BOUNTIFUL — Reflecting on Viewmont's just completed football season, coach Robbie Gunter heaped praise upon his team and noted the many accomplishments the squad achieved during 2005. In particular, Gunter paid tribute to his offensive linemen who were instrumental in the team's success.
"We finished second in our region for the first time since 1982 with a 4-2 record. We hosted a playoff game for the first time in a long time. We rallied at the end of the season by winning our last three games, while averaging 40-plus points per game during that stretch. And a lot of the credit for those accomplishments goes to our offensive line," said Gunter.
Noting that offensive lines often go through entire seasons unheralded, Gunter had no shortage of compliments for his "Hogs" and the significant impact that they had on the team.
"The offensive line was one constant that we had all season. They were consistent week in and week out through the team's highs and lows. They always came and did their jobs. The running backs had total trust in the offensive line," added Gunter.
The Vikings' offensive line was anchored by seniors Tanner Van Meeteren at left tackle, Kris Mortensen at right guard and Taylor Seely at center. Juniors Jesse Farnsworth at right tackle and Spencer Looke at left guard rounded out the line.
"Playing on this offensive line with these guys was cool," said Van Meeteren. " It means quite a bit to all of us to play together, because we are all friends outside of school."
"There is a bond between all of us," added Mortensen.
That bond held the line together through a tough time for one of the "Hogs."
"I broke my ankle this year. It took a lot of work to get back. But these guys always supported me and helped me get back on the line," said Seely.
In addition, to helping the bond grow stronger, the seniors took the initiative to mentor the juniors in order to keep the offensive line strong going forward.
"The seniors were good leaders. As a junior, it was great learning from these guys. We worked hard, and it definitely paid off. I was pretty happy with our season," said Looke.
"We had a good season playing with these guys (the seniors). We had a lot of fun," added Farnsworth, who, along with Looke, will return to the Vikings next fall.
Gunter noted how the line evolved over the course of the season under the seniors' leadership.
"When we were playing Orem in the first game, we didn't know how good the offensive line was going to be. These guys really stepped up and were huge. We were able to run the ball right at them. Over the next five or six games the line got better and better, and we were able to run the ball almost at will behind these guys," said Gunter.
"Viewmont's always had a good backfield, but until we learned to play as a cohesive unit and trust each other to do his part, the backfield struggled. This year we worked hard and everything worked out and we were able to run the ball," said Mortensen.
While the Vikings were disappointed with their early exit from the playoffs, Gunter emphasized the positives and was pleased with his team's performance.
"We had great leadership on this team. All the seniors and juniors led the team every single day. They did everything I asked, and a little more," he said. "That's what made it hard to end the season early, because we couldn't do what we loved anymore."
"Don't forget," responded Looke with a smile, "that the juniors will be back next season."
Viewmont football results
(Season record: 6-4, first-round loss)
Aug. 19 — Viewmont 27, Orem 0
Aug. 26 — Viewmont 28, Alta 21
Sept. 2 — Bountiful 17, Viewmont 6
Sept. 9 — Northridge 14, Viewmont 9
Sept. 23 — Viewmont 38, Clearfield 21
Sept. 30 — Fremont 23, Viewmont 20
Oct. 7 — Viewmont 43, Davis 18
Oct. 14 — Viewmont 54, Weber 39
Oct. 19 — Viewmont 41, Layton 21
Playoffs first round
Oct. 28 — West Jordan 14, Viewmont 7