Preseason Blitz: Airline combining the old with the new to continue dominant streak

BOSSIER CITY, LA (KTAL/KMSS) — Last season, the Airline Vikings had an impressive 11-1 season, but now that quarterback Ben Taylor is graduated and competing for a starting spot at Northwestern State, it’s next man up.

“We’ll welcome in Chase Williams who has been a great quarterback in the past,” head coach Justin Scogin said.

Chase Williams is a name you’ll be hearing on Friday nights. After leading the freshman and JV teams to success in the past, there’s no doubt he’ll continue the winning reputation of the school, as he now has his dream job.

“He’s very poised and he loves being the quarterback at Airline High School,” Scogin said. “I mean, he loves Airline High School. He loves everything that comes with Airline High School. He loves going to class at Airline High School. He worked his way with dreams of being the starting quarterback at Airline High School.”

Being a first year QB comes with apprehensions, but when you have one of the best weapons in the state in Kenny Darby, that makes things a little easier.

“Having Kenny, with a new guy is great,” Scogin said. “Obviously it’s nice to be able to throw it up to him and he’s gonna go make plays.”

The five-star LSU commit has been prioritizing the connection between himself and Williams throughout the offseason.

“We’ve been going to the field, we’ll stay out the practice to get some catches in,” Darby said. “It wasn’t easy at first, but it definitely got easier and our relationship is good now so we’re on same page, it’s been very fun.”

No matter who’s throwing the ball, Darby is no easy matchup. Take it from senior safety Jeremiah Epps, who has gone up against him everyday at practice since middle school.

“It’s tough, it’s very tough. His routes are crisp, very crispy and he just does everything the right way at a smooth speed yeah,” Epps said.

 While defenses are busy with Darby, expect some new playmakers to emerge.

“We’ve got about four other guys that that have really never had the opportunity consistently to make plays on a Friday night,” Scogin said. “We were able to get them in last year against Destrehan and Westgate due to some injuries, and they really performed well. That’s kind of why I think we feel good about where we’re at right now.”

As the season quickly approaches, excitement is building to hear the Viking horn once again.

 “I’m really excited for week one Barbe, then I’m excited to play Evangel,” Darby said. “Got to go 10-0 win district, then make a playoff run.”

The Vikings face Barbe on September 5 at 7 pm.