Jim Arellanes looking to lead the Vikes back in 2010
Northview was in an unusual place last year – a place that Coach Jim Arellanes doesn’t like to be. After going a combined 16-7 the previous two years and consecutive playoff appearances the Vikings went 1-9 in 2009 and 0-5 in the Valle Vista.
A core group of players including leaders like Oscar Robles, Andrew Rodriguez and Lionel Acosta graduated after taking the Vikes to an undefeated league championship run and into the second round of the 2008 playoffs where they fell to eventual CIF champion Paraclete.
The cupboard was a little bare and the players that did suit up were young. Of the 38 players on Arellanes’ roster only 10 were seniors. Injuries hit the Vikes early and the North season went south quickly. With a young team you’re always going to take some lumps but the hope is that they’ll come around.
“Yeah, we have lot of guys coming back- from a 1-9 team,” Arellanes joked. “But yes we have been working hard in the weight room and on the field.”
Skill position players such as quarterback Martin Arredondo, running backs Josh Orona and Marquise Thomas should provide a spark on offense. Gabriel Guerrero and Kyle Spears will help to shore up the defense.
Northview will be looking at a different league schedule of six games next year with Ganesha leaving the Valle Vista and Nogales and Wilson joining.
Arellanes is 21-22 overall in four years at Northview with a league title and a share of another and two playoff appearances. He is 1-2 in the post season.
Player to keep an eye on: Senior (in September) wide receiver/ defensive back Marcus Ellis. “He’s working hard and running good routes. He’s catching everything thrown at him,” Arellanes said.
Leave a Reply