Patriots on a mission

JANN HENDRY/Acorn Newspapers WING IT—Viewpoint senior quarterback Harrison Bernsen threw for 648 yards and six touchdowns last season as the Patriots compiled a 5-5 overall record and a 2-3 mark in the Prep League. Now that Viewpoint High senior Harrison Bernsen knows what it's like to win a championship, he'd like to make it a hobby.

Bernsen, the Patriots' starting quarterback, was part of the school's baseball squad that won a CIFSS Division VII championship in the spring.

When football summer practices began a month ago, Bernsen wondered, "Why can't I win a title on this team as well?"

"I want to have that same feeling with our football team that the baseball team experienced," Bernsen said. "Last year our football team's goal was just to get to the playoffs. That's not enough anymore."

Over the summer, Bernsen went as far as to recruit some of the school's top athletes to help the team win.

Viewpoint soccer standouts Kian Torabian and Patrick Handy have joined the football squad and will both play wide receiver and defensive back thanks to Bernsen's persuasive ways.

"Guys like Torabian and Handy had played football before, but they had given it up to concentrate on soccer," Bernsen said. "I told them, 'Look, guys, I need you this year.' They've been practicing with us all summer, and our team is better because of it."

Head coach Patrick Marquez feels the new players, combined with last year's postseason experience, will help the Patriots compete for a Prep League title.

"We don't have a swagger or anything, but the guys do have a great attitude," Marquez said. "There's no reason why we shouldn't get back to the playoffs."

The team's offense will be led by Bernsen and senior Tucker Trainer.

Last season, Bernsen completed 43-of-97 passes for 648 yards. Trainer, Viewpoint's starting running back, carried the ball 78 times for 450 yards but spent the majority of his time in a supportive role behind Viewpoint standout Jamie WheelerSilverman, who has graduated.

Trainer will receive more carries this year, Marquez said.

Another key for VHS will be the impact of the offensive line, which is led by returning guards George Tew and Michael Moore, as well as center Blake Rasmussen.

"Our offense line is great, especially (Rasmussen)," Bernsen said. "I trust him more than anyone else in the world. Even if it was Warren Sapp on the other side, I would be comfortable running a quarterback sneak as long as he's blocking for me."

Torabian, Handy and tight end Drew Johnston should also be offensive threats.

On defense, Viewpoint will be led by junior inside linebacker Josh Masser and senior defensive end Jack Pfeiffer. Pfeiffer had 42 tackles last year, while Masser registered 41.

Masser "is a very good player that seems to have his facemask in on every play," Marquez said.

"Pheiffer will play defensive end for us most of the time, but he'll also see time at linebacker because he's so physical and quick off the edge."

Junior Matt Arnold and sophomore Nate Fouer, a transfer from Oaks Christian, will also contribute on defense.

Trainer hopes last year's playoff disappointment, a first round 61-18 loss to Aquinas High, will inspire this year's Viewpoint squad to play better in the postseason if they make it that far.

"Against Aquinas, I was hit so hard on one play that I had a concussion and didn't play the rest of the game," Trainer said.

"That left a real bad taste in my mouth, and I don't want to end the season like that again. I won't be satisfied with just making the playoffs. I want to win a few games once we get there."