ORFORDVILLE — Joe Flister takes over the Parkview-Albany football program this season, replacing Bob Meyers, who had been at the helm for many years.

The Vikings have had some lean years over the last two decades. Twenty seasons ago, in 2002, the Vikings made their most recent playoff appearance, finishing the season 6-5 overall. Since then, only one year has been above .500 (5-4 in 2009), but a below-.500 record in the Rock Valley South kept Parkview from reaching the playoffs.

Since 2013 (8 seasons), the Vikings are just 9-59 overall (.132 winning percentage). 

This year’s squad returns just three all-conference players — second-team COVID-Small DE Zander Brown, second-team RB Charlie Vogt, and honorable mention lineman Evan Noble. David Landis is also a returning letterwinner on the offensive and defensive line. 

The Vikings have just 26 players on the roster — four seniors, three juniors, eight sophomores and 11 freshmen. Of those new to the varsity lineup, Flister sees sophomores Sam Schwengels (FB/LB) and Karson Redman (WR/DB) to help make the most impact. Brown and Redman will take over quarterbacking duties this year on offense.

Parkview-Albany opens the season in a nonconference game at Johnson Creek, then travels to Pecatonica-Argyle in Week 2 before getting into the gauntlet of the SWAL schedule. This year’s SWAL includes Belleville, Cuba City, Fennimore, Lancaster, Darlington and Mineral Point. In Week 8, the Vikings will host Iowa-Grant in a Six Rivers crossover game.