On the eve of one of their toughest matchups of the season, Cook County Assistant Head Coach Mike Theismann said the football team showed no signs of nerves as they prepared for their undefeated run to continue.
“I think they feel like they’re pretty prepared,” said Theismann, now in his fourth season of coaching. “They’re pretty confident and have put in a lot of work.”
The young team, led by just two seniors, had plenty of reason to feel confident. Entering their October 9 game against Northwoods, the Cook County Vikings were undefeated. Although the forfeit against Bigfork the previous week was disappointing, it only increased the team’s eagerness for the next challenge.
“We would have rather played than get a win that way,” he added. “So, our guys are pretty excited and pretty hungry to be able to play tomorrow.”
That hunger led to a 20-0 blowout against the Grizzlies, giving the Vikings a 6-0 record and building momentum for their toughest test yet: an away game on October 15 against a team that had beaten them in their last two matchups.
The coach attributes part of the team’s success this year to their dedication extending beyond the regular football season.
“We’ve had a lot of buy-in in the offseason,” said Theismann. “A lot of kids have joined the track team in the offseason, which has helped with speed and strength. A lot of guys play basketball or are on the alpine ski team in the winter.”
In addition to regular practices, summer football sessions have been well attended, and athletes from all sports have taken advantage of weightlifting classes.
“A lot of these kids have gotten into the habit of lifting, during the season as well as during other sports in the summer,” said Theismann. “That’s been a huge part of the success we’ve had this year.”
The athletes’ improved strength has helped them stay healthy and avoid major injuries throughout the season.
“They’ve really put in a lot of time in the offseason, and I think they’re seeing the fruits of that labor,” said the coach. “Football’s about being stronger and faster in every place, with every position you can.”
Strong leadership comes from the team’s two seniors, both captains and two-way starters who play on offense and defense.
Quarterback Nick Spry, who also plays safety, serves as the team’s first kicker and punter, enabling the Vikings to attempt extra points and field goals this season.
The coach praised Spry’s all-around performance this year.
“He’s had a pretty tremendous season all around,” said the coach. “I think he has six interceptions on defense. He’s done some tremendous things as a punter.”
Spry, who was recently crowned Homecoming King, joined the team as a sophomore. According to Theismann, he’s “come a long way and became a leader.”
Parker Backstrom also joined the team as a sophomore and plays defensive end, wide receiver, and occasionally tight end on offense.
Theismann said Backstrom is “really a great all-around player and one of our leaders.”
Earlier this year, in a game against Silver Bay, Backstrom scored both of the team’s touchdowns: one on a blocked punt and one on a touchdown catch.
“He’s really developed into his hands and his athletic ability through playing basketball and being on the track team,” said Theismann.
The two other team captains, both juniors, are Graham Oberholtzer, a linebacker and fullback, and McCoy Fairbanks, a wide receiver and running back.
The team is also coached by Head Coach Steven Anderson and Offensive and Defensive Line Coach Keaton Riley, who also coaches Cook County’s basketball team.
“This is our third year with all three of us on the path,” said Theismann. “We’re starting to get there. I don’t think we’re quite there yet through our whole program but getting a lot closer than when Steven Anderson took over four years ago and I joined him. We’re trying to keep pushing that and keep building the culture.”
As the playoffs approach, the coach said the team’s main focus is getting some of the younger players “on the same page.”
“We have a lot of young guys playing on the offense and defensive line right now,” said Theismann. “Sometimes with just lack of experience or fatigue or playing against older players when you’re a freshman or sophomore, you can make mental mistakes. We’re trying to clean up some of those mental mistakes and then making sure they don’t end up being physical mistakes.”
In other local football news, the Silver Bay Mariners lost to both Kelliher/Northome and Bigfork in the past couple of weeks. The Two Harbors Agates defeated Proctor during their homecoming game but fell to Pequot Lakes the following Friday on the road.
As the regular season ends, the focus turns to postseason play. Good luck to all our local teams as they take on the challenges ahead!
