Hohensee envisions success
If you believe Coeur d’Alene High offensive lineman Matt Hohensee, 2004 may be the Year of the Viking.
At this point, it’s tough to argue with the 6-foot-3, 240-pound senior.
The 2-0 Vikings have run roughshod over their first opponents. A large part of the credit goes to Hohensee and his trenchmates, who regularly open Hummer-size holes for CdA’s talented ball-carrying tandem of Gabe Le and Kevin Ah-Hi.
Hohensee, though, is gracious about his role. He says Le and Ah-Hi would make any offensive line look good, and points to overall strength and chemistry as the linchpins of the Vikings’ success.
“This team is very positive and confident, and we’re playing well right now,” says Hohensee, a team co-captain who attended or was invited to several prestigious camps over the summer. “We feel like no one can stop us if we do our jobs.
“For the most part, we just love being around each other, and that makes a big difference.”
Not surprisingly, there are some great expectations attached to the whole Vikings vibe.
“We’re not going to settle for anything less than the state championship,” Hohensee says. “This team is just like … and I’ve been a big fan of Viking football for a long time … this team is the best team I can ever remember. Our offense and our whole team are just something special this year.”
Hohensee’s game plan is based on raw power.
“I’m aggressive; I fire off the ball with a lot of confidence,” he says. “I don’t feel like there’s anyone who can stop me – if I’m in front of you, I’m going to block you. You are not going to get to my quarterback.”
The philosophy does not go unnoticed by teammates.
“This year, I feel like I’m more of a leader,” says Hohensee, a country music fan who “lives, eats and breathes” football, but admits to playing a little X-Box from time to time. “I think I motivate the other guys and I try to lead by example. I don’t think you have to yell at someone to get them motivated.
“Plus, we’ve got a lot of newcomers this year who are stepping it up and really helping out.”
As for his move to the next level, it’s not a question of if as much as a question of where.
“It kind of depends on what is offered, and it’s still pretty early in the recruiting process,” says Hohensee, a 3.0-plus student who has received plenty of preliminary interest from a gamut of college programs. “I don’t know if I’m going to get a full ride or have to walk on, and that will make a big difference when it comes time to make a decision.”