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New season, new team, new progression.
The Mount Horeb-Barneveld football team welcomed some new faces in new roles to practice earlier this season and they passed their first test Friday.
The Vikings spotted Monroe a 6-0 lead then steadily rolled to a 34-6 decision in their season opener. Head coach Travis Rohrer feels is was a step in the right direction.
"I thought overall we took a step forward from the scrimmage and looked like a better football team," Rohrer said about the opening night win.
Midway through the first quarter Monroe took advantage of the short field and capitalized on a 23 yard scamper by junior back Cody Wolf. The Cheesemakers took advantage of a Viking turnover to eventually create the score.
But that ended up to be about all Monroe could muster all night.
Rohrer credited the Vikings defense with limiting the Cheesemakers' effectiveness.
"Other than giving up a score on a short field after the turnover, our defense had their eyes in the right place all night and did an excellent job swarming to the football," he said. "Our seniors on defense, led by example the entire night ... playing fast and physical."
Senior wide receiver Isaiah Lesure took a pass from sophomore quarterback Max Meylor and tied the score 12 seconds later. The Vikings took the lead on an extra point boot by Tristan Recknor.
With 17 ticks left in the quarter MHB moved the score to13-6 ona nine yard run by junior Justin Gorman,
A Meylor to Nathaniel Osterloo three yard pass play and a Recknor kick gave the Vikings a 20-6 halftime lead.
A 14 point third quarter shoved the lead to 34-6. Junior running back Wyatt Thompson exploded on a 63 yard run at 6:27 and three minutes later added a 10 yard scamper for the touchdowns. Recknor hit both extra points.
Even with the five touchdowns and four extra points Rohrer feels the Vikings can still do some fine-tuning.
"Offensively, we have to do a better job taking care of the football, but I was pleased with our improved offensive line play and the way both our quarterbacks responded after having some early adversity, Rohrer said.
He added that Wyatt Thompson and Jacob Conrad both ran extremely well for their first varsity start.
Rohrer indicated a turning point came when the Vikings answered Monroe's score so quickly.
"Monroe had just scored and had all the momentum," Rohrer said. "We were kind of on our heels at that point and our staff knew felt like we needed a quick score to settle us down. Coach Halverson, our offensive coordinator, dialed up a WR screen our offense executed it to perfection."
The Vikings had an 18-4 difference in first downs and a distinct edge in offensive statistics.
They clicked on six of 10 passes for 103 yards and churned out 231 yards on the ground to Monroe's 112. Monroe did not complete a pass in 10 attempts.
Next up is Oregon.
"We need to have an even better week of practice," Rohrer said. " The keys will be to take away the explosive play. Oregon is filled with speed at the skill positions. Offensively we have to focus on taking care of the football and finishing our drives in the red zone."