Vikings look to Culver-ize

The Vikings' defense may still have some kinks to work out, but its fine in the effort department -- as shown by blitzing linebacker Darrian Woodson (20). (Chris Allen/Democrat-News) [Order this photo]

It was three years ago in a stunning upset at Evangel that the Missouri College football season began its ascent into national prominence.

After unexpectedly missing the playoffs last year, the 16th-ranked Vikings entered this season nearly as mildly as had the 2006 squad, but crushing No. 12 Baker by a 34-14 in last Saturday's opener has left some observers whomper-jawed.

"I don't know if anybody envisioned that," conceded MVC head coach Paul Troth. And he's certainly not yet considering this team on a par with the one which ran the table on the Heart of America Conference. "Watching film, we made a ton of mistakes. Baker just made more."

It wasn't a fluke, though, that Wildcats tailback Richie Bryant -- ranked 1st in run scoring and 9th in rushing yards per game in the NAIA last season -- was limited to 23 yards. After all, Bryant gained a season-low 13 yards in '08 against a Valley D which ranked among the nation's best against the run for the third straight year.

That doesn't mean Troth is satisfied.

"We had a lot of times when guys were out of position and not knowing what they were doing," he asserted. "We have to eliminate that confusion on assignment responsibilities."

Nor is Troth handing out all-American awards to his offense, although junior quarterback Chris White threw for 268 yards and three touchdowns -- two to talented junior wideout Darrell Madry -- and junior tailback Sterling Hardin debuted with 117 yards and two TDs.

"We at times executed well, at times we sputtered," Troth said. "Consistency is what we want to achieve."

If Troth appears to be whipping on his team a little, keep in mind that Saturday's opponent is one which might indulge some complacency. Culver-Stockton has lost 14 straight league contests, including 59-7 to the Vikings late last season.

Although the Wildcats (0-1, 0-1 HAAC) showed tenacious defense last week, an offense which has had to replace the quarterback and four down linemen from a unit which scored only 11.3 points a game last year committed two first-half turnovers which Central Methodist turned into touchdowns during a 20-10 loss to begin the season.

"They've got nothing to lose," Troth remarked. "Our challenge is we've got to get better each week. We don't want to take a step back."

Given that Valley (1-0, 1-0) may want to make a statement that it can play at the level which vaunted it to back-to-back NAIA semifinal appearances until last year's lapse, the Wildcats may provide an exciting opportunity.

"The end of last season was very frustrating," Troth said. "Our guys understand the importance of not overlooking people."