The Siuslaw Vikings football team has a lot to look forward to next year.

A kinder schedule for starters. Five home games instead of three.

A full year's use of the new weight-room equipment should make a big difference.

And a full year for learning first-year coach Jamin Pool's new offense.

"I wish I could come back to play it," Vikings senior Brogan Cornish said. "It's been a learning experience for the seniors, so I bet it will be more successful next year.

"It's tough to teach seniors a new offense."

Cornish has flourished as one of the spread offense's top targets. His 27 pass receptions is second only to junior tight end Trent Reavis, who has 29.

He has been a major force on defense at outside linebacker, or what the Vikings call the Rambo position. Cornish moved to Falcon, or free safety, early in Friday's game against Marshfield when Quincy Rusk was injured.

Cornish's contributions were recognized since the beginning of the season, when he was designated a team leader. Vikings fans will recognize team leaders as the players who head to midfield for the pregame coin toss.

There are no captains on the Siuslaw team. Just leaders. And Cornish prefers it that way.

"I like the term 'leader' more because it's more in tune to what our team is doing, on and off the field," Cornish said.

"'Captain' is more like a game-day thing. I feel it's more an honor to be leader than a captain. I take pride in being a leader."

At 5-foot-10-plus and 180 pounds, Cornish doesn't present as imposing a target as the 6-foot-7, 220-pound Reavis.

But he gets the job done, and is a sure-handed receiver.

"I'm confident in myself," he said. "And our offense, it's exciting. Once we get the offense moving down the field, our offense really starts to click."

There's no question that Vikings quarterback Jared Brandt is comfortable tossing a ball Cornish's way.

Brandt and Cornish are teammates on the Vikings basketball and baseball teams, as well. In basketball, Cornish likely will run point to Brandt's wing, while in baseball, Brandt is a solid third baseman who finds a reliable glove at first base in Cornish.

"I'm excited for finishing out my senior year in all three sports," Cornish said.

He's also expecting the Vikings to be competitive as they head into their final two games, including Friday's road trip to South Umpqua.

The following Friday, Oct. 21, the Vikings host Brookings-Harbor in a homecoming/senior recognition night at Hans Petersen Field.

"I know Coach Pool will have a solid game plan for us," Cornish said. "I hope we can buckle down, finish out the season and win our last two.

"If not, I'm proud of my boys, either way."

NOTES

Cornish is listed as a junior on the Siuslaw football roster. He is indeed a senior. ...

Siuslaw's roster lists eight seniors, not including Cornish: Tyler Cater, David Fleming, Robert Fleming, Kainan Lane, Michael Larson, Marcos Reyna, Scott Simmons and Nick Steinman. ...

The roster also lists freshman lineman Dayson Foglio as No. 68. He's actually No. 85, and has served as team kicker in recent games, handling kickoffs and extra points. ...