It took 10 weeks and eight wins, but the Airline Vikings have finally cracked the Louisiana Sports Writers Association Class 5A top 10.
Airline (8-1), which was first among teams also receiving votes last week, is ranked No. 10, The Vikings received 28 points in voting based on 11 points for a first-place vote, 10 for a second, etc.Airline edged out St. Paul's by one point.
Airline hosts Byrd (6-2) Friday. The Vikings have already clinched a share of the District 1-5A title and can win it outright with a victory over the Yellow Jackets.
Also, Airline is No. 2 in the Class 5A power ratings, according to Louisiana prep sports website kenramsey.com. If the Vikings defeat Byrd, they could be the No. 2 seed in the state playoffs, which begin a week from Friday.
In other news, Airline quarterback Hayden Hildebrand is one of 20 athletes from around the state named as a finalist for Louisiana's Wendy's High School Heisman Award.
"The Wendy’s High School Heisman Award recognizes outstanding high school seniors nationwide who excel in athletics, academics and community leadership," according to a press release. "Students can nominate themselves for the award online, in addition to being recommended by principals, teachers, guidance counselors and coaches. The most exceptional students are then selected to advance during extensive judging processes conducted at both state and national levels."
