Things appear to be looking up for the Niles North varsity football team. After a year in which they went 1-9, with their lone victory coming against rivals Niles West, the Vikings have already equaled their win total from last year in a thrilling home opener against Leo Catholic High School.

In what was surely one of the longest games ever played at Niles North’s Chuck Pos Stadium, the Vikings prevailed 38-26 over their opponents Leo. After jumping out to an early 17-0 lead, Niles North never took its foot off the gas and continued to put up points throughout the game. An incredible punt return touchdown was scored by Sayvon Davis, and Bruno Prosper-Kanam followed with two rushing touchdowns to then put the Vikings up 24-6.

“The punt return was crazy. I knew Davis was going all the way as soon as he picked up the ball and the whole team was downfield blocking for him. We all believe in one another and that’s what happens,” Daniel Zietek, a junior lineman on the team, said.

The game slowed down after this, but the offense didn’t stop scoring, ending the game with 38 points. The Viking’s offense looked impressive all night, with quarterback Nick Mathee and receivers Tyson Coles and Chris Geans making a difference.

Prosper-Kanam was the star of the show however, and he looks to be one of the keys to the Viking’s season. The electric running back is coming off a season in which he rushed for 970 yards and 13 touchdowns. Keep an eye on him throughout the season as he attempts to lead the Vikings back to the playoffs.

Photo Credit: Jeffrey Garcia