A look inside Vikings' practice this week, in preparation for their home opener, Thursday. (Martin Martinson/battlefordsNOW Staff)

By Martin Martinson

On the gridiron

NBCHS Vikings ready for home opener

Sep 29, 2022 | 2:53 PM

The North Battleford Comprehensive High School Vikings are primed and ready to hit their home field for the first time this football season.

The Vikings are 2-1 through their first three weeks of play, coming off a dominant 59-0 win over Bedford Road last week. They are now heading into their home opener versus Saskatoon’s Marion M. Graham Falcons Thursday, in front of the local crowd.

It’s a game Grade 12 Brock Potratz said they’ve had highlighted on the schedule.

“We’re coming back home here and we’re excited,” Potratz said. “We’re looking to get another win and keep the ball rolling here.”

Potratz, who plays running back with the team, is part of the veteran core of Vikings’ seniors this year, with big hopes for the season.

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Another is Tim Blum, a wide receiver and fellow fourth-year vet with the team, who spoke to the belief of this year’s group in themselves and each other, as they hit the midway mark of their schedule.

“I hope we can win the provincial final at home this year,” Blum said, speaking to the tight-knit chemistry within the locker room as a key to the group’s success.

“It’s been amazing, we’ve really created a bond with these guys on and off the field and I know they’re just as excited as me to win that championship,” he said, flashing a smile.

Jaa Southgate – younger brother of current North Stars captain, Jake Southgate – knows full well the value of everyone playing their role with pride and contributing to the success of the team.

The Vikings’ starting slotback, Southgate said they’ll need all hands on deck down the stretch of the season to accomplish their shared goal as a group.

“You’ve just got to work hard and keep waiting for your chance to go make a big play,” he said when asked of his advice to the team’s young players.

Thursday’s game against Marion Graham is one head coach Mike Humenny said the team has been building towards through stable progression throughout the first half of the season.

“This is a team we’re very familiar with, they’re well coached and we’re expecting big things out of our guys on both sides of the ball,” Humenny said.

“We’ve got a veteran group, and we’ve done some really good things on offense and defense this year, so we’re really happy with how we’ve progressed so far.”

Kickoff Thursday will be at 6:30 p.m. at Beaver Lions Stadium, next to the ACC (Civic Centre).

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Martin.Martinson@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @MartyMartyPxP1