WILLIAMSTOWN — The Williams Valley Vikings are set to face the Schuylkill Haven Hurricanes in the District 11 Class 2A Championship game this Friday night, aiming for their third consecutive title. The matchup marks a familiar scenario for the Vikings, who have faced the Hurricanes in the finals for the past two seasons. In both previous encounters, the Vikings rebounded from regular-season losses to secure victory in the championship, claiming back-to-back district titles.
Achieving a third straight championship would be a remarkable feat, as it has been seven years since a team last accomplished a three-peat in District 11’s Class 2A, with Schuylkill Haven winning three titles in a row from 2016 to 2018.
Vikings’ Dominant Performance This Season
The Vikings enter the finals with an impressive record of 11-1 for the season. Their dominance has been evident, with seven of their nine wins in the regular season decided by margins of 21 points or more, and six victories by at least 40 points.
After finishing the regular season at 9-1, Williams Valley began its playoff journey with a decisive 42-13 victory over Executive Education Academy Charter School. During this game, senior quarterback Brady Shomper showcased his skills by throwing for 175 yards and rushing for an additional 82 yards. Sophomore running back Fletcher Thompson also made a significant impact, contributing 162 yards on the ground and scoring twice.
In the District semifinals, the Vikings faced the Minersville Battlin’ Miners, whom they had previously defeated in a closely contested regular-season match. This time, Williams Valley dominated, racing to a 21-0 lead in the first quarter before finishing the game with a 56-35 victory. The team’s ground game was particularly effective, accumulating 415 yards on 40 carries.
Overall, the Vikings have been one of the most formidable teams in District 11, averaging 44.7 points and 434 yards per game. Their rushing attack alone has amassed over 3,300 yards and 48 touchdowns this season. Shomper has completed 79 of 123 passes for 1,712 yards and 27 touchdowns, while also rushing for 955 yards and 15 touchdowns.
Defensive Strategy Against the Hurricanes
Defensively, the Vikings excel with a strong front seven, featuring players like Trevon Bair, who has 103 tackles, along with Camron Green and Fletcher Thompson, who have 83 and 81 tackles, respectively. This defensive unit has proven effective at limiting opposing offenses, allowing less than 14 points per game this season.
As they prepare for the championship, the Vikings reflect on their earlier loss to the Hurricanes, a game where they led at halftime before succumbing to a 43-29 defeat. Coach Ben Ancheff emphasized the importance of addressing turnovers and maintaining discipline. “What went wrong for us in the first game, we turned the ball over,” Ancheff noted.
In that matchup, the Hurricanes displayed their offensive prowess, particularly through their standout running back, Colton Reber, who has accumulated 2,263 yards and 36 touchdowns this season. Reber, who took over as the lead running back after an injury to senior Niko Carestia, has averaged an impressive 261 rushing yards per game.
“He’s a dual-faceted running back,” Ancheff said, acknowledging Reber’s ability to break away for long gains while also being a strong runner. The Vikings will need to replicate their previous defensive performance against him to secure victory.
Shomper highlighted the anticipation surrounding the matchup, stating, “Everyone comes out to watch, see a great game. That is definitely a game that I’ve circled every single year.” Both teams are aware of the physicality and skill required to succeed, and the Vikings are determined to leverage their past experiences to their advantage.
As the championship approaches, the Vikings remain focused on executing their game plan. “Just keep playing our game,” Shomper explained. “We’ve been playing great the last couple of weeks. If we can take them out of their comfort zone, that’s going to be key.”
The stage is set for a thrilling contest as the Williams Valley Vikings aim to continue their championship reign against the Schuylkill Haven Hurricanes this Friday night. The outcome will not only determine the district champion but also set the tone for the upcoming state playoffs.
