The Niles junior varsity football team opened its season with a commanding 54-6 victory over visiting Coldwater Thursday night.

Fritz Findeisen scored six touchdowns for the Vikings, while Alec Landon added three touchdowns.

"As a staff we are pleased with the effort of our kids tonight,” Niles coach Josh Bourne said. “It’s always nice to come out the first game and see a team execute. We were penalty free for the entire game and felt our energy was consistent from start to finish. You don't always get that the first game, but that is a tribute to the work ethic and focus of these boys from the beginning of two-a-days to game day.

“That is not saying that there are things that need to improve. Our pass blocking was far from good. We are going to have to get a lot better there to have the fire power to beat the best our schedule has to offer. Tonight had a ton more positives than negatives, but our focus is on staying sharp and getting better and deeper with each play, and we still have a little ways to go with that,” he added.

Bourne noted that Rodney Applewhite played well on the defensive side of the football from his linebacker position.

“I have no official stats, but he was in on 75 percent of the plays and was just tough,” he said.

Also receiving credit for their efforts Thursday night were Dallas Munger and Aaron Pierce.

“Dallas Munger also had a great game, doing just about everything we asked him to,” Bourne said. “This is a young man that is playing defensive end, linebacker, every special team, receiver, and back-up quarterback. He had a heck of a game all over. Lastly, Aaron Pierce was a major factor for us at many different spots as well. He's a tough all-around player that sticks his nose into every play.”