September 7, 2017
DVC Football: Locked in for 2017 Home Opener
With a big loss in their season opener against American River College, the Vikings have been hard at work this week preparing for their home match up against Chabot College on September 8th. Last year the Vikings came away with the win 28-14 against Chabot. Head coach Darr addressed the issues the team faced in their season opener saying, "there are a lot of freshman on the team, and with that comes them not knowing the speed of the game and them adjusting to it". When asked what the mood has been like this week in the locker room he went on to explain, "the guys that came into the game believing they had it are a little more focused and locked in".
Vikings running back, Kendall McNeil, explained his thoughts on his performance saying, "It was pretty positive, I stuck to the game plan and played until there was no time left". McNeil, a freshman from Tacoma, Washington, also went into detail of what he feels he can add to the team moving forward into the season, "I can improve more by being a vocal leader and by keeping the guys uplifted and encouraged. I'm a pretty quiet guy, but I could have been more vocal and will be moving forward".
With last week's game being very fast paced and physical explained by coach Darr, a few members of the team will be out due to injury this week including, Vikings offensive lineman, Leonard Castro and corner, Armani Dickerson. Along with the two, are a few more players that are little banged up but are expected to play in Friday night's game.
Key points that coach Darr highlighted as important to be successful against Chabot this week included, tackling better, continuing to minimize turn overs, taking care of the ball and over all execution. Vikings, McNeil, lastly stated what he is looking forward to in this week's matchup and for the rest of the season by saying, "I am ready for the chance to bounce back, and being able to take initiative and grind out with the guys I have been training with before the season started and to take our team to another level".
--Alaina Limbrick | DVC Sports Reporter |
