down reception late in last week’s game.

The Viking offense also features an impressive power option in senior full back Clark Ferrucci. Behind a dominant offensive line led by senior tackle Kelly Kurisu, Ferrucci rammed his way to two TD’s last week and has shown the ability to pick up tough yardage in the center of the field.

The defense has looked impressive as well, and is anchored by many of the aforementioned players. Adams and Molstre patrol the secondary – with Molstre always a danger to pick one off and take it the other way – while Adams seems to be around the football and in on every tackle.

Linebackers Ferrucci and senior Devin Papka lead the team in tackles and are able to roam the field with impunity behind an able defensive line anchored by Kurisu.

Coach Tom Tri said the team worked hard in the off season and has benefited from senior leadership.

“Our returning starters – four on both offense and defense – have worked hard this summer to lead by example and we are very excited about the skills of the players who have competed for the open positions. Team depth and the level of enthusiasm have been highlights (of the offseason) as we prepare to compete for the Wesco North crown,” Tri said.

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