Optimism has permeated throughout the culture of the Bellevue Christian Vikings spring football practice sessions.

The Vikings, who finished the 2017 season with an overall record of 4-6, won four of their final five contests. Bellevue Christian head coach Todd Green said his staff and his players couldn’t wait to hit the practice field in anticipation of the 2018 season.

“From Day 1, it’s like we’ve picked up from where we left off, which is what we talked about in our (coaches) meetings beforehand,” Green said on the third day of spring drills on May 31. “We felt like we were playing at a high level those last four games and we are starting from there. We are clicking a really good pace. We are running the same offense and same defense so they are familiar with it. We are off to a great start. The kids are energized because they feel comfortable.”

The 2018 Viking team will have one of the most experienced rosters in recent memory. Mick Larsen, who will be in his third season as the starting quarterback, has the proverbial keys to his team’s offense.

“We only lost three seniors from last year. This team has a lot of guys with great experience and that have great attitudes. We’re not worried about wins and losses right now. We’re just trying to get a positive mindset and glorify God out on the field,” Larsen said.

Green is excited about utilizing Larsen’s abilities under center this fall.

“Mick is going to be a strong weapon for us. He has got the experience, and at the end of last year, he was making audibles. We are going to be able to do even more with him this year,” Green said.

Larsen believes the roster surrounding him possesses a plethora of talented athletes.

“I really give credit to the other guys because they allow me to drop back and the receivers are just making plays for me. I am just the guy behind the line throwing the ball. It is all them,” Larsen said.

Green believes the offensive and defensive line will be one of the Vikings strengths. The offensive line will be anchored by 6-foot, 4-inch 275-pound junior Sam Tefft and center Mark Postma.

“They are going to be the hallmarks of our line this year,” Green said. “We’ve got a group of guys who have been in the weight room. We have more linemen that we’ve probably ever had for us. It is different and we feel pretty good about it for sure.”

Vikings players expected to make a sizable impact this fall include running back/safety Davis Hazen, cornerback/receiver Trent Paulson and defensive end Jack Sirich.