Despite a final game loss to Weber State on Saturday, the Portland State football program finished a remarkable turnaround season in 2011, finishing 7-4 for the year and 5-3 in the Big Sky Conference.

After four consecutive losing records, Portland State became one of the most improved teams in the country in 2011. The Vikings got back into the national rankings last week and came within one win of receiving serious consideration for the 20-team NCAA playoffs. The post-season was not to be, but the Vikings still had remarkable accomplishments.

• PSU led the Big Sky Conference and finished eighth in the nation in rushing with 247.8 yards per game. The Vikings set a new school record for total rushing yards (2,726). This despite losing the nation's leading rusher (Cory McCaffrey) and scorer after week six.

• The Viking defense improved by cutting more than 110 yards and 12 points per game by opponents.

• Quarterback Connor Kavanaugh finished the season with 1,060 yards, setting new PSU and Big Sky records for quarterback rushing in a season and a career (1,965).

• Kicker Zach Brown ended up as the nation's top field goal kicker, making 24 of 27 kicks (2.18 per game), and breaking his on Portland State record. Brown has 60 field goals in three seasons.

• Portland State's overall special teams were remarkable, blocking nine kicks. PSU also ranked among the best in kick returns, recovered four of their own kickoffs during the season, and of course, had the nation's top kicker.

Portland State celebrated its season with a team banquet on Sunday at Smith Memorial Ballroom on the PSU campus, handing out awards and commemorating its accomplishments.

Kavanaugh, a senior from Lincoln (OR) High School, was recognized as the Vikings' Most Valuable Player. He rushed for 1,060 yards and seven touchdowns, while completing 127 of 219 passes for 1,628 yards, nine touchdowns and six interceptions.

Senior Dustin Waldron was named the Vikings' Most Valuable Offensive Lineman. Waldron, from Marist (OR) High School, missed the last few games of the season with injury but is an NFL prospect.

Cory McCaffrey was selected as the team's top offensive back despite having his season shortened by injury. McCaffrey, from Sisters (OR) HS, played in just five games, but totaled 731 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns in that time. He was the nation's leader in scoring and rushing when he went down with a left achilles injury.

Defensive end Jack Forbes was named as the Vikings' best defensive lineman. Forbes, from Pacifica, CA, had 38 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss, three sacks and a fumble recovery while starting every game.

DeShawn Shead was named the team's Outstanding Defensive Back as a strong safety. Shead, from Palmdale, CA, was a mainstay for the Vikings for four seasons, starting all 44 games of his career. This season, he had 64 tackles, five tackles for loss, a sack, two interceptions, eight pass breakups, a fumble recovery and three forced fumbles. Shead also averaged more than 26 yards per kickoff return.

Nevin Lewis was selected as the Vikings' Special Teams Player of the Year for his all-around performance on all teams. Lewis, a junior from Culver (OR) HS, blocked three punts, made a tackle for loss on another fake punt, had three special teams tackles and averaged 23.7 yards per kickoff return. As a wide receiver, Lewis had 22 catches for 337 yards and two touchdowns.

Junior Aaron Kincy was selected as the team's Most inspirational Player. Kincy, a cornerback, is from St. Petersburg, FL.

The Most Improved Player on the team this season was Donte Almond. A senior safety from Milpitas, CA, Almond took over as a starter for the majority of the season, making 39 tackles and an interception.

The Scout Team Player of the Year was redshirt Zach Zelecki. A freshman defensive end, Zelecki is from Central Point's Crater (OR) HS.

Mitch Gaulke was named the Scholar-Athlete of the Year this season. A sophomore from West Linn (OR) HS, Gaulke started every game at center. He majors in Business Administration: Accounting at PSU and earned Academic All-District honors. He is on the national ballot for Division I Academic All-American.
 
Awards were presented at the banquet by former Viking football stars: Chris Crawford (1985-88), Daren Heerspink (2004-07), Theo Hall (2004-06), Ina Talalemotu (1987-88), Tom Oberg (1966-67), Erik Selden (2000-04), Brent Donnerberg (1999-2002), Neil Zellick (2001-02), Barry Naone (1985-88) and Joey King (2002-05).

The Big Sky Conference will release All-Conference teams on either Monday or Tuesday.