2010 Tribune football Coach of the Year

Despite a slow start, Vikings earned district championship, state berth

NORTHWOOD, Iowa — If you would have asked Northwood-Kensett’s head football coach, Dave Capitani, how his season would end following an 0-5 start, he wouldn’t have replied with: a district championship, state tournament berth and multiples coaching awards.

No, but he would have smiled and said he still had a shot at all of that — and he would have been right.

Playing three top 10 teams in their first four games, the N-K Vikings coaching staff and players knew this season would be tough. After losing to unranked rival Lake Mills in their second game of the season, they thought it might be tougher, and after dropping to 0-5 following a loss to district foe Bishop Garrigan, Capitani and his team were left searching for answers.

“It’s been a long time since we started 0-5,” Capitani said. “And it wasn’t going to get any easier the next game.”

For a team that felt they could contend for a district title before the season began, the Vikings second district game against West Hancock was a must-win situation.

Down 19-7 at halftime, the Vikings didn’t panic and played their best football of the season in the second half, rallying to win 30-19.

The Vikings didn’t lose again for a month.

“You could just see the confidence develop in the kids and belief that they could get the job done,” Capitani said, of the West Hancock win. “We played very, very well and turned our season around.”

The Vikings won five straight games, outscoring their opponents 182-54, and finished 3-1 in their district to become co-champions. By finishing in the top four of their district they also received a bid to the 32-team state tournament and a first-round matchup at Clay Central-Everly, a team that beat them 22-8 during the fourth week of the season.

The Vikings went on to win and earn a second-round game against LeMars Gehlen Catholic but lost 26-14 — a game much closer that the scoreboard indicated.

Capitani said despite the 0-5 start, his players stayed focused because they knew their goal of a district title was still in reach.

“They realized we could have won four of those first five games,” Capitani said.

He also said playing West Hancock on homecoming lifted his team’s spirits and kept the players upbeat and positive.

“Sometimes homecoming can be your worst nightmare,” Capitani said. “Sometimes your kids respond. The second half against West Hancock helped us get over the hump.”

By finishing in the top 16 at state, Capitani said he’s pleased the way the season ended.

“We really progressed throughout the year,” Capitani said. “Before the West Hancock game I don’t think too many people gave us a chance.”

In 22 seasons as head coach, Capitani has compiled a 146-75 record, won six district titles and made 12 postseason appearances. His teams have won 10 or more games six times and he was voted District Coach of the Year this season.