Viking football tough team to beat

In recent years, Portland State has produced some winning teams, but none as victorious and dominant as the Vikings football teams. This year’s football team is bursting with talent – from quarterback Juston Wood, who has thrown for 1,103 yards and six touchdowns so far this season, to sophomore running back Ryan Fuqua, who last year broke the freshman rushing record with 1,586 yards and 15 touchdowns.

The offense also has senior receivers Jesse Levin and Antonio Jackson. Levin has caught 26 passes for 362 yards, averaging 51.7 yards a game. Last season, he earned 2001 honorable mention All-Big Sky selection with 48 catches and 905 yards.

Jackson is second on the team in yards this season with 192 yards, 20 catches and one touchdown. Last season, Jackson averaged almost 14 yards a catch.

On the opposite side of the ball, the Vikings defense has been getting tougher each year. Linebackers like Kevin Hastin, Tolo Tuitele and Marcus Green keep the Vikings out of trouble. Green leads the team in tackles with 45 and has three forced fumbles.

The Vikings’ secondary is quick and efficient with seven picks between the corners and safeties.

The defense earned its first shutout in almost five years this season against Southwest Texas State in the 16-0 defensive domination. In last week’s game against Sacramento State, the offense and defense mounted a second-half stand to get a 34-20 win over the Hornets.

This year’s team looks strong as ever with its big test Saturday against Montana.