Valley confident in ability to improve this season, build program

By: Matthew Purucker
Wednesday, August 13, 2025 | 6:01 AM

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Valley coach Mark Adams would be the first to agree that the Vikings had a disappointing 2024 season. Valley was winless, with its closest loss being a crushing 38-35 defeat to Riverview in its second game.

However, Adams would also agree that Valley can turn the program around because of the optimistic mindset surrounding the team.

“We were young and (in) a whole lot of areas started a whole lot of freshmen. And pretty much (we were) trying to learn the game of football again, putting the program back together,” Adams said. “I think myself and the coaching staff have done a great job of that through this summer, through last year into this summer, with them understanding our overall culture that we’re trying to instill and what we’re looking for out of each of these student athletes.”

Starting quarterback Mason Simmons graduated this spring, leaving Brendon Knuckles to lead the passing attack in his place. Knuckles could play elsewhere, having been able to handle wide receiver, running back and defensive back duties as well, but the senior was eager to take charge of the offense at quarterback.

“He had a good 7-on-7 at counties as well as Saint Vincent,” Adams said.

“I think we went 5-0 up there, 2-3 at counties coming out of the gate. … I think he’s matured and grown in the last couple of months, so I’m pretty pleased with where he’s at. Good athlete.”

Junior wide receiver and defensive back Sean Wilkerson looks to be a favorite target of Knuckles. Wilkerson has a long frame with enough speed and quickness to catch balls all over the field.

Sophomore Owen Rankin is a promising two-way player who will move to tight end from offensive tackle. Rankin’s 6-foot-5 stature stands out among high school tight ends and he’s an imposing presence as an edge rusher as well.

Senior lineman Jaden Wall will provide critical leadership to a young team, especially on defense. Other talented players Adams thinks will aid the team’s 2025 efforts are sophomore running back and defensive lineman Zay Adams, junior linebacker Roman D’Argon and freshman kicker Jude Hicinbothem.

Adams is reworking the defense, which must improve for the team to get into the win column this season. Valley gave up 40.6 points per game in 2024, the seventh-most in the WPIAL. The Vikings cannot afford to concede that same amount if they hope to compete in the Allegheny Seven Conference.

“We’ve got to not only communicate better, we’ve got to start learning to play together as a team, as a unit,” Adams said. “I think we, last year, we were able to put points on the board. We weren’t able to contain anyone.”

Adams believes he has a good core with which to rebuild the team and bring Valley more wins in upcoming seasons.

“I expect them to compete,” Adams said. “But more importantly, I expect them to start learning how to win, one link at a time. … For these young men, I think it’s (to) get them to understand that they’re capable, more than capable of winning.”

Valley

Coach: Mark Adams

2024 record: 0-10, 0-6 in Class 3A Allegheny 7 Conference

All-time record: 269-288-9

SCHEDULE

Date, Opponent, Time

8.22 Southmoreland, 7

8.30 at Riverview, noon

9.5 Greensburg Salem, 7

9.12 at Imani Christian*, 7

9.19 Quaker Valley, 7

9.26 Freeport*, 7

10.3 at Burrell*, 7

10.10 at East Allegheny*, 7

10.17 Deer Lakes*, 7

10.24 at Highlands*, 7

*Conference game

STATISTICAL LEADERS

Passing: Mason Simmons*

23-61, 326 yards, 3 TDs

Rushing: Nicholas Heakins

10-135 yards, 2 TDs

Receiving: Zayaan Ferron*

9-143 yards, 2 TDs

*Graduated

FAST FACTS

• Valley last made the playoffs in 2013 in Class AA under the four-class system. The Vikings went 6-4 in the regular season (5-3 in the Allegheny Conference) before losing to Mt. Pleasant, 48-14.

• The Vikings averaged 16.9 points per game last season (14.2 points per game in the Allegheny 7 Conference).

• Valley’s most recent three-win season was in 2018 when the Vikings defeated Burrell, Apollo-Ridge and Summit Academy.

• The NFL player with the longest career among Valley graduates is WPIAL Hall of Famer Greg Meisner. The Los Angeles Rams drafted Meisner in the third round of the 1981 NFL Draft, and he played for 11 years (1981-91).

ROSTER

No., Name, Year

0, Shawn Wilkerson, jr.

1, Levante Godfrey, sr.

2, Skyler Lincoln, jr.

3, Raydon Thomas, sr.

4, Josh Dunlap, sr.

5, Roman DeArgon, jr.

6, Brendon Knuckles, sr.

7, Blake Miles, sr.

8, Juzef Betts, so.

9, Raymond Loury, so.

11, Owen Rankin, so.

12, Brendyn Jackson, jr.

13, Tyren Moore, sr.

14, Maurico Avent, so.

15, Isaiah Kane, jr.

16, Lamar Jackson, jr.

17, Isaiah Godfrey, fr.

18, Roman Hughes, so.

19, Jamir Bacon, fr.

20, Zay Adams, so.

21, Lian Behanna, fr.

22, Giovianni Coniglio, so.

23, Dominic Lawson, fr.

24, Yeshua Perkins, fr.

25, Lucas Isbell, sr.

26, Rane Thomas, fr.

30, Amir Thorton, so.

31, Jaden Wilkerson, fr.

33, Tyer Martin, jr.

33/10, Fabian Wilson, so.

34, Brice Jackson, fr.

39, Jude Hicinbothem, fr.

50, Ace Robare, jr.

52, Dezzy Legko, sr.

55, Jeremiah Dawson, so.

56, Conner Sakala, sr.

57, Jaden Wall, sr.

61, Blake Raymer, fr.

67, Alex Stagle, so.

71, Tristan Olbeter, so.

72, Steven Gabor, fr.

75, Javon Norman, sr.

77, Dontavious Thornton, jr.

78, Christian Wilson, jr.

Tags: Valley