Add experience to Fremd's arsenal
Traditionally the underclassmen pay their dues and wait for their starting shot as seniors at Fremd.
But starting 12 underclassmen a year ago is three times more than ever before during Mike Donatucci's 18-year tenure. And it wasn't as if they won the jobs by default as the Vikings went 11-1, won a Mid-Suburban League record seventh straight division title and reached the Class 8A quarterfinals in their 15th straight playoff trip.
"This senoir class as juniors got it like that," Donatucci said. "They were catalysts last year.
"You had stars like (Notre Dame offensive lineman Christian) Lombard and (Wisconsin-Whitewater running back Evan) Wright. But (Justin) Wallace, (Michael) Sahli, (Tyler) Mundt and (Michael) Risher really understood what it's about."
And even though Lombard and all-area captain and record-setting rusher Wright (2,234 yards, 28 TDs) are gone, the formula of pounding the ball will be the same.
Wallace and Isaiah Coleman (299 yards, 4 TDs) will run behind the duo of Big Ten recruits in Ohio State-bound center Brian Bobek (6-foot-3, 275 pounds) and Northwestern-bound tight end Jack Konopka (6-5, 265) and returning tackle Evan Schaeffer (6-3, 257).
Senior Richard Concialdi will keep teams honest after throwing for 1,249 yards last year with 5 TDs and 6 INTs.
"He understands a lot more and he seems more relaxed," Donatucci said. "He has the ability to hit downtown and people have to respect that. He'll be much better at passing the ball than he was last year."
And there is a strong core of returnees from a strong defense which allowed 236.8 yards a game and had a plus-21 turnover ratio. Six of the seven-man line rotation - including Bobek, Konopka and offensive guard Levi Jorgensen - are back.
Wallace, middle man Sahli and Alex Van Duch return at linebacker and Risher returns at cornerback. Matt Zerfass and Mundt, who impressed Donatucci with his offseason work ethic and athletic improvement, anchor the last line of defense.
"For us to be good it starts with being smart," Donatucci said. "We have two safeties who control the game in the middle of the field, we have a middle linebacker who understands everything and six (linemen) back. We feel pretty comfortable."
Vikings at a glance
Coach: Mike Donatucci (127-53, 18th year)
Last year: 11-1, 5-0 (West champs, 8A quarterfinals)
Probable starters
OFFENSE
Pos. Name Ht/Wt Yr.
QB Rich Concialdi 6-0/175 Sr.
TB Isaiah Coleman 5-10/180 Sr.
T Evan Schaeffer 6-3/257 Sr.
G Jared Mikkelsen 6-4/265 Sr.
C Brian Bobek 6-3/275 Sr.
G Nick Loden 6-0/231 Jr.
T Brian Gienko 6-1/250 Sr.
TE Jack Konopka 6-5/265 Sr.
WR Greg Lombard 6-1/170 Sr.
WR Jim Scharfe 6-0/180 Sr.
H-B Connor Pfister 6-3/200 Jr.
or Justin Wallace 6-0/205 Sr.
DEFENSE
Pos. Name Ht/Wt Yr.
DE Adam Mertes 6-2/190 Sr.
DT Daniel Muehlfelt 6-1/230 Sr.
DT Brian Bobek 6-3/275 Sr.
or Jack Konopka 6-5/265 Sr.
DE Levi Jorgensen 6-2/215 Sr.
OLB Justin Wallace 6-0/205 Sr.
MLB Michael Sahli 6-2/203 Sr.
OLB Tyler Hanson 5-11/180 Sr.
CB Michael Risher 6-0/170 Sr.
CB Keith Browning 5-11/160 Jr.
S Matt Zerfass 6-1/190 Sr.
S Tyler Mundt 6-1/175 Sr.