SUNDAY, AUGUST 20, 2017 · 25 INTERSTATE Despite roster turnover, Vikings optimistic instance, that role falls to senior Cody Vokes, a 6-foot-3, 260-pound offensive and defensive tackle and the most experienced player in the trenches. “It’s a big step for the young guys, but I believe theycan do it,” said Vokes, whosees himself next fall landingwith a Division I FCS or Division II school. “It’s pretty rough having so many new (starters), but I believe we can succeed. Every year, for the seniors, it’s their job to try and get the younger guys ready to fill their shoes.” From the players’ perspective, the coaching change has brought some minor differences, but the overall goal remains the same after back-to-back first-round playoff exits, including a loss last year to eventual WPIAL champion Beaver Falls. “There’s been a few differences, putting in some new plays, but practices have been going smoothly, and we’re working pretty hard,” Vokes said. “Honestly, I don’t think we’re even worriedabout playoffs.Themindsetwe have is winning it all. After (losing to Beaver Falls), we knowwhere the bar is at, and we knowwhatwehave todo.” Figuring out who will move the ball downfield is going to be a big task for the Vikings. The team’s leadingpasser, receiver and top two rushers from a year ago have graduated, but Fazekas believeshis offense is in capablehands. The backfield features senior running backs Cody Reese and Michael Govern inwhat will remainarun-first attack. Reese, a speedy runner and defensive back at 5-11, 165 pounds, began last season as the backup quarterback before switching positions and running for more than 600 yards. Govern, a 5-11, 210-pound middle linebacker, had his carries limited by injury last season but should see heavy reps on both sides of the ball. Handing off the ball will be 6-foot quarterback Lucas Pieszak, a junior stepping into the position held lastyear by JohnnyYester,who accounted for 22 touchdowns (19passing) and threw for nearly 1,500 yards. “Wereallydid graduateapileof players, sowe’re counting on those guys to fill in the gaps,” Fazekas said. “I’d say in recent years, theremight have been one other year where we graduated so many guys, but we take pride in practicing our JV kids asmuch as our varsity guys. When you combine the success we’ve had with those JV reps, they should be prepared.” But even with his confidence intheir preparation, Fazekas admitted starting for the first time on a Friday night is much different from reps with the JV team. That leaves some uncertainty in terms of what to expect in the nonconference season opener, Aug. 25 at Laurel Highlands, but the newcoach expects his new starters to get up to speed quickly. “I don’t knowif Ihaveagoodanswer for (the expectations). I’m going to make us get focused on getting good at what we do and let the first game take careof itself,”Fazekas said. “Our conference is going to be competitive, top to bottom, but if we take care of ourselves, we’ll be able to compete in every one of those games.” Matt Grubba is a Tribune-Reviewstaff writer. Reach him at mgrubba@tribweb.comor via Twitter@Grubba_Trib. FROM · 24 Lucas Pieszak (right) GEAR UP FOR AN ADVENTURE adno=6X3-FIL-1 Perfect Industrial Cleaning Tackling the TOUGH Cleaning Jobs! Promotional space provided by Trib Total Media. adno=6493002 Exterior Pressure Washing • Siding, Vinyl, Aluminum, Wood, Brick, Stone • Decks, Sidewalks, Driveways, Patios Have a • Ivy and Mold Removal • Soffit, Fascia & Gutters • Painting Preparation 724-523-4300 Since 1978 • Free Estimates • Fully Insured Great Season Alex! GO VIKINGS adno=6491898 FULL MENU AVAILABLE...check out some of our daily specials BURGER & FRIES $7.75 AND WHOLE JUMBO WINGS 5FOR $5.50 $8.50 PLUS TAX SUBS INCLUDES FRIES $7.99 Choose from: Meatball Sub, BBQ Chicken Sub, Ham & Swiss Sub, Western Roast Beef Sub, Italian Sub or Grilled Cajun Chicken Sub 202 N. Diamond St. Mt. Pleasant, PA 15666 724-547-2006 # 1BAR & LUNCH IN MT. PLEASANT www.leospub.com SERVED WITH POTATO, VEGETABLE AND TOSSED SALAD MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY 3PM–9PM LUNCH BUFFET $9.25 11AM TO 2PM ONLY PLUS TAX AND ALL YOU CAN EAT SPAGHETTI $5.99 INCLUDES: MEATBALLS, SIDE SALAD PLUS TAX & GARLIC TOAST AFTER 3PM OR 10FOR EVERY FRIDAY ALL DAY LONG SATURDAY 3PM - 9PM ALL YOU CAN EAT FRIED FISH DINNER $12.95 SERVED WITH FRIES AND SLAW FRIED FISH HOAGIE $8.75 SERVED WITH FRIES SHRIMP BASKET $6.95 SERVED WITH FRIES AND SLAW CLAM STRIP BASKET $7.95 SERVED WITH FRIES PLUS TAX PLUS TAX PLUS TAX PRIME RIB QUEEN CUT $17.99 PLUS TAX 12 OZ. KING CUT $16 OZ. 20.99 PLUS TAX SERVED WITH YOUR CHOICE OF TWO SIDES STEAK NIGHT $17.99 CHAR-GRILLED TO ORDER 14 oz. N.Y. Strip, 14 oz. Prime Rib, 14 oz. Delmonico PLUS TAX $1.00 EXTRA FOR BLEU CHEESE PLUS TAX PLUS TAX PLUS TAX
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