Nick Rook Coeur D’Alene Year: Senior Sport: Football Position: Quarterback

Nick Rook was expected to be one of several great players in the Inland Empire League this year. Last Friday, Rook finally showed why.

Rook played a part in all five of the Vikings’ touchdowns, running for three scores and passing for two in a 37-18 non-league win over Lakeland.

Behind an option attack, Rook has been able to demonstrate not only his arm but also his speed.

“I like the fact that coach (Bill) Anderson is running a lot of option this year,” Rook said. “If I wasn’t a quarterback I’d want to be a running back.”

The Vikings are off to a 2-2 start and face Moscow on Friday before opening Inland Empire League play. Rook is looking forward to the competition of league.

“The IEL is the toughest league in the state this year, but they better be ready for a game when they play us,” Rook said.

The confidence the Vikings feel is not unjustified. Second-year coach Anderson said that Rook is in control of the team in the huddle and that work in the off-season has helped him grasp the offense. This has led to a more potent Viking attack that has successfully mixed in the pass with the option.

“The way coach runs the offense is different than what I saw in the past,” Rook said. “We have great skill players and the offensive line is coming together so I feel more comfortable this year.”

Rook is 30 of 63 passing this year for 618 yards and six touchdowns. He has also run the ball 31 times for 120 yards and five touchdowns.

Running is the aspect of the game Rook loves the most.

“I’ll take on any linebacker in the league,” Rook said. “I lower my head and deliver the blow when I see a tackler because if you’re looking to hit them first you won’t get hurt.”

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