Norland ready for redemption

Randy Johnson and the Miami Norland Vikings - ranked No. 3 in the FlaVarsity Top 25 - want redemption.

The running back they call 'Duke' and the Norland Vikings self-destructed last year in the 3A championship game with Tampa Jefferson .

Falling behind 22-0 in the first half, and 37-7 in the third quarter, the Vikings had seven fumbles (one lost) and two interceptions. The fumble and one interception resulted in 15 points for Jefferson and the other interception came deep inside the Dragon red zone (at the Jefferson eight). The Vikings didn't do themselves any favors, falling to 44-34.

It's a game that has stuck with the Vikings all through spring drills and summer workouts.

"That game has stuck with us," said Norland head coach Daryle Heidelburg. "We've relived it a few times and know what we did wrong in the first half. Our kids are hungry and want another shot."

Led by Johnson, who is the early leader for Mr. Football honors, on offense and Keith Brown on defense, Norland returns a nucleus of the talent that led the Vikings to a 13-2 record last year and past Belen Jesuit in the second round of the playoffs. Belen had beaten Norland 17-7 in the regular season, the only loss prior to the finals.

Johnson, who ran for 135 yards on eight carries and a touchdown, is expected to lead the way for the Vikings.

His offensive unit includes seven other returning starters, including Ereck Flowers, Hunter Clark (the starting center) and two-way lineman Paston Hinzey. At the skill positions, wide receivers Dareen Owi and Brandon Snell will be catching passes from transfer quarterback Tony Thomas, a senior from Carol City High School.

On the defense, Heidelburg is concerned about the secondary, where three seniors graduated, but the defensive line is strong.

Teko Powell, Alex McIntosh and Hinzey are the front that will put pressure on opposing quarterbacks. Look for strong safety Feddie Davey to lead the secondary along with Larry Byrd and Damien Baker. Then there's the linebacker tandem of Brown and Treyvon Williams.

2011 Outlook:

Norland has to control the tempo of most of its games. The running game will be a key to setting up the passing game with Thomas. Johnson will have a bulls-eye on him as everyone knows of the super-talented running back (heading to the University of Miami). Norland's defense is a forced to be reckoned with as Brown(Miami) and company will be dominant. A favorable schedule that sees the Vikings with nine games, all but one of those in Miami-Dade County. Come post-season, Norland will be one of the favored teams for 5A.

For a look at Norland's schedule and district click here