Defending Class 2A runner-up North Posey is excited to see what the future holds this fall

POSEYVILLE, Ind. — There's still excitement in the air for the North Posey football team after completing its best season in program history.

The Vikings made history last fall as they broke the single-season wins record, picked up their first-ever victory against Mater Dei , and played in their first Class 2A state championship since 2005 . It was a season to remember for not just the team but for its entire community. Week after week, the Vikings turned doubters into believers.

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"Last year was a great year for us," North Posey coach Waylon Schenk said. "The kids accomplished every goal they set in the preseason, and to be able to play at Lucas Oil in the state finals is something that we'll remember forever. Proud of what that group accomplished, but at the same time, we're excited to get started with a new group and see what the future holds."

"It's the highest honor in high school sports. You can't be much more proud than that to make it all the way there," senior running back Jed Gavin added. "Just checking off all those goals each and every week was a great thing. I was very proud of last season, and I really hope we can continue that this year."

Despite graduating 17 seniors from its runner-up team, North Posey isn't as young as what Schenk imagined. It needs to replace its starting quarterback — which sophomore Carter Schickel and freshman Dylan Murphy are competing for — and top wideout positions. But while the Vikings may not have the depth they did last fall, there's still experience in multiple areas.

One of the biggest strengths remains on defense. Last year's unit was one of Southwestern Indiana's best, giving up 184 total yards and over 12 points per game. Schenk said this year's group is fast "from the d-line to the secondary."

Helping to lead the charge in their senior years are all-state defensive lineman Gavin Myers (65 tackles, 14 TFLs), All-Pocket Athletic Conference Small School linebacker Ty Mauck (86 tackles, 13 TFLs, two sacks), linebacker Trace Martin (51 tackles, five TFLs) and defensive end Kade Buecher (31 tackles, two INTS).

"I'm very excited," Galvin said about the defense. "It's a completely different dynamic. Last year, we were a little bit bigger up front and in the secondary. This year, it's a little bit smaller, but we've got more speed and just as much heart. So I think it's going to be fun."

Among North Posey's biggest returners is Galvin, who changes the game on both sides of the ball. In addition to his 32 total touchdowns from last season (second in Class 2A), he was second on his team in interceptions (three) and tied for sixth in tackles (51).

Galvin is also closing in on multiple career school records, including total and rushing touchdowns and interceptions.

"As good of a football player as Jed is, he's a better kid," Schenk said. "He's kind of quiet, yet is a really funny kid, kind of the king of one-liners around here. There is no drama that surrounds Jed Galvin. He just shows up, smile on his face, gets the job done, and he's a kid that you know you can always count on."

North Posey has much to look forward to this fall, from aiming to keep the Posey County Cup for a third-straight year to hosting fellow state runner-up Heritage Hills. But the road back to Indianapolis will be challenging. The Vikings just moved to Sectional 39, which has another 2A powerhouse in Linton-Stockton.

"We can't take anyone lightly this year," Mauck said. "We're going to have a big target on our backs. Every game, our opponents are going to circle us on their schedule. We've just got to be vigilant, keep on going every week, pretend like it's that state championship game. Just every week, keep that grind going."

North Posey Vikings

Last year: 13-2 (6-0 PAC Small School Division; Class 2A state runner-up)

Head coach: Waylon Schenk, 53-26 in 8th year at school, 81-50 in 13th year overall

Key players to watch

Kade Buecher (WR/DE, Sr.), Jed Galvin (RB/DB/KR, Sr.), Trace Martin (LB, Sr.), Ty Mauck (RB/LB, Sr.), Gavin Myers (DL, Sr.), Carter Schickel (QB, So.)

The Vikings' three biggest games

Aug. 23 vs. Mount Vernon: Another year, another season opener against the Wildcats. While Mount Vernon still leads the series 29-28, North Posey has gained steam over the last two seasons. It seeks its third consecutive victory against the Wildcats and previously won four straight from 2011-14.

Sept. 13 at Tell City: Don't count out the Marksmen to also be frontrunners for the Small School. They, too, have experience and two of the area's best athletes in the Terry twins. A huge showdown soon awaits in Perry County.

Sept. 20 vs. Heritage Hills: Two state runner-up teams going against each other in the middle of the season? Seeing both of last fall's C&P All-Southwestern Indiana Players of the Year on the same field? This is definitely going to be a treat for football fans.

Up next: Harrison

This article originally appeared on Evansville Courier & Press: Defending Class 2A runner-up North Posey is excited to see what the future holds this fall