You wouldn't know the Tri-Valley Vikings are still a pretty young team but the champions of the Heart of Central Illinois Conference large division Vikings are hoping that mature youth will carry them to another deep run this November.

Despite a junior-heavy roster, Tri-Valley football coach Josh Roop says his five seniors are big contributors to their success this 8-1 regular season.

The Vikings got dominated by Coach Roop's good friend Coach Zeleznik and the LeRoy Panthers in week two. Coach Roop says his team was humbled and had to respond and feels they have, rolling off seven straight wins to wrap up the regular season.

Tri-Valley hosts Bloomington Central Catholic High School Friday night at 7 pm in the first round of the Class 2A playoffs.