In the article below, I interviewed reliable sources such as members of the Bigfork Vikings Football Team and the Head Coach. In writing an article, it is important to include relevant sources that support the topic and knowledge of the article. Using primary sources causes a piece to become a truthful and go-to secondary source.
One Last Valhalla
BY AHNA FOX
|
|
The 2018 Viking football team used their talent, teamwork, drive, and grit to achieve the season finish last accomplished in 2014, the football team which contained a number of the same players who won Bigfork the class B football state championship in 2010. The rewarding season this years varsity football team strived for finalized in a semi-final playoff finish.
The tragic end to the Vikings season played out on the Fairfield High School football field with 20 mile-per-hour winds and temperatures below freezing. Although a loss was taken away from that football field, countless memories were created by the near undefeated season.These memories held the team’s place in the minds and hearts of parents, community members, and students.
For the past 21 years, Todd Emslie has been the head coach of the Bigfork football team. Emslie was an athlete throughout his high school years at Waukesha North and went on to attend the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point where he competed in college football. Under the leadership of Emslie, Viking football has produced numerous players that have went on to play football at the collegiate level. Describing his 2018 football team, Emslie said, “the seniors have been playing together a long time and portray great leadership.”
Talent has always been evident within many players on the team, but was especially proven this year when players accepted a total of 17 individual awards. Seniors Anders Epperly, Randy Stultz, and Logan Gilliard each received an All-State title. First Team All-Conference recognition was given to seniors Luke Taylor, Brady Thorness, and sophomore Luke Benson. Second Team All-Conference was awarded to seniors Brody Lamar and Luke Schmit.
Cornerback and wide receiver for the Vikings, senior Clayton Reichenbach explains how many of his teammates, including himself, have been playing with each other since middle school and even years before. “I want to thank my teammates for pushing me everyday to get better. Football has impacted my life to where I never wish it was over and if I were Freshman year, I would have said I just want football to be over so basketball can start,” said Reichenbach.
Logan Taylor, a BHS alumnus and previous Viking, was a major role model for Thorness, a senior tight and defensive end for the 2018 team. Thorness said, “I always looked up to Logan Taylor because he played the same positions as me and was a great influence.” Thorness also expresses how his football career has taught him how to work hard for what you aspire to be. “It was a great ride and I am thankful for everyone of my teammates. There isn't any other group of seniors I would have wanted to do this with.”
All-State running back Stultz said, “football taught me many life lessons and helped me grow as an athlete. I also developed some of the greatest friendships and a brotherhood from playing football. This group was extremely close; we have been through a lot together.”
Gilliard, another All-State athlete who plays as a middle linebacker and center, stated, “we had a good year because everyone did their job and we played for each other; everyone had each other’s backs.”
The Vikings finished their season with a home game record of 4-1 and the region record of 5-1, ranking 5th out of all Montana class B football teams.
With the passing of another season, yet another group of seniors graduate. Leaving their mark on the Bigfork High School football program impacting underclassmen and becoming role models are just some of the many legacies these boys will leave behind. Whether the season be finished with great success or disappointing upsets, Viking football will always be the team of the Friday night lights to the Bigfork community. These lights, which shine upon the field overlooking Flathead Lake are undeniably the most stunning view from any football field in the state of Montana. Past graduates, Viking alumni, parents, students, and fans gather those Friday nights simply for a football game. Not just any football game; a football game on the field of the Vikings. A game which compares to no other, Hoorah.
Season Review
24 August vs. Manhattan
Final Score: 27-14
31 August vs. Anaconda
Final Score: 51-0
7 September vs. Florence-Carlton
Final Score: 44-15
14 September vs. Lincoln County
Final Score: 37-0
21 September vs. Thompson Falls
Final Score: 43-0
5 October vs. Broadwater - Townsend
Final Score: 21-14
12 October vs. Loyola
Final Score: 21-26
19 October vs. Powell County
Final Score: 41-14
27 October vs. Broadwater - Townsend
(First Round Playoffs)
Final Score: 47-13
3 November vs. Roundup
(Quarter-Final Playoffs)
Final Score: 43-18
10 November vs. Fairfield
(Semi-Final Playoffs)
Final Score: 14-48
The tragic end to the Vikings season played out on the Fairfield High School football field with 20 mile-per-hour winds and temperatures below freezing. Although a loss was taken away from that football field, countless memories were created by the near undefeated season.These memories held the team’s place in the minds and hearts of parents, community members, and students.
