Vikings getting big LaPointe

John LaPointe doesn't want the Tour de Fremd to end.

That's why after practices have ended during the playoffs, the 6-foot-2, 259-pound defensive tackle starts doing even more to keep the ride of his life going.

And LaPointe hopes a few extra miles on the stationary bike will help undefeated Fremd go farther than it ever has in its postseason history.

"I rode until I was dead and it paid off," LaPointe said. "You don't want any regrets. Especially now in the playoffs."

That's a point LaPointe clearly understands since he's been on the varsity since he was a freshman and Fremd was the victim of a big Stevenson comeback in a first-round playoff game.

"One of the worst feelings in the world is all the seniors were done and I don't want that," LaPointe said. "It went so fast. I wish I had made more out of it."

LaPointe has made the most of his third varsity season, even if it doesn't necessarily show up statistically.

LaPointe is third on the Vikings in tackles with 48, but his value is taking on double-teams and freeing up linebackers Nick Hillard and Kevin Krieter to soak up more of the glory.

"He's been underrated all year and he's really turned into a mainstay," said Fremd coach Mike Donatucci. "He's a load in there versus the run. He makes Nick's and Krieter's job that much easier."

Which is fine with LaPointe.

"That's my job and I'm glad to do it," he said. "With the linebackers like we've got, Nick and Kevin fill everything in real well so the job gets done."

LaPointe has spent most of his time in the trenches since he started playing football in kindergarten. Once he got to the Fremd varsity, he was put strictly on defense.

But he would have liked to have also played on the offensive side.

"Now that I'm a senior I wish I would have gone both ways," LaPointe said, "and pushed myself to be more athletic and go both ways.

"But I like the 'D-line' more. It's just a lot more fun."

Donatucci said LaPointe has simply matured as most kids do who suddenly realize the end is near.

"You realize this is going pretty darn fast and get more of an appreciation for time," Donatucci said. "He's ready and he's worked harder."

As a result he's become a leader on the defensive line with Ben Perna, Bryan Opitz, Tim Dusek, Chris Vincent, Matt Mertes, Robert Balogh and Kyle Stanko.

"Everyone knows their stuff, but if there's any confusion I'm always glad to help clarify it," LaPointe said. "I try to lead and keep everyone going strong."

Using some of his wrestling moves along with Opitz and Perna -- and Vincent, who used to wrestle -- is another big plus in the battles up front.

LaPointe went to Champaign's Assembly Hall for last year's Class AA wrestling tournament but lost his first-round heavyweight match.

Getting back there this winter is one of his goals. But he'd also love to make an early return downstate to nearby Memorial Stadium for a shot at a state football championship.

There's also one other things he'd like to do before his senior season ends.

LaPointe did play a little fullback as a freshman on the sophomore team. He said offensive coordinator Lou Sponsel promised LaPointe a shot back there if he didn't display any fatigue by putting his hands on his hips this year.

With Mike Gyetvay and Brett Siepka down with injuries, LaPointe thinks this is the perfect time to collect if Fremd needs a tough yard.

"I hope he will -- he promised me," LaPointe said with a smile. "He didn't want me to look tired and coach Sponsel is all about tempo."

So a few more miles on the bike aren't a big deal to John LaPointe.