Fremd focuses on more of the same

Have no fear.

That's how Fremd feels as it plugs in newcomers and gets ready to plug away toward a 14th straight playoff trip and sixth straight outright or shared Mid-Suburban West title.

"I don't want to sound arrogant or cocky, but when you're one play away from having a trophy in your case two years in a row," said Fremd coach Mike Donatucci of 8A quarterfinalists, "who are you afraid of and who can't you beat?"

Only eventual 8A runnerup Glenbard North stopped Fremd on its way to a school-record 11 wins.

And even as the names change the successful formula remains the same.

"The kids know what's expected," said Donatucci, who needs 8 wins to pass Conant's Dave Pendergast (115) for the most victories at an MSL school. "You don't fight battles and they know what has to get done."

It will be done a little differently at quarterback than the last four years with Scott and Mark Tolzien. Senior Mike Tauchman moves from receiver and will be a running and passing threat.

"Michael makes things happen," Donatucci said. "It's not the old Fremd offense and we've got to make sure we do the things he can do."

Tauchman has plenty of weapons in 1,000-yard rusher Mike Gyetvay, receivers Andrew Corso and Zenon Kolakowski. The Vikings are solid up front with junior Division I recruit Christian Lombard and senior guard Jimmy Norris.

"We have everything we need - now we have to work on execution," Donatucci said. "We'll be a little more workmanlike instead of waiting for the big play."

Defense has been the backbone of the Vikings' success and this year should be no exception.

The linebacking crew is solid with Jonathon Diegel, Jeff Bobek and Ben Perna. Senior receiver-cornerback Chris Doloughty is a key to a secondary where James Szafranski and Tom Carmody have looked good.

"Guys have stepped in and are playing like experienced seniors," Donatucci said.

Which really hasn't been a secret to Fremd's success.