Vikings return, Muir pursues milestone

By Justin Vigil-Zuniga Signal Sports Writer

The Vikings are gearing up for the 2023 season with several headlines already emerging. A decorated senior class will take the field alongside some exciting juniors and sophomores, there’s strong depth at nearly every position and the winningest active coach in the Foothill League is inching closer to his 150th career win.

Head coach Larry Muir enters year 17 at the helm, just three wins away from his 150th career win. Nothing is given in football, but Muir likes his chances of shooting well above the 150 mark.

Valencia returns a talented defense that allowed under 19 points a game during the regular season, racked up 15 takeaways and will likely send several players into the Division 1 college football world. The Vikes are hoping for a few accomplishments on the field before beginning their NCAA journeys.

“Undefeated and the best part is everyone on this team won’t accept anything less than that,” said line-

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1,338 backer Reid Farrell. “We’ve talked about it like crazy. We’re together every single day and we’re such a tight group on and on the field. It’s undefeated or nothing and league or nothing. There are no ifs, ands or buts about it. It’s a must-win mentality so there’s no room for error.”

Graduated receiving yards.

Farrell, a CIF Defensive Player of the Year, returns to Valencia for his senior year. The middle linebacker will anchor the Vikings’ defense for the third straight season with the big undefeated mission on his mind.

Defensive end Jake Pikor also enters his senior year and will soon conclude his historic Viking career. Pikor posted back-to-back six-sack seasons in 2021 and 2022, while also adding a ton of tackles for loss.

“We’re rallying to the ball every

10-0

JV team mostly coming up to varsity.

4 play,” Pikor said. “It’s not just one player heading to the ball, every player is aiming at the ball. If one guy misses, another guy behind him is going to make the tackle. I’m really excited about this year.”

Years since Valencia’s last league title, the longest stretch without a championship in Muir’s tenure.

Muir’s defense is flooded with returners highlighted by the defensive line fronting the 3-4 formation.

Pikor, Anthony Castillo and Judah Plett will be key linemen while linebackers Farrell, Tony Testa, Luke Cruz and Sam Geizer will be poised for big years. In the secondary, Jordan Cardenas and Jayboe Wilson return for their senior seasons.

“We have Jayboe Wilson, who I just think is the best athlete on any field he walks on,” Farrell said.

On the other side of the ball,

See VALENCIA, page 36