Wednesday, November 14, 2007

Congratulations to VASJ's All-District players

VASJ senior LB/RB Nick Viola was named Division IV Defensive Player of the Year as well as North Coast League 1st Team All-Conference on defense. Nick's defensive contributions included a team leading 95 tackles (26 solo), 2 forced fumbles, 1 fumble recovery and a sack. On the offensive side he helped spell Toney Foster and Dan Goodrum by rushing for over 300 yards and scoring 4 touchdowns, not to mention his vicious blocking that helped Foster to a near-1,000 yard season.


VASJ's Nick Viola

Other Vikings to receive Division IV All-District honors included:
1st Team
Running back- sophomore Toney Foster, Jr.; Tight End- senior Jeff Rossman; Lineman- junior Antonio Tate; Defensive- end senior Dan Goodrum Viking kicker Scott Szczepinski received Honorable mention.

Vikings represented the North Coast Conference well too. The following Vikings were also All-Conference in the NCL.
1st Team Offense:
Rashon Caronchi (JR) OT; Rossman (SR) TE; Foster, Jr (SOPH) TB; Tate (JR) OT
1st Team Defense:
Viola (SR) LB; Goodrum (SR) DE

2nd Team Offense:

Andre Wells (JR) QB; Ken Brately (JR) OG; Darius Petraitus (SR) LB; Ra'Mone Billings (SR) SS; Szczepinski (JR) K. Senior LB John Pokorny received Honorable Mention.

We've watched these kids work very hard during the off-season and we were there to see them in action during the season. It is very special seeing them take all they have learned and watching them develop throughout the course of the season. VASJ seems to be headed in the right direction under the guidance of new Athletic Director Duane Carter and new Head Coach Matt Melle, both VASJ graduates.

Duane Carter VASJ Head Coach Matt Melle



Wells Billings Foster
Goodrum Caronchi
Rossman Brately


Szczepinski Tate

These Vikings have got all of the potential to return to the forefront of northeast Ohio high school football prominence. Something it hasn't enjoyed steadily since the 80's. They did get to the championship game in 2003 only to be shutout and since then it's been a struggle, but it appears consistency may be on the rise. A foundation of former Vikings make-up the administration and the athletic department which will hopefully mark a return to tradition and the winning atmosphere that made St. Joes/VASJ a feared opponent throughout the state of Ohio.

D1 Football is very proud of your accomplishments and is very honored to be part or have been part of your football experience. You have all represented your families, schools and your teammates with class and character. We are committed to you and to the advancement of your football experience.

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

This is a great opportunity to hit the pavement one more time before football season. Cleveland always has great stuff going on. Next month, there is a charity 3 on 3 basketball tournament. It is going to be at Turney Town Plaza in Garfield Hts at the beginning of August. It is being put on by Egoz and UZ Ballerware. It is going to be a great event. If you like basketball, you should email 3on3tournament@EgozOnline.com for more information.
If you and your friends like to play basketball, you must at least check this out. All greater Cleveland communities welcome. 3on3tournament@EgozOnline.com