With the summer heat bearing down, the Northern Lebanon Vikings Football program is gearing up for an exciting and promising 2023 season. In an exclusive interview with head coach Jason Rice, he shared insights about the team’s short training camp, their strengths, areas for improvement, and the overall atmosphere surrounding the upcoming campaign.
The Spring Football Training Camp, held at the end of the school year, serves as a crucial stepping stone for the team. Coach Rice explained that the camp provides an opportunity for the whole team to regroup and prepare for the summer, which is the most intense training period. It allows returning players to refresh their knowledge while introducing new players and incoming freshmen to the team’s offensive and defensive strategies. The camp also helps build a solid foundation for the competitions scheduled throughout the summer, ensuring that the players are well-prepared when it’s time to take the field.
When asked about his expectations for the upcoming season, Coach Rice expressed his enthusiasm for the team’s progress. He acknowledged that working with new players and freshmen entails a learning curve, with potential mistakes and errors. However, he highlighted the team’s dedication to growth and development. The players demonstrate a hunger for improvement by asking questions and actively seeking solutions to their mistakes. In contrast, the returning players exhibit a high level of proficiency, seamlessly executing the team’s strategies with precision and cohesion. Coach Rice’s confidence in the team’s ability to perform at a high level is palpable, setting the stage for an exciting season ahead.
Official practice for the Northern Lebanon Vikings will commence on August 7th. The team will undergo two-a-day practices on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, while Tuesdays and Thursdays will be dedicated to evening practice sessions. These intense practice schedules will undoubtedly refine the players’ skills, strengthen their endurance, and forge a tight-knit bond within the team.
The Vikings’ leadership and experience emerge as their greatest strengths. With nine returning players who have seen action on both sides of the football, the team possesses a wealth of knowledge and a core group of leaders. The senior and junior classes, groomed under the current coaching staff’s guidance over the past couple of years, have emerged as natural leaders, driving the team’s success both on and off the field. Their influence extends to the weight room and practice sessions, where their guidance sets the tone for the entire program.
Nevertheless, Coach Rice recognizes the need for growth in terms of depth. To continue building a successful program, the Vikings aim to increase their roster numbers and develop a strong depth chart. The goal is to cultivate a pool of talented players who are ready to step up when needed. A full junior varsity schedule is planned for this year, allowing these young athletes to gain invaluable experience and learn from both successes and failures. This strategy will ensure that the Vikings are well-prepared to overcome any challenges that come their way.
In closing, Coach Rice expressed his pride in the team’s work ethic and determination. He emphasized that the players’ character shines not only on the field but also in their daily lives and interactions within the Northern Lebanon community. The coaching staff is thrilled with the dedication displayed by this group of young men and hopes that the community shares their excitement for the upcoming 2023 Football Season.
The Northern Lebanon Vikings are ready to dominate the gridiron, and with their unwavering focus, determination, and strong leadership, they are poised to leave an indelible mark on the field this year. So, let the countdown begin, and let the Vikings’ roar echo through Northern Lebanon!
Go Vikings!
