A fresh start for the Vikings
The Valley Vikings are finally seeing light at the end of a long tunnel. After finishing winless in each of the past two seasons, the program now boasts a 50‑player roster and is poised to end a 25‑game losing streak that has plagued the school for years.
Coach Mark Adams, who took over the helm last year, says the team’s football IQ has risen dramatically over the last couple of seasons. He attributes the turnaround to a more disciplined approach and a deeper understanding of both sides of the ball.
At the center of the offensive revamp is Skyler Lincoln, who entered spring practice as a wide receiver but has emerged as the starting quarterback. Lincoln’s progression from the perimeter to the pocket has been one of the most watched storylines of the offseason.
The Vikings will lean on a core group of playmakers, including running back Juzef Betts and linemen Romen King, Dontavious Thornton and Caden Shurina. Their experience should give the offense the balance it lacked in the winless campaigns of 2022 and 2023.
Defensively, Valley will return six starters, providing a foundation that could help tighten up a unit that struggled to hold opponents scoreless last year. The team also welcomes back Sean Wilkerson, who led the squad with three touchdowns and was a standout on special teams.
The schedule ahead presents its own challenges, with six of the first ten games on the road, but the coaching staff remains focused on building a lasting legacy.
Looking ahead
Skyler Lincoln recently cited the Willie Thrower Quarterback Camp as a source of inspiration, underscoring the quarterback’s desire to leave a mark beyond the field.