LOUISVILLE, Ky. —

Valley is off to its best start in more than two decades, opening the season 3-0 under second-year head coach DeMarcus Smith. The Vikings remained undefeated with a 28-12 win over Southern, a statement victory fueled by a dominant defense that recorded eight sacks and scored two of the team’s four touchdowns.

“It’s a very talented, hungry group,” Smith said. “What stands out about these new guys is they accept the challenge of wanting to succeed. The defense played great — pretty much lights out. Even though I’m an offensive-minded guy, I understand offense wins games; defense wins championships.”

Senior Logan Watanabe echoed that identity.

“We’re really strong up front. Our linebackers are smart, strong, fast — they can pick it off or they can go smack them. Really s

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