With 3-0 record, Vikings are optimistic about facing Valencia

Chase WohrleStaff WriterDespite the fact that this was their first time seeing the Canyon Comanches, the Samo Vikings emerged from the game without allowing a single point, shutting out Canyon 42-0.With a generous lead half-way,  coach Travis Clark exercised  the program’s depth, keeping the rotation supplied with juniors, sophomores, and even a freshman, quarterback Nico Basile.“We had a couple of young quarterbacks get on the field. They didn’t turn the ball over and they controlled the offense,” Clark said. “Obviously I don’t want to put too much on their play, but they did a great job.”With a 3-0 record, the team hopes that momentum will help them against Friday’s opponent, the Valencia Vikings. The purple and gold Vikings have dominated Samo for the last 2 years.“They are a great program, we already understand that. We already know what we’re going  up there to face,” Clark said. “We’re going to take this momentum of being 3-0, and we’re going to try and move forward, staying positive.”Staying positive may be more difficult for senior offensive tackle and defensive end, Chad Wheeler, who sat out this game due to a wrist injury.“It’s just a sprain,” Wheeler said. “It’s healing right now. I’ve got to go get it checked out.”Wheeler, who recently withdrew his verbal commitment to ASU and gave it to USC, doesn’t know how long he will be out. The other linemen aim to continue their successful season despite losing starters on both sides of the ball.“We’re just keeping our fingers crossed and hoping he’s available,” Clark said. “I think the offensive line rallied around his injury, they set the tone early. Those boys really took that personally. They’re improving every week, and that’s a positive sign.”Linemen coach Chris Collins agrees with Clark, praising the work of the line.“We’ve got to regulate the whole game, and they did a great job of doing that” Collins said. “Offensively and defensively they did exactly what they needed to do, and dominated.”Dating back to the 2009-2010 season, Valencia, currently with a 1-2 record, has been a powerhouse, remaining undefeated until at least their third game, but this year, they did not get their first win until their third game. And that has Samo cautiously optimistic as they prepare for Friday’s game.“I do believe that we are closer to their program now,” Collins said.cwohrle@thesamohi.com