Coupeville Sports

   Birthday boy James Vidoni (left), seen during a game last season. (John Fisken photo)

James Vidoni celebrated his birthday a few hours early.

The Coupeville High School junior, who turns 17 today, exploded to the forefront of Wolf football Saturday night, helping lead CHS to a 41-10 thrashing of dastardly South Whidbey.

Making his first varsity start, Vidoni came roaring up on the outside twice to crumple the Falcon QB with sacks that looked and sounded like a freight train hitting a grocery cart left unattended on the tracks.

It was a big night for James, and a huge step forward in his development as a player.

Like big sis Monica before him, he has been a three-sport athlete for the Wolves every step of the way.

Football, basketball and baseball have kept him busy, and he’s shown growth in all three while remaining a low-key warrior.

It’s always nice to see athletes like James, who get in there and fight every step of the way, be rewarded for their efforts.

He got a lot of applause Saturday night, almost enough for Monica to hear it all the way in Minnesota, where’s she playing college volleyball right now.

And he deserved it, both for his accomplishments and for the guy he is in day-to-day life.

So, happy birthday Mr. Vidoni and congratulations on your stellar season debut.

Here’s to many more big nights for you, on and off the gridiron.