The Gibraltar Vikings look to turn the page on a frustrating 2024 season when they open the season at home against Wabeno-Laona on Friday night.

 

The Vikings enter the year with a new attitude after going winless in 2024, including a 32-0 loss to the Rebels in the season finale. In that matchup, the Rebels rushed for 349 yards and four touchdowns. Head coach Mike Peck says they are focusing on putting their players in position to be successful instead of wins and losses. That will be especially important with six freshmen on the roster. Among the returning players is Giovanni Mercier, who led the team in passing and was second on the team in rushing.

 

LISTEN TO COACH PECK'S INTERVIEW

 

The Rebels finished last year with an 8-3 record, falling to Elkhart Lake-Glenbeulah 30-22 in the Level 1 Playoffs. They welcome back their two biggest offensive threats in Cooper Albrecht and Walker Winkelman. The pair was 1-2 in passing and rushing, while Winkelman was the second leading receiver as well.

 

Tim Kowols will host the call on 105.1 The GOAT at 6:45 p.m., followed by the kickoff at 7 p.m.

 

In other 8-Player Football action, Algoma rolled past NEW Lutheran 34-8 while Sevastopol dominated in its win against Wild Rose 66-8.