A turnaround in the making
After a winless 2025 campaign that left the Montgomery Vikings at 0‑10 and out of the playoffs, the program is poised for a dramatic rebound heading into the 2026 season, having finished sixth in the REC‑Bay division.
Nearly twenty of the thirty varsity athletes return, giving the team a deep pool of experience, including seniors who have already tasted varsity action and understand the intensity of the Redwood Empire Conference schedule.
Head coach Anthony Bautista, hired in April 2025, has used the offseason to install a new scheme and rally the returning core, emphasizing a clear goal: a return to the postseason after a ten‑year drought.
The Vikings will face a rugged schedule that includes traditional rivals such as Santa Rosa and Sonoma Valley, as well as playoff‑tested foes like Miramonte and Analy, but the coaching staff believes that winning six of those games will be enough to secure a playoff berth.
Key returning players include quarterback Oliver Wuethrich and running back Joe Laqere, who will anchor the offense, while wide‑out Deysean Akins and lineman Romeo Jarrett add depth on both sides of the ball.
The defense also welcomes back several standouts, among them sophomore all‑league selection Thor Boswell, who missed much of last year with an injury but is now fully cleared to contribute.
Despite losing several key contributors from the previous roster — including defensive lineman Joel Silva, all‑purpose player Adrian Hallin‑Lemos, and several other starters — the team’s depth and experience give it a realistic chance to compete.