Photo Courtesy of Darci Walters
Week 5 Keys: Midway Mark
By Baylen Hite | 107.3 WRSW
I wrote a few weeks back that it’s hard to believe we are a third of the way through the 2023 season. When the clock strikes zero on the scoreboards across Indiana tonight we will officially be over halfway done with the season. We have learned a lot in a short amount of time about Death Valley Football. The Vikings will be on the hunt for their 5th win and will have to do it against a talented Culver Academy team that comes in with a (2-2) record.
Let’s breakdown what the Vikings will have to do to win their first game against CMA since 2010.
Forget about the Series History
Valley has had a tough time when playing against the Eagles historically. This meeting will be the 21st all time between the schools. Through 20 games The Eagles hold the edge over the Vikings 14 games to 6. The Vikings haven’t beaten CMA in this decade.
If you’re wearing the Kelly Green and Gold tonight you have to put that behind you and start a new series tonight. The Eagles are just a few plays away from being a team that is (4-0). They are that good and with a win tonight for the Vikings it will help them turn the page for the future.
Sometimes teams just have other teams numbers. The Vikings will have to fight through history not being on their side tonight and try to even the score. What will help? They are at Home hosting their homecoming game. Smith-Bibler Memorial field should be rocking for this sneaky good matchup in North Central Indiana.
Strike First, Strike Fast
Steve Moriarty was honest this week about his teams historically not getting out to quick starts but that hasn’t been the case this season. The Vikings have dominated the early part of games in particular in the last two weeks.
Two weeks ago it was Landon Durkes who secured a pick-6 to give the Vikings an early lead against Twin Lakes. Last week it was a spectacular first half from Nate Parker who finished the game with 5 scores.
In whatever way possible offense, defense, and special teams Valley must move with urgency and be the first to strike just like the prior 4 weeks.
Make Every Possession Matter
Valley has been so special this season making every possession matter. Continue that trend this week and they should be (5-0). It seems so silly to say make every possession count but it’s how Valley has been playing this season. If you wanted a great example of what that means just roll back the tape from last weeks game. Death Valley dominated every possession of the game.
They took care of the football and executed at every level. Valley has taken pride when they have the football and when they don’t have it, they look to take the ball away.
So far this season it has been fun to watch the Vikings go to battle each Friday night and I expect that to be reflected tonight.
Tune In Info
You can listen to the Vikings on 107.3 WRSW at 6:30 pm. Listen along with Baylen Hite, Micah Lukens, and the legendary Rita Price.