Hey All,
I am the play by play affiliate for PCTV for the Valparaiso Vikings. Their strengths are definitely with #27 Burbee and #13 Osorio as they are big key components. If you were to watch the Merrillville vs Valparaiso game, it showed a lot of struggles that occurred in that game. The Michigan City vs Valpo game was not a good one to watch because I talked to Coach Marshall briefly and he had it as a big running game. When you also look at Valparaiso's offense the quarterback CJ Opperman has begun to get tremendous all season long from the start showing impressive numbers from his last year's average. The offensive line is tough and are mostly seniors and open up big gaps for the run game led by #27 Burbee, #21 Vinyard, and #26 Tomczak who are what I call 'the big 3' and are the big portion of the Valpo offense. You also have to look to the Valpo defense which allows half the average other high school teams in terms of yards allowed and are doing great with their younger defensive secondary. The only team that the secondary has had trouble with would be Merrillville and Valpo runs a 4 linebacker defense with the two outside linebackers usually pushing back for secondary coverage if you watch game footage. The defensive line has been unstoppable so far all season not allowing other teams who are rush heavy to even have a chance at that backfield. Some things the Vikings do are plays that don't involve much movement at all and it will be tough to go against a team who has as much fun as they do. They haven't played a big competitor yet, but get ready because this game will be their first real matchup. I have studied FW Dwenger and they do show impressive numbers in the running game, but with the routes their receivers run, it will be tough to do anything against that Valpo secondary. Thanks all!
Zachary Collins
PCTV Sports
Valparaiso University 23'
