After a losing year with a record of 3 and 7, the Palo Alto Vikings are very hopeful for this upcoming football season.

“Our goal for this year is to have a better year than last year,” Troy Henderson (‘17) said.

The Vikings are coming into this season with a different mentality than last year.

“The past is in the past. We are a different team. Every team has its own identity,” head coach Jake Halas said. “On the field we are trying to establish a physical brand of football. Our offensive line is definitely our strength for this year.”

According to Halas, the offensive line will be essential to the Vikings success this year.

“Our O-line is basically our identity,” said Halas. “Coach Colotto [our offensive line coach] is really turning these guys into a unit.”

The players seem to agree.

“He [Coach Colotto] has been the main reason why we [the offensive line] are strong this year” said right guard Henderson.

This year’s team is different from teams in years past.

“We don’t have a lot of loud cheerleaders on this team, but we’ve got some quiet leadership like Justin Hull (‘16) and Tak Nishi (‘16). Those guys put their pads on every day and just play,” said Halas.

The Vikings have talent all over the field including Eli Givens (‘16), Mikey Grandy (‘16), and returning quarterback Hull. These players will bring talent and leadership that will be absolutely necessary to the team’s success.

“We’ve got some pieces. We’re gonna see if they’re all going to fit,” Halas said.

The team is looking forward to facing many league rivals. The Vikings will play Los Gatos at home on Friday, October 23 at 7 p.m. Two weeks later the Vikings will play an away game against Wilcox on Friday, November 13 at 7 p.m. That will be The Vikings last game of the season.  

“We are looking forward to get revenge for last year on Wilcox,” said Henderson. “We also hate Gatos”.

So far the Vikings are looking strong with a 54-28 win in their season opener against Sequoia high school. Their next game will be at home against San Benito high school on Friday, September 11 at 7 p.m.