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Published: October 10, 2008 01:45 am  

GRAND ISLAND NOTEBOOK (Week 6): GI is as efficient as ever

By Nate Beutel

After fumbling away its chances at topping Sweet Home in week two, the Vikings have rattled off four consecutive wins in impressive fashion. While receiver Alex Neutz is garnering most of the headlines, it’s been the steady play of senior quarterback Joe Oliverio that has the Vikings has the right path.

He’s also blessed to have as big a collection of weapons as any signal caller in Western New York. Besides Neutz, Oliverio can toss it to fellow receivers Lance Robinson, Matt Krupczyk and Chris Gibney. Santorio said Robinson would be the top wideout on most team’s rosters.

He’s also got tight ends Chris Podlucky and Adam Helman, not to mention tailbacks Eddie Weiser and Andy LaLonde. The offensive line has also shown improvement all year long, Santorio said.

• LaLonde, who gets plenty of carries despite being the second back, has gained the confidence of the coaching staff to where they believe in him in all situations. That said, they also expect Weiser to grind out the real tough yards.

• Standouts during last week’s win over Williamsville South included offensive linemen Greg Feathers and Ryan Harnden. Santorio also like the way Harnden was physical on defense. He also praised the work of inside linebacker Brett Dlugosz, who continues to lead the team in tackles.

• The Vikings will travel to Starpoint tomorrow with hopes of continuing their strong play, despite some improvements by the Spartans’ offense, which is led by all-league tailback Brandon Bratek and quarterback Joe Scibilia.

“We will not take them lightly, but we would like to be playing our best football of the season heading into the playoffs,” Santorio said. “We would like to build on what we already have done.”