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By Cynthia Scott
North Branchís football season came to an end at the hands of the Spring Lake Park Panthers, who downed the Vikes 42-21 in the first round of postseason play on Oct. 25.
The Vikings committed five turnovers in a game that exemplified their season: an inexperienced, turnover-prone squad up against tough competition from metro area teams. That formula produced a 3-6 record. But perhaps more important, Coach Joel Swanson hopes it also produced an invaluable lesson for his young team.
ìNo doubt the competition was significantly stronger. We used to play schools that graduated 100 kids. Now we play schools that graduate 500 kids. You hope this is a lesson to your kids that they have to work harder in the offseason if they want to get better,î Swanson said.
This was the Vikingsí first season in the tough North Suburban Conference, which boasted three state-ranked teams.
Swanson said that inexperience and turnovers defined the season.
ìWe just couldnít seem to put it together on a consistent basis. We did not have many starters coming back from the year before.
Alot of times youíd have 9 kids out of 11 doing their job and that leads to mistakes here and there.î
But Swanson said he saw tremendous growth among his players as the season progressed. And, just as important, he said, ìOur kids never quit. They played hard throughout.î
Swanson thanked fans who supported the team throughout the season, and he wished the winter sports teams and activities the best of luck as their season approaches.
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