Fort Walton Beach, FL — When Grant Thompson looks at Fort Walton Beach, he doesn't see an 0-2 team. He sees a squad ravaged by COVID-19 quarantines and trying to make due with an incomplete roster. He sees "a storied program with a rich history a lot like our own." "It didn't look like the same team from the spring," Thompson said of the early-season game film on Fort Walton. "I know they have lot of people out and are trying to get healthy." Fort Walton, the program that delivered us Danny Wuerffel and the state titles in 1991 and 1995, has been through the gauntlet two weeks in and emerged on the wrong side of back-to-back routs — first a 28-6 loss at Navarre and then a running-clock defeat at Crestview. "It's been a lot of quarantine issues, somewhat similar to last year," said Petree, who wouldn't specify the exact numbers affected. "We've just had issues with chemistry and continuity based on the kids available, but we're starting to get some kids back and we're hoping to return to the full units we had in the spring. "That'll definitely help." The good news is the Vikings finally return home Friday. The bad news is they welcome visiting Niceville, the 2-0 perennial power fresh off last week's 39-0 running-clock route of Choctaw after a Final Four run in 2020. Here are the story lines to follow ahead of Friday night's 7 p.m. kickoff at Steve Riggs Stadium. The Fort Walton Beach Vikings take the field as Fort Walton Beach High hosted Pensacola High in a Kickoff Classic game Friday, August 20, 2021. FWB's offensive woes Through eight quarters and 96 minutes of play, the Vikings have yet to score an offensive touchdown. Needless turnovers. Penalties. The aforementioned lack of depth that has contributed to manageable halftime deficits turning into routs. It's all contributed to an offense led by quarterback TJ Seiuli, tailback Nicklos McTear and playmakers Parker Hill and Kaden Knight. Parker Hill, Kaden Knight ,and Nicklos McTear celebrate Knights touchdown reception as Fort Walton Beach High hosted Pensacola High in a Kickoff Classic game Friday, August 20, 2021. "We just have to return to the fundamentals and taking care of the ball," Petree said. Navarre and Crestview's defenses were vaunted. Niceville may be the area's best. Two weeks in, Kody Martin's crew has forced six turnovers and found the end zone back-to-back weeks. And the starters haven't had to play four quarters all year, shutting out a Choctaw crew that posted 41 points on Pace after limiting Lincoln to 10 points. The secondary is stacked behind Azareyeh Thomas, Jayden Sheppard, Tyler Powell and Harrison Orr. The linebacking crew has weathered injuries to shine behind Khalil Jacobs, and the defensive line has thrived behind Austin Firestone and Ryan Driscoll. Niceville's revered rushing attack After wearing down Lincoln between the tackles with 50 carries for a gritty 169 yards, Niceville flashed its speed on the edges against Choctaw. The result was 31 carries for 349 yards, including 120 yards and two scores from Micah Turner, a second rushing touchdown from Thomas and 107 yards and a score from quarterback Addie Moore. Moore, accenting his 147 passing yards and touchdown toss to Jacobs, now has 182 yards and three rushing scores two games into the season. "I think Addie is the most explosive kid in this area," Petree said. "Obviously the Thomas and Turner kids are phenomenal, but Addie is the straw that stirs the drink." Thompson said the ground game success is rooted in the David Hedges and Aaron Daniels-led men in the trenches — the Firestones, Driscolls, Joe Hansons and Eric Trapps. "The offensive line is playing really good and it all starts with them," Thompson said. "The guys run hard behind them." A streak that started 13 years ago Of note, Niceville has won 13 straight over the Vikings since losing a 9-7 defensive slugfest in 2007. That includes last year's 49-14 victory, which extends the scoring margin to 525-159 since 2008. Regardless, Thompson has seen his fair share of battles with the Vikings as an Eagles assistant coach. That's why he called it a "huge rivalry." "The kids got after each other in the spring and now we have to go on the road against a very well-prepared team that plays us well at home," Thompson said. Regardless of who wins, Petree said "(Steve Riggs Stadium) is gonna be rockin."