Leipsic’s Estevan Carillo looks to follow the block of teammate Jayce Brecht (3) on Bluffton’s Quinn Eachus (9) during a 2022 game at Leipsic.
Jose Nogueras | The Lima News
LEIPSIC — The Leipsic Vikings are hoping to rebound from a 4-6 2022 season which saw the Vikings finish the season in fifth place in the Northwest Conference and out of the playoffs for the first time since 2008.
The Vikings have been highly competitive with a rich history of success. They are eager to return to winning ways in the new season. Head coach Joe Kirkendall will be leading the Vikings for his 14th campaign.
“After an injury-plagued 2022, we’re looking for a fresh start. We played a large number of underclassmen last year due to injuries, so we have a great deal of experience coming back.”
Running a pro-offense and a 4-3 defense, the Vikings will return 5 of 6 starters from tackle to tight end which should bode well for the Vikings in 2023.
Last year’s quarterback Quin Schroeder will move to a wide receiver position. The quarterback spot will be manned by both junior Tommy Offenbacher and junior Ty Lammers. Senior Estevan Carrillo will return as the starting running back. Ethan Zeisloft, first team Northwest Conference offensive lineman will return playing both sides of the ball as guard on offense and at defensive tackle.
The team is motivated by the fact they were the first team in years not to make the playoffs.
“That’s kind of motivated them in the offseason which has been tremendous and through practices right now,” Kirkendall said. “We got to get back on track of winning the first game. It’s going to be great for our young guys to get that first taste against a school like that and see if we can start to get some momentum.”
The Vikings play their first three games at home. Opening against the Lake Flyers. The second week against the Pandora-Gilboa Rockets, and the third week, the first Northwest Conference game, against the defending champion the Allen East Mustangs.
With a number of players with some game experience leading the way, the Leipsic Vikings have the potential to achieve success in the upcoming season.
More high school football previews
TEAM PROFILE
Coach: Joe Kirkendall (14th season)
Division: VII
Last year’s record: 4-6 (3-4 NWC)
Tickets: Available at the gate
Returning 2022 letter winners: Yani Giron (Sr., WR), Jayce Brecht (Jr., WR), Quin Schroeder (Sr., WR/DB), Tavis Bejarano (Jr., WR/CB), Estevan Carrillo (Sr., RB/LB), Tommy Offenbacher (Jr., QB/DB), Ty Lammers (Jr., QB/DB), Trent Siefker (Sr., WR), Jake Scheckelhoff (Sr., TE), Mason Rader (Sr., RB/DE), Mike Jimenez (Sr., LB), Ethan Zeisloft (Sr., OG/DT), Quinn Westhoven (Jr., OT/DE), Jesus Guerrero (Jr., NG) Lyzea Berg (Jr., OT/DE), Jose Garcia (Jr., OG)
Promising newcomers: Donovan Cunningham (Jr., C), Deon Baldazzo (Sr., LB), Jackson Spitnale (Soph., LB), Tyler Walther (Jr., K), Clark Schroeder (Jr., DB)
2023 schedule
(Kickoffs scheduled for 7 p.m.; subject to change)
Aug. 18 — at Lake High School
Aug. 25 — Van Buren
Sept. 1 — Pandora-Gilboa
Sept. 8 — Allen East
Sept. 15 — at Ada
Sept. 22 — at Spencerville
Sept. 29 — Columbus Grove
Oct. 6 — at Bluffton
Oct. 13 — Delphos Jefferson
Oct. 20 — at Crestview
