Written by: Lucas Gebhart

It’s not often that a school with as much history as Coeur d’Alene misses the state playoffs, but that’s exactly what happened last season.

The Vikings had a roster without much varsity experience and were competing for a state playoff spot against more seasoned rosters at both Lewiston and Post Falls.

It was perfect storm – a 4-5 record and a third place finish in the Inland Empire League was the result and a program that regularly plays November football saw its season end before Halloween.

But now, some key pieces, including senior quarterback Jamison Kizziar and the team’s second-leading receiver Shea Robertson are back, but the question is – it enough to bring Coeur d’Alene back?

Post Falls and Lewiston both return a lot of talent from last year but only one team can win the league. It’s a three horse race, but there’s only one stall at the end of the track. The others may have to hope tiebreakers and MaxPreps rankings fall their way.

Just like last year, the Vikings will close the season with the Trojans and Bengals and open the season with Rigby and Rocky. So just like last year, we will know a lot about Coeur d’Alene early, but their fate won’t be decided until the last two weeks of the year.