POULSBO — For the past few years, the North Kitsap varsity football team has struggled during its homecoming games.
The 2010-11 team lost to Port Angeles 34-7. The 2011-12 team lost to Olympic 34-28.
But 2012-13 Vikings’ team has a grip of experience as it prepares to step onto its home field at 7 p.m. today for its homecoming game against North Mason.
Vikings head coach Jeff Weible discussed the team’s previous shortfalls during homecoming with the 2012-13 team. The main message: “We control our own destiny,” he said.
The Vikings, currently 2-1 in Olympic League play, face the Bulldogs, also 2-1 in league. What’s working for the Vikings this season? Well, here is a statistical breakdown of the last five games — league and non-league.
Starting quarterback AJ Milyard has a pass completion of 62 percent, with 79 completions, 127 attempts, 6 times intercepted and 10 touchdowns. His average passing yards is 14.2. He accumulated 1,119 passing yards so far.
Receiving that ball from Milyard — and Cody Blackmore, with 49 yards and one touchdown — includes JT Nettleton, with 629 receiving yards. Nettleton has accumulated 33 catches, with four receiving touchdowns. He leads receivers.
Second to Nettleton is Mitch Adams, who has 274 receiving yards with 18 catches and three TDs.
Also on the offensive line is Kyle North, who’s gained a total of 346 rushing yards — an average of 6.5 — on 53 attempts with four touchdowns.
The team has accumulated 143 points: 18 touchdowns, 17 point after attempts, six field goals. It has 77 first downs, 456 rushing yards, 1,175 passing yards.
Against them, their opponents have earned 77 first downs, 1,148 rushing yards, 665 passing yards. The team needs to reduce their opponents’ run game, Weible said.
On the defensive line, Nettleton again tops the charts.
Nettleton has 26 primary tackles, 14 assists. He has nine deflections, a blocked field goal, one forced attempt, and two interceptions.
Kyle North has the second-highest number of primary tackles with 16, and 12 assists. He has two tackles for a loss, one sack, two forced attempts, and one recovered fumble.
North Mason’s statistics were not available by deadline. If available, an overview will be posted on NorthKitsapHerald.com.
— Stats compiled by Virgil Taylor
