Big 12 Update: Vikings to Semis

The Danville Vikings are celebrating yet another come from behind victory this weekend with Royal Donut eclairs. With yesterday's quarterfinal win over Lemont, this year's undefeated edition of the Vikings tied their school record for wins with twelve. The last time Danville saw twelve wins was 1976, when they finished runner-up in the state playoffs. Last week, the Vikings overcame a ten point deficit in the second half to beat Oak Lawn Richards. This Saturday, they needed to comeback from fourteen points down, but they rallied together with 4,000 fans cheering them on to advance to the semifinals. Danville won the game 18-14 with strong defensive stands in each of the last six Lemont possessions. I suspect the Viking defense will have to show up during both halves the next two weeks in order for this squad to become the winningest Danville football team in history. Next up is the Chicago Catholic League champion New Lenox Providence. Bloomington High School faced these guys in the state championship game about six years ago, and I was extremely impressed by their discipline and organization. I am sure the coaching staff up there continues to drill into their athletes the same values and knowledge as before. The NLPC Celtics destroyed Crete-Monee, who beat Normal Community, in the quarterfinals 44-14. But Danville's players have shown great maturity in their patience and perseverance. They will adjust to these last teams they'll face. They will need to score more points than in their other playoff games. However, I believe this Vikings team's desire and will is stronger than a traditional private school powerhouse. The Vikings need to give these preppies a taste of what Danville is like. Rough'em up, Vikings, and carry the Big 12 to another state final.