Viking gridders expect big things in new division

With the opening game of the 2011 football campaign just a few weeks away, at least some of the seniors on the Villa Angela-St. Joseph High football squad are expecting significant success this season

The Vikings start off with five consecutive home games, including the Saturday afternoon season opener on Aug. 27 against Our Lady of the Lake, the Michigan prep school that shares the same name as the Euclid elementary school just down the street from VASJ. The kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m.

But it is the post-season that many of the Viking gridders are anticipating with relish. As a Division 5 school last fall, VASJ failed to qualify for the yearend statewide playoffs; however, based on enrollment criteria, they’ll compete in Division 6 this year, which could improve their chances of making an impact in the playoffs.

But that’s not the only thing Coach John Storey’s squad has going for it this fall.

“We have a lot more senior leadership this year,” notes Viking co-captain Tim Harrison, a solid 5-8, 215-pound all-purpose running back and defensive linebacker. “Our goal this year is to win a state championship.”

Ryan Gallagher, the other co-captain, is also optimistic. “We’re very excited about this coming season,” says the 6-0, 170-pound wide receiver/linebacker who, like Harrison, was a Euclid Observer All-Star selection last year. “We’ve got a good group of seniors. There are 15 seniors on the team, compared to just seven a year ago.”

Gallagher was a defensive whiz as a junior, chalking up 91 tackles and four interceptions last season, earning recognition as the Vikings’ “defensive player of the year.” Harrison, a powerful runner, averaged 7.1 yards per carry last fall and slammed into the end zone for five touchdowns.

Benedictine is a new member of the North Coast League this year, but the Vikings and Bengals won’t meet on the gridiron since they are in different divisions. Benedictine is in the NCL’s Blue division, while VASJ competes in the White division.

All of the Vikings’ home games are scheduled for Euclid’s Sparky DiBiasio stadium. Three of the first five games, including the opener, will be early afternoon contests starting at 1 p.m.

[Editor’s note: place schedule in box]

VASJ VARSITY 2011 FOOTBALL SCHEDULE

Aug. 27                            Our Lady of the Lake (Mich.)         Home            1 p.m.

Sept. 3                             University School                          Home            7 p.m.

Sept. 10                           Tuscarawas Central Cath.               Home          1 p.m.

Sept. 17                           Warren JFK                                  Home          7 p.m.

Sept. 24                           Columbus Bishop Hartley               Home          1 p.m.

Oct. 1                               Cleveland Central Catholic             Away            1 p.m.

Oct. 8                               Trinity                                         Home          7 p.m.

Oct. 14                              St. Peter Chanel                          Away            7 p.m.

Oct. 22                              Holy Name                                  Away            7 p.m.

Oct. 29                              Gilmour Academy                         Away            1 p.m.

Note:  Home games at Euclid’s DiBiasio Stadium