Every coach wishes he had more time to prepare his football team for the season opener. Bellevue Christian head man Greg Schneider has a better case than all of them.

After accepting the position of inaugural football coach on April 20, Schneider had to meet his players, make a decision on spring practice and deal with the many logistical hurdles that come along with starting a football team from scratch, all within a few weeks. But five months later, due to the dedication of Schneider and his staff, the team has taken shape and is even beginning to form an identity.

“We talked a lot in spring practice about one accord and building together,” Schneider said. “The biggest thing is the camaraderie that’s been developed.” According to Schneider, a group of nearly a dozen players have emerged as leaders. The group, which includes Austin and Tate Razor, Raj Hanstaad, Kemper McQuaid, Bryce Oldham and the Hazen brothers Josh and Tyler among others, made sure players were accountable in the months leading up to the season and are learning the level of dedication it takes to create a winning program.

“I really expect everyone to buy in,” Oldham said.

The Vikings have somewhere just north of 35 players practicing currently, many of whom are getting their first taste of the game. But that has tempered the excitement or level of expectations around Flynn Field.

“With three weeks of preparation, it’s a lot of work,” Schneider said. “But there’s a lot of excitement.” BCS is still in the infantile stages in terms of offensive and defensive schemes, but players emphasized that Schneider has held them to a high standard regardless, which has bred confidence.

“That humbleness has helped keep everyone focused,” James Vanderbrink said. “If we expect to lose, there’s really no reason to go out and play.”