VFND: Varsity football kicks off season with Pre-season victories

Friday Night Lights returned August 23 with the Vikings scrimmaging Grand Prairie at the Gopher Bowl. Final score: 23-7 Viking victory.

“It was a good start to what will hopefully be a district run into the playoffs,” senior free safety Braxton Thomas said. “I feel like we can accomplish more than what we did last season.”

The Vikings continued to win against Byron Nelson (28-27) and Naaman Forrest (38-0).

“We just have to continue to improve our lines, one week at a time,” senior halfback Eric Williams said.

With the next bi-weekly game on Sept. 13 and a non-district game against Richland on Sept. 20, the varsity team gains more time to prepare for their district face-off against the Martin Warriors on Sept. 27 at UTA Maverick Stadium.

“I think our challenges will be our size and depth of diversions,” senior defensive tackle Tristan Crowder said. “We are slim, but we have speed. Coach DeLay and the other coaches are working us through a number of drills. I think we are seeing improvement each week.”

The Vikings are currently hopeful to finish in the top three slots in 4-6A, region 1.

“I’m encouraged with what I’m seeing in practices and games,” head coach Laban DeLay said. “We just have to work on staying healthy and making adjustments as the season progresses. We have a good offensive line and some big playmakers. Our defensive line is doing a great job consuming offensive linemen. We have a family atmosphere and we are really proud of what the team is accomplishing.”