Dundee made improvements last season, but still missed out on the playoffs at 5-4. Kyle McElvany will look to finally get over the hump in year five, with help from some proven players returning. Six starters are back on offense, and five return on defense.
Coaching Staff: Kyle McElvany (head coach, 5th season)
Assistants: Tom Oestrike, Spencer Eagle, Darrell Eaton, Bryan Hammond, Bill Koczman, Clay Pelham, Tyler Mayo
Offense: The Vikings will run primarily out of the full house T, but showed that they can be diverse. Senior Matt Vann returns at QB after passing for ten TDs last season. Senior RB Luke Williams will look to build off of a breakout junior campaign, where he registered 653 rushing yards and six TDs. Williams also caught 14 passes for for 378 yards and four scores last season as well. Senior Blaze McBee returns at RB, while junior Stoney Buell will look to be featured more. Junior Ty Schroeder moves to TE to replace leading receiver Carter Scott. Senior center Ethan Abbott and senior guard Jon Helmstadter return to anchor the offensive line.
Junior Isaac Wylie could push for time at RB, while seniors Chris Elmes and Caleb Comstock, as well as junior Nic Bellaire will be names to watch on the offensive line. Junior Hunter Carlson will look to compliment Schroeder at TE.
Defense: A unit that was one of the most improved in the LCAA allowed 16.1 points per game last season. However, there are some big names to replace. Buell will get the task of replacing leading tackler Cal McAvoy at MLB, while Comstock will have to replace Austin Schultz on the interior of the line. Abbot, Elmes, and Helmstadter will all see action on the line, while Schroeder returns at LB. Senior Kyle Ott (safety) and McBee (CB) will anchor the secondary. Sophomore CB Carson Irwin as well as LBs Wylie and Carlson could push for time at their respective positions.
Coach’s Outlook: We expect the LCAA to be tough every week. We consider Hillsdale & Blissfield as the favorites but you can’t count out Ida, Hudson, or Columbia Central. Onsted is always big & physical and Mason will be talented as well. Our opening game will be a challenge as well as Summit Academy returns 20 of 22 starters from a team that finished 5-4 last season. Staying healthy and just having the best practice we can each day is our goal.
FNV Outlook: We have all wondered when Dundee will make a leap. Two losses last year came in the final minutes, and were by a combined 11 points. The Vikings will get all four LCAA teams that qualified for the playoffs last season at home. Both non-conference games are winnable, and the rest of the road slate isn’t overly daunting (outside of a trip to Hudson). The talent and experience is there to take a step forward.
Frank’s Pick: 6-3
Gary’s Pick: 6-3
Chris’ Pick: 4-5
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I know Coach McElvany being another Jack Giarmo disciple is always going to want to run the football but in my opinion if Dundee wants to get over the hump, they have to be able to throw the ball more. Last year was different with Carter Scott being a weapon for them at receiver but he’s graduated so someone else has to fill that role. The LCAA is a run dominant league and defenses are built to stop the run. Dundee never has big kids so they need to be able to move the ball through the air instead of trying to ground and pound it every play. With that said, The 3 key games on the Vikings schedule are Hudson, Ida, and Columbia Central. Will this be the year that Dundee finally breaks the hex that Ida has over them?? Another team that can’t be over looked is Summit Academy which according to those in the know, are much tougher than people think. If they are indeed returning 20 starters then Coach McElvany & Co. have their work cut out for them.
We have seen so many last minute losses the last 3 years that the Vikings are due to catch a break! Good luck boys!