STORY CITY, Ia. — The Roland-Story Norsemen football team returns to the gridiron on Friday Night, as they host the Vinton-Shellsburg Vikings in Class 2A, District 4 action on homecoming night at Kerry Van Winkle Field. Roland-Story enters at 3-1 and ranked #2 in Class 2A, while Vinton-Shellsburg enters at 2-2. Roland-Story leads the all-time series between the two programs 2-1, dating back to 2018, and won the 2025 matchup in Vinton 21-14.
Vinton-Shellsburg enters Friday with a record of 2-2, falling in their season opener to South Tama County 21-17, before reeling off back-to-back wins over Jesup and county-rival Benton Community, as the Vikings opened district play with a 27-19 loss to Hampton-Dumont-CAL. The Vikings offense is led junior quarterback Landry Mouton, who’s thrown for 388 yards, 3 touchdowns and 3 interceptions, as his favorite target has been senior receiver Nile Davis, who’s caught 14 balls for 153 yards, while fellow senior Tate Druschel has 9 receptions for 116 yards and a score. Vinton-Shellsburg does possess a quality two-headed figure at running back, as junior Eli Petersen has 302 yards and 4 touchdowns, while senior Isaiah Schneider has 275 yards and 3 touchdowns on the ground, as the Vikings have a veteran offensive line leading the way, led by junior Ricky Jackson and senior Jakob Becker.
On the defensive end, the Vikings linebacking core has played at a high-level the first half of the year, with senior Colson Chvala leading the team with 29.5 tackles,3 TFL, 2 forced fumbles and an interception, while Nile Davis has added 20 tackles and an interception on the season. Defensive tackle Trevor Harvey presents a unique challenge for the offensive line, as the 6-5, 350-pounder has 19.5 tackles and 3.5 TFL, as senior Jackson Heims has added 14 tackles and 4.5 TFL. The Vinton-Shellsburg defensive backfield has been tested and played well to start the season, as cornerbacks Landon Wygle and Tate Druschel have recorded interceptions so far in the season.
LISTEN: Vinton-Shellsburg coach Joe Hadachek previews Roland-Story
Roland-Story enters Friday fresh off their 39-14 drubbing of Denver in the Norsemen’s district opener. Quarterback Colin Willis will look to build off his 300-yard, 4 touchdown performance against the Cyclones, as the receiving trio of Luke Thoreson, Cooper Triggs and Brody Kilstofte have played at an elite level. The Norsemen defense will be using multiple looks to throw off the Vikings offense and force more turnovers, as the Norsemen have 9 forced turnovers on the season.
LISTEN: Roland-Story coach Matt Finn previews Vinton-Shellsburg
Kickoff is slated for 7 PM on Friday Night at Kerry Van Winkle Field, and can be heard on 95.7 KQWC or streaming online at kqradio.com.