Viking Football Update: Get to know receiver Trevor Riecks

Trevor Riecks, the Vikings’ Senior receiver/linebacker ranks among the state leaders in both catches and yardage. On defense, Riecks lines up at outside linebacker and is equally adept at stopping the run, rushing the passer, and dropping into coverage.

We sat down with Trevor and his teammate Colton Tupen for a few minutes after practice and discovered a few things that you might not know...

Riecks never played receiver before this season - he was a fullback and occasional tight end prior to this year. With the switch to the spread offense in the making, Riecks dedicated himself to earning a spot at a skill position.

“Coach Tri probably didn’t even know that I could catch the ball,” Riecks deadpanned.

After an off-season of camps and voluntary workouts, Riecks was slimmer, faster and stronger than ever before - and he has to be: as the season’s progressed, Riecks role has increased. Aside from route running, Riecks carries the ball out of the backfield on fly sweeps (averaging nearly eight yards per carry) and serves as a lead blocker in the Vikes’ short yardage formation.

Working out of the slot, Riecks has become QB Nick Baker’s comfort blanket.

“He runs such precise routes...I always know where he’ll be...and he’s got great hands,” Baker said in an earlier interview.

Coming into the year, many observers expected WR Colton Tupen to be a star

(and he has) - Tri called him a combination of the best parts of former Vikings Dustin Adams and David McMurray (both now at Western). Tupen, who got quite a bit of playing time last year, has lived up to expectations, also ranking among the state leaders in yards and catches. But it’s Riecks who’s been the breakout performer, at least in the category of exceeding to expectations.

“If it’s third and eight - there’s nothing wrong with looking for Tupen - but if it’s me, I’m finding Trevor Riecks,” Tri said.

Notes on Riecks: Tupen pointed out that Riecks athleticism has allowed him to make a smooth shift into the receiver position...Riecks plays outfield and pitches for the baseball team, and will be a varsity swimmer this winter...his hobbies include snowboarding and wakeboarding...Riecks is still contemplating what he will do after high school.

Where are they now? Vikings graduates Kelly Kirusu, Dustin Adams and Ryan McMurray have moved up from playing at LSHS Stadium to the larger venue of Qwest Field, home to the Seattle Seahawks. The Lake Stevens trio all saw action in Western Washington University’s loss to Central two weeks ago. Kirusu, a lineman; and Adams, a cornerback both graduated last year. McMurray, known as “Superman” during his playing days graduated two years ago and lines up at cornerback, kick returner and occasionally wide receiver.

Senior Night: The Vikings play their last scheduled home game of the year Friday at 7:00 versus reigning league champion Oak Harbor. This could be your last chance to see Coach Tri’s high flying spread offense in person, as even if the Vikes were to host a playoff game, it would likely be held in Snohomish or Everett due to stadium limitations…

Briefly: Senior QB Nick Baker passed for three touchdowns again last Friday during the 52-13 victory over Monroe, all in the first half, giving him 21 for the year. The 6’1 lefty has established numerous career and season records for the Vikings, including career passing yards, career passing touchdowns, most touchdown passes in a season, most passing yards in a season, most touchdown passes in a single game (5), most yards in a single game (370 versus Jackson) and highest completion percentage in a game, among others. Baker is expected to get significant recruiting interest after the season wraps up.

For daily coverage of Viking Football including Rob Carlson’s award winning photography, visit the Purple and Gold Pigskin blog.

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