2023 record: 9-3 overall, 3-2 6A Region 3 (2nd-tie)

Playoffs: No. 5 seed, lost to No. 4 Skyridge 37-30 OT in 6A quarterfinals

Players to Watch: Sr. RB Wade Christiansen, Sr. OL Simon Roundy, Sr. LB Mason Anderson, Sr. WR Spencer Hafoka.

Outlook: Walkenhorst said good-bye to a talented group of 34 seniors that took the Vikings from the bottom of Region 3 to 6A contender and will have a lot of holes to fill in 2024.

The quarterback position opened up when starter Carter Rasmussen transferred to Timpview, so PG will be young at that position. Senior running back Wade Christensen will have to carry some of the offensive load and senior Simon Roundy will anchor a new line.

“We will be a young team with a lot of inexperienced players,” Walkenhorst said. “Because of this we are really focusing on players developing the right technique so they can be successful in their position with their responsibilities. We want to create a tough and physical football team while installing the scheme for offense, defense and special teams.”

Building Culture: “We focus on making practice difficult to help prepare players for games,” Walkenhorst said. “We want guys on our team who are mentally and physically tough. Football is tough. Life is tough. We want players that can leave this program and go out into the community and be great leaders, fathers, and husbands. We are still focused on developing level 5 leadership from the book ‘Good to Great.’ The focus of that book is to lead with humility and forget about yourself and build the team.”