The long-awaited football season is finally here, as the Long Beach City College Vikings kick off the regular season tomorrow at Grossmont College at 3 p.m.
The off-season consisted of numerous drills and conditioning for the Vikings, but Aug. 29 marked the first time the Vikings went up against another colored jersey as they scrimmaged with Santa Ana’s team.
During the scrimmage LBCC’s defensive tackle Demetrise Williams acquired two severe injuries of a dislocated ankle and a broken leg.
With these injuries Williams will be out for the entire season.
The Vikings had a rough season last year due to the amount of injuries that players faced, along with some chemistry issues.
This season the chemistry seems to be getting better as they head into week one.
“We feel like we are more together this year than previous seasons,” linebacker Pierre Hayes said.
Equipped with newfound chemistry between the coaches and players a new team motto has emerged: “play together, stay together.”
Head coach Brett Peabody ensures a revitalized Viking team this season than last year’s 4-6 record team.
Peabody finds that when he has confidence in his team it is one of the key aspects to getting them back to their winning ways.
Defensive back Derrick Williams has seen a major improvement in the team this year.
“I can tell the team has a whole different mentality and bond from last season and that has a lot to do with a team,” Williams said.
During the off season the Vikings prepared mentally by studying their upcoming opponents.
“We didn’t have much knowledge from the teams last season, but this off-season we did our film study and prepared ourselves.”
Vikings will have their home opener against Mt. San Antonio on Sept. 14th at Veteran Stadiums at 6 p.m.