Nine starters returning on offense could mean big year for Vikings

The Jasper Vikings’ return to Class 6A play in 2020 was a rocky ride.
Following an opening win over Mars Hill, Jasper dropped six
consecutive games and was forced to deal with injuries to key
personnel, struggling to a 3-7 finish.

Two positives emerged from the muddled 2020 campaign ­- backups and
younger players received significant playing time, and Jasper won two
of its last three contests, helping bring a sense of optimism into
2021.

Nine starters return on offense, including all five starters on the
line and team members with ample playing time, laying the foundation
for what could be one of the top offenses in the state.

“Last year we had just one starter returning on the line – we had to
break-in four new guys. Now all those guys are back and that’s
invaluable for any team,” Jasper head coach Philip Bailey said. “With
a lot of experience coming back on offense, there’s also a lot of
expectations. These guys are expected to produce and perform.”

Junior Spencer Rosenfeld returns after missing much of 2020 due to
injury. With limited playing time, Rosenfeld completed 62 of 123
passes for 965 yards, with three interceptions and seven touchdowns.

Top receiver Kevon Samuel returns after catching 23 passes for 360
yards and three touchdowns.

Jody Hester will be featured as the H-Back, while the runningback
duties will be handled by Jaden Caldwell and Treyvon Stewart.

Senior Dalton Dockins anchors the line at center, along with fellow
seniors Kaden Mormon and Jackson Blackwell.

Three-year starter Preston Reed returns to handle kicking duties, an
advantage Bailey consider vital.

“Anytime the kicking teams runs onto the field, that’s a chance for
points – whether it kicking a point-after or a field goal,” Bailiey
said. “Preston is one of the most dependable people on our team and to
have him back for the third year can’t be understated in its
importance.”

The Vikings’ home games are Mars Hill, Cullman, Demopolis and Bessemer City in
non-region play, while hosting Region 6 opponents Gardendale, Minor,
Mortimer Jordan and Pinson Valley. Road contest include region bouts with
Clay-Chalkville and Jackson-Olin.

Both Samuel and Dockins believe last year’s tough region gauntlet has helped them better prepare for the rigors of 2021.

“Going from Class 5 to 6A, the competition is so much harder, as there are so many more players who can play at the next level,” Dockins said. “To me, there’s much more talent in 6A you see every week.”

“It’s fun as I like the competition. That’s not to say it isn’t going to be hard – we know we’re going to have to work on every play,” Samuel said. “We’ve just got to go out and fight and keep the focus on our team.”

Jasper Vikings 2021 Schedule

8/20 7:00 PM
Mars Hill Bible School

8/27 7:00 PM
Cullman High School

9/3 7:00 PM
at Clay-Chalkville High School

9/17 7:00 PM
Gardendale High School

9/24 7:00 PM
Demopolis High School

10/1 7:00 PM
Minor High School

10/8 7:00 PM
at P.D. Jackson-Olin High School

10/15 7:00 PM
Mortimer Jordan High School

10/22 7:00 PM
Pinson Valley High School

10/29 7:00 PM
Bessemer City High School