The Hive Sports

by James Tate

This is a part of an offseason series previewing teams in Davis and Weber County. To look at other team previews, click here.

Viewmont Vikings

2023 record (4-7) (2-5)

HC: Dru Jones

The Viewmont Vikings are ready to challenge for the Region 5 championship and are excited about the 2024 season with a team loaded with talent and experience. Led by senior captain and three-star recruit Kingston Mickens, according to 247 Sports, the Vikings want to turn the last two seasons of four wins each into a winning record and contend for the region championship.

“I am really excited about our team this year,” Mickens said. “We have completely changed the brother hood because of a really good coach and I think we will turn a lot of heads this season.”

The Vikings have many talented players on this year’s squad, and how they handle the big moments when tested will be vital to the team’s success. Experience and speed will be on the Vikings side as a number of returning players will contribute to an exciting year.

“We return a lot of guys this year,” Head Coach Dru Jones said. “That is the strength of this team we know what we are doing and have been through it together. It’s been way fun to see them come together.”

Quarterbacks/running backs

The Viewmont Vikings will have senior Tytan Longson under center as a starter for the upcoming season. Longson passed for 551 yards and eight touchdowns as a junior.

“Tytan is a great kid and has worked so hard in the offseason,” Coach Jones said. “He has gain about 30 pounds this offseason. He works hard in the weight room and off the field QB training and it has shown in practice and summer camps this year. We are very excited for him.”

Senior track standout Ryan Tillman will take the lead as the Vikings’ starting running back. Tillman runs a 10.69 100m and has the power to match his speed. He missed his junior season but will be ready to show his talents this season. Look for his name to rocket up college recruiting boards as the season progresses.

Wide receivers/tight ends

The Vikings are thrilled to welcome back one of the state’s most talented and accomplished receiving corps. The experience and skill of seniors Kingston Mickens, Jordan Jones, Drez Jensen, and Cache Tuia, who combined for 165 receptions, 2,311 yards, and 22 touchdowns last season, will be a game-changer for the team’s success.

Mickens has many college offers, but his focus is on helping the Vikings have a winning season. Mickens is a leader, supportive teammate, and another coach on the field, and he understands the game and situations well.

“I have had some colleges reach out to me,” Mickens said. “I’m most focused on this last season of my high school career and trying to get Viewmont a really good season this year.”

Jones, Jensen, and Tuia will create opportunities for each other to make game-changing plays, as all three can play any receiver position.

Offensive/defensive linemen

Junior Ammon Eriksson is a rising star on the offensive line. He is physical and tough and will be a leader on an offensive line that will have a new look. Look for sophomore Lewis Wright to emerge as a top talent along the Vikings’ offensive line with Eriksson. An accomplished rugby player, Wright will bring his talent and toughness to allow the offense to show its explosiveness.

The defensive line will be a strength of the team this season. They will be athletic and tough with returning players Ezekiel Cook, Joey Walden, and newcomer Cooper Willoughby.

Cook is ready for a breakout senior year and has been impressive at summer camps and workouts. Walden provides another tough and experienced lineman on the defensive front. Willoughby, a junior, comes from Farmington High School and is an athletic, talented player who may be the biggest surprise in the region.

Linebackers/defensive backs

One of the most underrated players returning is linebacker Kellen Wood. Wood accumulated a team-leading 103 tackles last season and will be counted on for another high tackle year.  

Mickens is elite at the cornerback position. He quickly recognizes routes and positions himself to make plays on the ball. Making plays is something Mickens excels at, and he takes every play as being the one that can change the game.

“I just try and think every play is the same thing even if it’s the game winning play of a random play in the first quarter,” Mickens said. “I try to keep calm and I tell my team that if we keep calm we will be a really great team.”

Tillman, Zach Anderegg, Jones and Tuia will join Mickens in the secondary. A dominant defensive front that can put offenses into third and long downs will play right into the hands of the talented secondary.

Our defense backs are another strength, and we have really good defensive backs with athleticism and speed,” Coach Jones said. The defensive line is long and very athletic, and we are so excited to see them play.”

Kingston Mickens

Special teams

The Vikings are solid on special teams, with Jensen as the returning kicker and punter. Jensen converted on 22 of 25 point after attempts and has a solid leg to put kickoffs into the end zone.  

Mickens is electric in the punt return game, and paired with Tillman, this duo will be tough to kick away from. Jones is dependable and led the team with a 16.8 average on kickoff returns and another excellent option for the Vikings.

Key games

September 6, 2024, vs Bountiful Redhawks. The Vikings could be looking at entering this first region game with a 3-0 record. Last year’s one-point loss to the Redhawks showed the Vikings can play with anyone.

September 13, 2024, vs Northridge Knights. A home game against the Knights looms large after a challenging game against Bountiful. Also, the Vikings will be on the road for the next two games.

October 16, 2024, at Clearfield Falcons. The season finale may be the game the Vikings need to close out a winning season and possibly region championship.

photos courtesy James Tate