Fremd intends to send Donatucci, seniors out in style
Mike Donatucci is concerned with how it is all going to end at Fremd.
But not for himself as the winningest football coach in Mid-Suburban League history with 133 enters his 19th and final year before retirement.
For another group that will also be leaving Fremd at the end of the year.
"I don't even think about it and if I start thinking about it I'm not doing my job," Donatucci said. "Every year it's the same thing. It's important for me to make sure the seniors win.
"That's the focus and if that focus isn't there -"
It's clear Donatucci has done the job to keep everyone focused on what matters. Fremd recovered from a 1-4 start and 11-point halftime deficit at Palatine in Week 6 last year to extend MSL-record streaks of division titles to eight and playoff appearances to 16.
But the Vikings will also have the youngest starting lineup under Donatucci with five sophomores.
"We're getting better," Donatucci said. "The summer was a lot of learning and teaching going on. There's a lot of first-timers and young kids."
One of them helped fuel last year's run to the second round of the playoffs. Sophomore quarterback Sam Beutler calmly responded to throw for 755 yards with 6 touchdowns and only 2 interceptions in 113 attempts and to rush for 230 yards and 6 TDs.
"His approach, maturity and how he carries himself he's a special kid," Donatucci said.
Connor Pfister (9 catches, 224 yards) and Matt Metzen (5 for 109) return at receiver. Senior Josh Jyawook didn't play last year but caught 11 passes for 182 yards and 2 TDs as a sophomore.
Senior tailback A.J. McGhee got a little experience behind all-area standout Justin Wallace (1,551 yards) last year. Tackle Nick Loden is the only returning starter on a line that graduated Brian Bobek (Ohio State) and Jack Konopka (Northwestern).
"We won't be beating people up like we've been the last five years," Donatucci said. "They're working on chemistry and it's a good bunch of solid kids."
Cornerback Keith Browning is the only full-time returning starter from the MSL's best defense (242 yards per game). Linebacker Ryan Barr started two games and junior middle linebacker Greg Money saw varsity time at running back.
"They've definitely gotten better through doubles and we found out a couple of things they can do and can't do," Donatucci said. "The kids are picking up things and playing a lot faster than over the summer."
And if they get up to speed it figures to be another successful year for Fremd.
Vikings at a glance
Coach: Mike Donatucci (133-58, 19th year)
Last year: 6-5, 4-1 (West co-champs, 8A second round)
Probable starters
OFFENSE
Pos. Name Ht./Wt. Yr.
QB Sam Beutler 5-11/170 So.
TB AJ McGhee 5-11/170 Sr.
T Nick Loden 6-0/242 Sr.
G Ray Tarello 5-10/207 Jr.
C James Burke 6-3/235 Sr.
G Ben Dworkin 6-0/212 Sr.
T Brad Ruehrdanz 6-1/214 So.
TE Connor Pfister 6-3/200 Sr.
WR Josh Jyawook 6-1/180 Sr.
WR Matt Metzen 5-11/165 Sr.
WR Matt Isola 5-9/155 Jr.
DEFENSE
Pos. Name Ht./Wt. Yr.
DE Mark Hand 6-3/213 Sr.
DT Ben Dworkin 6-0/212 Sr.
DT Jake Wilt 5-11/229 Sr.
or Cody Rosen 5-9/209 Jr.
DE Nick Bednarek 6-4/185 Sr.
OLB Ryan Barr 5-11/195 Sr.
MLB Greg Money 5-9/210 Jr.
OLB Matt Konopka 6-2/190 So.
CB Matt Metzen 5-11/165 Sr.
CB Steve Helbing 5-10/175 Jr.
S Jeff McGlade 5-10/175 Jr.
S Keith Browning 5-11/160 Sr.