Successful Thousand Islands suffering from lack of players

The numbers game is finally catching up to the Thousand Islands Vikings.

After years of adequate numbers and good depth, resulting in four straight Section 3 playoff berths, coach Joe Gilfus has a small squad of 19 players this season, including five players playing football for the first time. Only 13 were eligible last weekend, so the Vikings could not scrimmage at Weedsport as scheduled. He expects to have a full roster for Saturday's opener at Pulaski.

"We knew this was coming because our modified numbers have been low for a couple of seasons," said Gilfus, who had the Vikings in the Class D playoffs last year where they lost to Port Byron 20-0. "With all the success we've had, it's hard to figure out why our participation numbers are what they are. We are in a crisis in this respect and hopefully we can stay healthy."

Despite the low turnout, there actually is quite a bit of talent on hand.

Veteran Evan Bach moves from tight end to quarterback and is also a standout at linebacker. Senior Ben Henry is a standout receiver/safety, while Dustin Cooley returns at fullback/linebacker and Chris Magboo is a veteran running back/defensive back who has dealt with injuries the past two seasons.

Gilfus has high hopes for junior Ethan Whitton, a 194-pound running back and linebacker who will also do the kicking, as well as good-sized linemen Dan Hasner, Zach Marani and Eli Hall.