ORFORDVILLE — The Parkview-Albany football co-op has gotten off to a rough start in its first three years of existence. The program has won just 3 of 24 games since 2019, and last year scored just 91 points in nine games, all while allowing 511 on defense — an average loss of 57-10. 

The Vikings passed for 810 yards, while giving up just 1,104, though opponents threw 18 touchdowns to just one interception. The biggest problem lies in the running game, where Parkview-Albany allowed nearly 11 yards per carry and more than 40 touchdowns. Total, the Vikings defense had just two turnovers all season while coughing it up or throwing an interception 29 times. 

Joe Flister spent 23 years as an assistant coach at Janesville Parker before taking over last season in Ordfordville. He said this year’s goals are simple: “Get better every day with fundamentals.”

The program graduated its quarterback, lead running back and two linemen. All four — Zander Brown (QB/LB), Charlie Vogt (RB/LB), David Landis (OL/DL) and Evan Noble (OL/DL) also started on defense.

Back for the Vikings are letterwinners Karson Redman (RB/DB), Gauge Pomplun (TE/LB), Caden Cleasby (OL/LB), Nate Stokstad (OL/DL), Mathias Treinen (QB/DB) and Dayne Butzler (OL/DL). Some of the players that will be looked at to play meaningful snaps include Joe Douglas (OL/DL), Caleb Smith (FB/LB), Gracen Cramer (QB/DB), Sam Vogt (FB/LB) and Luc Cramer (WR/DB). 

The Vikings open the season with a pair of nonconference games: At Fall River/Rio (4-7 in 2021) in Week 1, then at home against Highland (10-1) in Week 2. After that, the team falls into the conference slate with a cross-over with River Ridge (7-3) of the Six Rivers in Week 3.