Not the same old Vikings

Steve Zenk is as big and tough as you might expect from a high school football coach. He's lived and breathed the game his whole life. He knows not just X's and O's. He knows how to win.
From 1989-1991 he anchored the offensive line at Palma. Walk into the gym sometime. Find the banners hanging uptop. You'll understand what I mean about success.
After high school and college, Zenk began coaching on the Hollister High staff. He helped build the team into a Division I powerhouse, one that often vied for a title against his own alma mater.
Three years ago, he took over at North Salinas, becoming the latest coach to try and resurect a program that had fallen on hard times.
It's finally come to fruition.
On Friday the Vikings trailed three times in their first playoff game since 2003. They gave up a 59 touchdown run. They gave up a 61 yard touchdown pass. With less than three minutes remaining, they trailed 20-15.
Three years ago, that would have been too much for a North Salinas team to overcome. Three years ago, North Salinas would have packed it in at halftime. Three years ago, North Salinas wouldn't even have belonged on the same field as Milpitas.
But not any more.
The credit rightfully should be handed to Zenk, who has instilled not only a sense of pride but a sense of belief among his players. More than anything, he's instilled a sense of winning.
And like all good coaches, he deflects the praise.
What's most impressive about the Vikings is not the talent. They have speed (see Camel, Devin). They have power (see Hernandez, Miguel). They have toughness (see Santana, Chris).
What they lacked in the past was unity.
They have that now (see 2007, North Salinas Vikings).