The Siuslaw Vikings junior varsity football team kicks off its season at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 31, at Elmira.

Mike Blankenship is head coach, assisted by Dennis Davidson and Jeff Gray.

The Vikings did not field a junior varsity in 2016, the first season for varsity head coach Jamin Pool.

"I am excited to have the JV team back this year," Pool said. "The JV players have definitely earned the right to play games with the appropriate competition.

"This freshman class is outstanding in all aspects: dedication, leadership, knowledge, discipline, and athleticism. (I am) very excited to see them grow this season."

With the exception of Elmira, junior varsity games will be on Mondays this season.

Only three of eight games are at home, with the first Sept. 18 against Newport.

The Vikings also host North Bend on Oct. 2 and Brookings-Harbor on Oct. 23.

Schedule:

• Thursday, Aug. 31 — at Elmira, 5:30 p.m.
• Monday, Sept. 11 — at Pleasant Hill, 5 p.m.
• Monday, Sept. 18 — Newport, 5:30 p.m.
• Monday, Sept. 25 — at Douglas, 5:30 p.m.
• Monday, Oct. 2 — North Bend, 5:30 p.m.
• Monday, Oct. 9 — at Marshfield, 5:30 p.m.
• Monday, Oct. 16 — at South Umpqua, 5:30 p.m.
• Monday, Oct. 23 — Brookings-Harbor, 5:30 p.m.