Last year was a learning experience for the Sto-Rox Vikings football team and its first-year head coach Brendan Blair.
Now he’s hoping some of those lessons pay off as he and his team start season No. 2.
They’ll take their first test at 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 22, at South Side Beaver.
Blair, a Sto-Rox graduate, didn’t take over the program until the spring of 2024, so he had relatively little time to put things in place the way he wanted to for last fall.
The Vikings struggled through last season, finishing 0-6 in WPIAL Class 2A Century Conference play and winless in 10 tries overall with just a tie against Carmichaels to show for their trouble.
Still, Blair said he benefited from that experience.
“I learned a lot about preparation,” he said. “We were a little behind on our timeline and our schedule for things like offseason workouts because I didn’t get hired until April.
“But we made a big deal about that this year – getting guys in for spring workouts and building team chemistry. That was something we were missing last year. We had talent – a lot of talent – last year but it was those little things like team chemistry, and our preparation was not the best. We felt like we were behind from the start.”
Blair said he sees a different picture when looking at this year’s group, going back to offseason/winter workouts and into preseason camp.
“There’s a lot of consistency we’re seeing in both our upperclassmen and underclassmen,” he said. “That’s the biggest thing I’ve noticed. They’re working hard.
“A lot of younger guys coming up are stepping into some key roles. I’m excited for their growth.”
Blair said he’s looking for leaders, and they don’t necessarily need to be upperclassmen.
“For me, it doesn’t matter what grade you’re in as a leader,” he said. “You can be a ninth grader and lead. That’s been my approach and the message I’ve been preaching: be a leader on and off the field.”
Blair said he’s hoping to have a bigger roster at his disposal than he did last year, when depth was a problem. The standout from last year’s squad was Karic Willis, a 6-foot-3, 170-pound wide receiver/defensive back who made second-team All-Century Conference.
“We’re expecting big things from him on both sides of the ball,” Blair said of the sophomore standout.
Also back from last year is Markues Johnson, a 6-3, 260-pound two-way sophomore lineman. Johnson played only a couple games last season because of a knee injury but Blair said he should be ready to play this season.
At the offensive controls for the Vikings will be freshman Dalaun Harris. Blair said the 6-1, 180-pound Harris throws the ball well and is getting more comfortable as a runner. In addition, Blair said, Harris is a natural leader, and that’s important for the quarterback position.
“He doesn’t miss anything – he’s on time and he’s a smart kid. He was the middle school quarterback last year and they won their conference.
“He’s stepping up and playing a big role for us. We’re excited for his growth.”
Blair said Harris will go through some growing pains, as the pace of the varsity game is much faster than at the middle school level.
“High school is more sped up, so you have to make your decisions quicker,” he said. “Those are things he was learning as he went through (preseason) camp. I’m sure he’ll get it. I know the type of kid he is. He’s hard-working and coachable. He’s got good character.”
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