With two regular season games remaining, the Palo Alto Viking football team is working towards their fourth consecutive Central Coast Section playoff appearance. The Vikings (5-2-0), currently stand in second place, and need only to fend off third place teams Mountain View and Wilcox who have identical records at (3-3-1).

The Vikings will surely need to beat any two of Santa Clara, Los Altos and Gunn in their next three games to clinch one of two league playoff spots. However, that should not be much of a challenge, as their last three opponents happen to be their weakest three opponents.

“So far, we’ve beaten all the bad teams,” junior defensive lineman Andy Maliska said. “To make the playoffs, were just going to have to keep doing that.”

This Friday’s opponent, last place Santa Clara (0-7-0) has struggled all season long. While their offense has scored less than one half of any other in-league team, and their defense has not fared much better giving up a league high average of 40 points per game.

Even though the Viking record looks similar to last year’s awesome season and two-loss performance, the players do not feel it is quite the same.

“Our record has put us in a good position for the post-season,” junior defensive back Harry Woolson said, “but it’s going to be hard to repeat last year’s success.”

Last years open division playoff birth can be largely attested to the Vikings’ huge, 35-7 victory over rival power house, Los Gatos. This year’s 42-7 loss was likewise significant, and assuming they make the playoffs, they will most likely be put in CCS middle division.

Nonetheless, the Vikings have a lot to be thankful for so far. Their five wins are very impressive, considering their relatively young roster.

Many young players have done more than just fill the empty positions, as they have surely factored into the Viking’s success. Junior strong safety William Holder has two interceptions on the season, one of which he returned for a touchdown. He has also been a dependable third string wide receiver racking in 12 catches for 62 yards. Starting cornerback Harry Woolson has 3 interceptions, and junior wide out Bobby Holman has added 77 receiving yards.

Nothing should be taken away however, from team leaders Sione Mataele and Mike Scott, who have dominated their respective fields and done most of the work for the Vikings. Alongside running back James McCullough, Mataele’s 320 rushing yards have fueled the Viking’s ground game, while Scott’s 394 receiving yards put him among the league leaders.

The Viking will play Santa Clara this Saturday, and look forward to the homecoming came next Friday versus Los Altos. Paly will finish the season with the annual Gunn rivalry game, this year played at Gunn.