Conference: Catholic League White
Head coach: Pat Swanson
2025 record: 8-5 (Lost 50-7 to East St. Louis in the Class 6A semifinals)
2026 outlook:
Senior linebacker Sean Rice, an Illinois commit, is back to lead the Vikings’ defense after piling up 123 tackles, nine tackles for loss and four interceptions for last year’s Class 6A semifinalist. He’ll also line up at tight end on offense.
“He’s grabbed guys and brought them up to his level,” second-year coach Pat Swanson said. “And there’s a lot of kids in the senior class that I’m excited for because they tasted success last year.”
Also back on defense are senior safeties Evan Malone and Tony Cruz, junior linebackers Jaylen King and Luke Cavazos, senior linebacker/lineman David Campbell and junior lineman Andrew Sell.
The top returners on offense include senior lineman Edgar Villanueva, junior quarterback Noah Taylor, junior lineman Ruan Cronin, senior receiver Jake Edlund and junior running back Keynan Morgan.
Besides the experience, Swanson likes his team’s improved depth, which he credits to the emergence of a talented junior class.