For the past 21 years, Todd Emslie has been the head coach of the Bigfork football team. Emslie was an athlete throughout his high school years at Waukesha North and went on to attend the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point where he competed in college football. Under the leadership of Emslie, Viking football has produced numerous players that have went on to play football at the collegiate level. Describing his 2018 football team, Emslie said, “the seniors have been playing together a long time and portray great leadership.”
Talent has always been evident within many players on the team, but was especially proven this year when players accepted a total of 17 individual awards. Seniors Anders Epperly, Randy Stultz, and Logan Gilliard each received an All-State title. First Team All-Conference recognition was given to seniors Luke Taylor, Brady Thorness, and sophomore Luke Benson. Second Team All-Conference was awarded to seniors Brody Lamar and Luke Schmit.
Cornerback and wide receiver for the Vikings, senior Clayton Reichenbach explains how many of his teammates, including himself, have been playing with each other since middle school and even years before. “I want to thank my teammates for pushing me everyday to get better. Football has impacted my life to where I never wish it was over and if I were Freshman year, I would have said I just want football to be over so basketball can start,” said Reichenbach.
Logan Taylor, a BHS alumnus and previous Viking, was a major role model for Thorness, a senior tight and defensive end for the 2018 team. Thorness said, “I always looked up to Logan Taylor because he played the same positions as me and was a great influence.” Thorness also expresses how his football career has taught him how to work hard for what you aspire to be. “It was a great ride and I am thankful for everyone of my teammates. There isn't any other group of seniors I would have wanted to do this with.”
All-State running back Stultz said, “football taught me many life lessons and helped me grow as an athlete. I also developed some of the greatest friendships and a brotherhood from playing football. This group was extremely close; we have been through a lot together.”
Gilliard, another All-State athlete who plays as a middle linebacker and center, stated, “we had a good year because everyone did their job and we played for each other; everyone had each other’s backs.”
The Vikings finished their season with a home game record of 4-1 and the region record of 5-1, ranking 5th out of all Montana class B football teams.
With the passing of another season, yet another group of seniors graduate. Leaving their mark on the Bigfork High School football program impacting underclassmen and becoming role models are just some of the many legacies these boys will leave behind. Whether the season be finished with great success or disappointing upsets, Viking football will always be the team of the Friday night lights to the Bigfork community. These lights, which shine upon the field overlooking Flathead Lake are undeniably the most stunning view from any football field in the state of Montana. Past graduates, Viking alumni, parents, students, and fans gather those Friday nights simply for a football game. Not just any football game; a football game on the field of the Vikings. A game which compares to no other, Hoorah.
Season Review
24 August vs. Manhattan
Final Score: 27-14
31 August vs. Anaconda
Final Score: 51-0
7 September vs. Florence-Carlton
Final Score: 44-15
14 September vs. Lincoln County
Final Score: 37-0
21 September vs. Thompson Falls
Final Score: 43-0
5 October vs. Broadwater - Townsend
Final Score: 21-14
12 October vs. Loyola
Final Score: 21-26
19 October vs. Powell County
Final Score: 41-14
27 October vs. Broadwater - Townsend
(First Round Playoffs)
Final Score: 47-13
3 November vs. Roundup
(Quarter-Final Playoffs)
Final Score: 43-18
10 November vs. Fairfield
(Semi-Final Playoffs)
Final Score: 14-48
In the videos below, I used content related to the title of these news segments to further the value of the information interpreted by the viewer. I was the photographer, videographer, and producer of these segments.
|
|
|