Louisiana: Airline High School 2015 Football Season Preview

Written by Charlie Beuttel

High School: Airline High School
Head Coach: Bo Meeks
Mascot: Vikings
Location: Bossier City, LA
District: 1-5A
2014 Record: 4-7

Overview
Airline lost in the first round of the playoffs last year 53-27 to Zachary High School posting a 4-7 record on the season. The Vikings navigated a tough schedule in 2014 and hindering greater success on the field were turnover issues preventing Airline from winning a few more games.

The young squad took their lumps last year but return a majority of last year’s roster, a group that has played together since their freshmen year. Luckily for Airline, they seem to have an easier schedule in 2015 leading to higher expectations. The Vikings do not face powerhouse schools West Monroe or Neville during the regular season in favor of Green Oaks and 2013 Class 3A Louisiana state champion Union Parish. Airline has the talent and experience to improve on their record from last year and make a deep run into the playoffs.

Offense
The Vikings have several skilled position players returning in 2015. Running back Shun’cee Thomas was selected first-team All-Parish and was the second leading rusher in the parish with 751 yards and 13 touchdowns. Another first-team All-Parish selection returning is Cameron Howell, who was the team’s leading receiver in 2014.

Senior quarterback Thomas McKain returns for Airline in 2015. Junior QB Noah Hildebrand, who was selected second-team All-Parish and was the starter for most of the season, transferred in the offseason. McKain only started a handful of games but led the Vikings to a victory over Franklin Parish in Week 3.

One weakness for Airline is the offensive line. The only returning starter from 2014 is first-team All-Parish selection and Texas A&M commit, Colton Prater.

Defense
Airline also has some skilled defensive stars returning in 2015. Xavier Johnson, a first-team All-Parish selection, had two interceptions and blocked two field goals in 2014. Second-team All-Parish defensive back Tyrice Neal is also returning for the Vikings. Senior Vertrain Allen, who was a second team All-Parish selection in 2014, returns at linebacker. Another key returning contributor at linebacker for Airline is Josh James.

The Vikings also have depth issues on the other side of the line only returning one starter and that is senior defensive end Tyler McCallister. The good news is McCallister was selected second-team All-Parish in 2014. The holes along the defensive line will be filled by a group of players including senior Ivory Spratley.

2015 Schedule
Sept. 4 Union Parish
Sept. 11 Green Oaks
Sept. 18 @ Ruston
Sept. 25 Southwood
Oct. 2 @ Capt. Shreve
Oct. 8 Mansfield
Oct. 16 @ Haughton
Oct. 23 @ Evangel
Oct. 30 Byrd
Nov. 6 Parkway

In an interview with the Bossier Press-Tribune, Coach Bo Meeks said, “It’s been a really good offseason. We feel like we’ve really gotten physically stronger and I really like the chemistry of this team. It’s been a good offseason as far as growing as a family. We are really excited about it.”

Photo credit: bossierpress.com; No. 12 Thomas McKain returns to help lead Airline in 2015.