Last season was a banner year for the St. John's Vikings football team as the Vikings defeated arch rival Annapolis Area Christian 12-6 in the 2016 MIAA Class C championship game. Coach Hayes welcomes back a good throw-catch combination in quarterback Sully Dowling and receiver Andrew Shanley. Shanley had 17 catches for 185 yards last season. There also is a freshman sensation on the Vikings team, Wylan Harich, who can reportedly throw the ball 60 yards through the air. Coach Hayes arrived at the WFMD studios with a smile on his face and optimism in his talk according to WFMD's Ed Lulie who interviewed him. The coach told Lulie he is hoping there will be a new football stadium on the St. John's campus in Buckeystown by the start of the 2018 season. Right now the Vikings play home games at McCurdy Field which is off campus near downtown Frederick. Coach Hayes said he likes the Vikings offensive line this season anchored by Senior Right Guard Ray Verner who stands 6'3" and weighs in at 290 lbs. And the Junior offensive Center is 6'3" 285 lb Michael Haley. These guys will try and protect the talented quarterback Dowling, fast Senior Fullback Joey Keys and Junior Running Back Derek Newton who stepped up big in the state championship game last year with 140 yards rushing. A lot of guys back and new facilities on the horizon, why wouldn't Coach Daryl Hayes be in a good mood?