Petersburg looks to build off of 7-win season, second consecutive playoff berth
2026 Summer Previews
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Petersburg has reached the playoffs in each of Shane Shockey's first two seasons as head coach. Now, Shockey believes the 2026 Vikings could be his best team yet.
After reaching the Class AA quarterfinals in 2024, Petersburg went 7-3 during the 2025 regular season to earn a second consecutive postseason appearance for the first time in school history.
Junior quarterback Payton Metheny returns for his third season leading the offense after throwing 16 touchdown passes and rushing for six more as a sophomore. His continued development as a leader will be a key piece of Petersburg's pursuit of another playoff run.
Junior Evan Tawney is expected to take on a larger role as the Vikings' primary running back while also contributing in the passing game after scoring eight touchdowns last season.
Up front, Petersburg returns four starters on an offensive line that Shockey believes could develop into one of the team's biggest strengths after an offseason focused on getting bigger and stronger.
With Class AA featuring a loaded field of contenders, Petersburg isn't backing down from its ultimate goal — competing for a state championship.
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