Lack of depth may be an issue early for Vikings

Putting a respectable, or better team on the field is not the issue. The issue is numbers — or to be more specific, “depth.” “That’s the main issue right now,” said Coach Chad Johnston. While numbers are down slightly, the problem is two-fold — youth and inexperience and players ineligible, hurt or gone.

“We are missing seven players whom we counted on,” said the coach. Players like Trey Gronke, a lineman expected to play, are nursing injuries. Gronke is likely not to return or at best, not until later in the season. Some are ineligible at the start of the season.

Some didn’t report, reported late or simply are not in the school district. What it’s done is deplete the numbers. “We’ve had seven kids not with us, four or five who had playing time last year. It makes a big difference,” said the coach. But, like any other year, the coaching staff is adapting and feel players will develop as the season goes on.

“We’ll deal with things a the season progresses. Some will get better,” he said. “That’s what happens when you have a small senior class,” said Coach Johnston. “We’ve been there before,” Coach Johnston added.

But to start with, some players are going to have to be flexible, to play several position. A good example is senior Blake Reiss, a running back on offense but a linebacker who may have to share time as a cornerback on defense.

He knows it,” said Coach Johnston. In addition to “depth”, this team is fighting the “age” problem. “We are young,” said the coach. All things considered, the Vikings will be ready to open the season at 7 p.m. Thursday, August 29 at Tracy.