Antwone Young
Vikings defensive tackle Antwone Young won something Saturday his teammates with the Vikes have to achieve -- a league title. Young was a member of the Berlin Thunder, which scored a late touchdown to defeat the Barcelona Dragons 24-17 in World Bowl IX.
Young had a pair of tackles and was a force inside, pushing several plays -- including a couple of key plays on Barcelona's final drive -- to the outside. However, he wasn't the Viking who had the biggest day.
DT Tim Engelhardt made his presence felt early, stopping the first drive of the game with a sack, forcing a fumble that killed a Berlin drive deep in Barcelona territory. He finished the game with 3-1/2 tackles, a sack and forced fumble. Teammate Antonio Wilson finished with 2-1/2 tackles
SUNDAY NOTES
* The Vikings have enjoyed some success in the WFL, but it has primarily come at the quarterback postion. Former starter Brad Johnson and current backup Todd Bouman both got their first pro experience in the World League.
* The team is expecting big things this season from newly acquired Lance Johnstone. Although he is technically only under a one-year contract, he could make it difficult to lose him if the Vikings get what they're expecting from him -- the double-digit sacks he produced with the Raiders before being injured last year. VU has been told the Vikes were shocked that Johnstone didn't get more interest in free agency, especially since this year was so defensive-line intensive once the draft rolled around.
* Line coach Mike Tice said the best news this offseason has been the work of
Korey Stringer, who has come into his own with a rigorous off-season workout
and Tice believes Stringer could be headed for an All-Pro season this year.
He's also high on Chris Liwienski and believes he can hold off a battle
from Corbin Lacina for a starting job, although Lacina wants to start somewhere
-- whether at guard or tackle.