Football: Here come the Valencia Vikings

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Valencia is headed toward another Foothill League championship after routing unbeaten Canyon Country Canyon, 34-7, on Friday night.

Valencia Coach Larry Muir put his team through some very difficult nonleague games against Loyola, Chaminade and Sherman Oaks Notre Dame, but the Vikings have gotten healthy and started to develop. And it helped that Canyon had played such a weak schedule that the Cowboys weren’t ready for an outstanding Valencia defense that features lineman Billy Shipman and linebacker Ryan Gorman.

‘Iron sharpens iron,’ Muir said. ‘Our kids were ready. Our kids played very well in all areas.’

Defensive coordinator Rob Waters has created one of the best defenses in the San Fernando Valley. The Vikings’ secondary did a terrific job shutting down Canyon’s passing attack. Cornerbacks Ricky Vega and Edmund Darko came through with big performances.

Of course, the Vikings will have to get ready for the Northern Division playoffs and a likely meeting against Westlake, St. Bonaventure or Oaks Christian, but their defense can play with any team.

-- Eric Sondheimer