Coach: Bill Brock, 12th season, 161-77
Last year: 5-5 overall, 4-3 4A SIC
Postseason: Lost 23-0 to Shelley in the state quarterfinals
Stadium: Viking Stadium, Middleton
New home: Middleton moved into its new school and impressive new stadium at the beginning of August. The Vikings, who have qualified for the state playoffs every year since 2008, would like nothing more than to host a first-round game in that new stadium.
OFFENSE
Middleton loves to run the ball in its double-wing offense. The Vikings led the 4A Southern Idaho Conference in 2010 with 272.9 rushing yards per game and did so despite amassing just 277 passing yards all season. Teams knew what to expect from the Vikings, but still couldn’t contain it. Don’t be surprised to see the Vikings run hard again in 2011, especially with the return of 17 lettermen, including starters Porter Bennett (RB), Nathan Squibb (TE), Hyder Jessup (RB), Tyson Payne (FB), Domingo Urquiaga (OL) and Luke Hildebrandt (OL).
DEFENSE
The Vikings welcome back seven starters from last year’s group that allowed 14 points per game. They return an experienced and stingy secondary that held opponents to 92.4 passing yards per game (second in 4A SIC). The defense will line up in a 4-3 scheme and — if it can stop the run — should push Middleton further into the state playoffs.
OVERVIEW
The Vikings return 17 lettermen from the 2010 team that reached the state playoffs. Excitement is growing in Middleton, where the students move into a new school, and the buzz could spill over to the football team.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Hyder Jessup
RB/LB
As a junior, Jessup tallied 229 yards on 47 carries and was the Vikings’ third-leading rusher. Now a senior and starting for the second straight year, the experienced back aims to close his career on a high note. At 6-foot and 180 pounds, he loves to run between the tackles.
Luke Hildebrandt
OL/DL
The 6-0, 215-pounder impressed coaches by working hard in the offseason. “He’s probably the strongest guy on the team and it shows,” Brock said. Hildebrandt enters his junior season with one year of starting experience under his belt, including a state playoff appearance.
Domingo Urquiaga
DL/OL
If there’s one player who embodies the spirit of Middleton football, it’s Urquiaga, according to Brock. “He’s another leader by example, understands what we’re doing and teaches the younger players,” Brock said. The 5-10, 200-pound senior had one sack and one interception in 2010.
