BLITZ: Fun returns to the gridiron at Huntington North in first 2-0 start in 17 years

Tony Decker sprinted to the sideline, quickly enveloped by teammates both in and out of uniform.

It was pure exuberance. The excitement bursting forth following a 1-yard plunge into the end zone that gave Huntington North its first lead of the game.

That particular moment came on Friday night, but the thrilling play continued into Saturday as the Vikings’ game with Northrop spread across two days due to weather. But the momentum, no, BELIEF, that came from Decker, the starting quarterback, and the offense was what propelled Huntington North to a 58-37 victory and a 2-0 start for the first time since 2007.

We take winning for granted. We are used to the perennial powers like Snider, Bishop Luers and Adams Central who just pile up victories and postseason trophies year after year. But when you aren’t a perennial power, when you only have one sectional title in your entire history, victories don’t come easy.

That’s where the Vikings are. And it is what makes their start to the season so fun. Decker, a senior, has only experienced a handful of wins during his time at Huntington North. Through his first three years of high school, the Vikings won six games…total.

So is it belief or relief? Whatever it is, Decker is sure having fun. He finished the win over Northrop with 279 total yards and six touchdowns – three passing and three rushing. His final score, a six-yard touchdown run early in the third quarter, pushed the lead to 20 points for the Vikings, effectively putting the game away.

But Decker wasn’t the only one. Marcus Linker rushed for 146 yards and a score, while James Linker hauled in a pair of touchdown receptions. The spread offense brought to town by Coach Mike Eshbach seemed questionable during last year’s 1-9 campaign, but a year of experience and seasoning has helped the team get up to speed with the new scheme.

This weekend’s dub, coupled with the Week 1 victory on the road at Eastbrook, are statements. Sure, the next two weeks will be better indicators of where the Vikings are as NE8 play begins with East Noble, followed by Columbia City. But wins create a winning culture, something that has been absent in Huntington for quite some time.

Decker felt it this weekend, as did his teammates. Yes, the defense needs work, but it’s easier to work on improvements after wins.

And more fun, something all of Huntington is having in late August for the first time in over 15 years.

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