Fremd looks to return to spotlight
Fremd was accustomed to being in the spotlight as it built Mid-Suburban League record streaks of 16 playoff berths and eight division titles.
That light is shining elsewhere right now as the Vikings try to rebound from their first losing season since 1994.
“It’s kind of nice to be the team in the shadows this year,” said first-year Fremd coach Lou Sponsel.
But Sponsel wants to make sure last year was an aberration for the Vikings. He was a big part of the program’s success as an all-state player and assistant coach for Mike Donatucci.
That doesn’t mean Sponsel wants to keep everything the same. He is putting his own stamp on things such as going to a 4-2-5 defense used a lot by Texas Christian University and other high schools in Texas.
“It’s much simpler and there are a lot fewer adjustments,” Sponsel said. “When it’s simplified kids play faster. They don’t think, they go.”
One of the players who will be going both ways is junior lineman Brad Ruerdanz (6-feet-2, 243 pounds). Cody Rosen returns at defensive tackle and Greg Money will be all over the field at linebacker.
Sponsel also likes the strengh of the secondary with Matt Konopka, Matt Isola, Jack Bossong, Matt Glasgow and Jonathan Van Duch.
“We want to create turnovers and play aggressive and play physical,” Sponsel said.
Avoiding miscues will be key to the Vikings after a rare season where it finished at minus-2 in turnover ratio. Junior quarterback Sam Beutler, who became the starter midway through his freshman year, threw for 1,025 yards with 6 touchdowns and 10 interceptions last year.
“This is the first year you look at him and he’s a difference-maker,” Sponsel said. “He’s got the supporting cast and the maturity.”
He’s also got sophomore running back Darius Burchett (230 yards) back after missing a good chunk of the summer with a high ankle sprain. Wide receiver Matt Isola (20 catches, 279 yards) will also be a playmaker on both sides of the ball at free safety.
A.J. Halvorsen can also stretch the field at receiver and Ruerdanz and R.J. Tarallo return to provide the inside muscle.
The Vikings also have another weapon in junior kicker Andrew Stark (7 field goals).
“We’re holding the bar as high as we can and so far they are reaching for the bar,” Sponsel said.
Vikings at a glance
Coach: Lou Sponsel (first year)
Last year: 4-5, 2-3 (T3rd West)
OFFENSE
Pos. Name Ht/Wt Yr.
QB Sam Beutler 5-10/167 Jr.
TB Jeff McGlade 5-10/190 Jr.
T Brad Ruerdanz 6-2/243 Jr.
G R.J. Tarallo 5-10/215 Sr.
C Michael Betti 6-2/213 Jr.
G Scott Hoffmann 6-2/185 Jr.
T Kyle Gregory 6-1/204 Jr.
TE Clay Dukewich 6-6/250 Jr.
WR Matt Isola 5-9/157 Sr.
WR A.J. Halvorsen 5-10/156 Jr.
WR Derrick Gaines 6-1/177 Sr.
DEFENSE
Pos. Name Ht/Wt Yr.
DE Philip Hetzner 6-2/211 Sr.
DT Brad Ruerdanz 6-2/243 Sr.
DT Cody Rosen 5-8/210 Sr.
DE Addison Narter 5-9/187 Sr.
ILB Greg Money 5-11/195 Jr.
ILB Nick Storm 5-10/196 Sr.
or Josh Jentz 5-10/170 Sr.
CB Thomas Glasgow 5-10/160 Sr.
CB Jonathan Van Duch 5-9/148 Jr.
SS Matt Konopka 6-2/190 Jr.
FS Matt Isola 5-9/157 Sr.
Vike Jack Bossong 5-10/165 Sr.