Record showing from Fremd’s offense
Big plays piled on top of big plays, and Fremd ran away with a 56-7 victory against visiting Wheeling in Friday night’s Mid-Suburban League crossover game.
The Vikings’ offense fed off a sensational defensive and special teams effort to score the most points in a game in the history of the program. The previous high was 52, in a game 40 years ago.
Fremd (2-1) had two punt return touchdowns in the first half, one by Matt Isola (66 yards), and one by Jack Bossong (53 yards). Isola also had a 31-yard touchdown reception from quarterback Sam Beutler as the Vikings built a 49-0 halftime lead.
“It was just exciting to get out there and put points on the board,” Isola said. “It was the first time we scored a lot of points.”
Running backs Jeff Mcglade (12 carries, 86 yards) and Darius Burchett (9 carries, 70 yards) each scored 2 rushing touchdowns in the first half.
“We were expecting rain tonight, so our game plan was to go out there and pound the ball,” Isola said. “We started to get some holes and pop some. That’s when the offense got fun and started rolling.”
The Fremd defense allowed 26 yards of offense in the first half and forced 3 turnovers — an interception by linebacker William Money, Jr., and fumble recoveries by safety Nick Breitzman and defensive end Phillip Hetzner.
For the game Fremd held Wheeling (1-2) to 95 yards of offense.
“The whole defense just played hard,” junior safety Garrett Groot said. “The d-line was all over the place. Coach (Dan) Davis had a great game plan this week. He had us prepared to play these guys.”
Groot also carried the ball 10 times for 84 yards and a touchdown.
“Every time we step on the grass, whether it’s practice or the game our kids are getting better and better,” Fremd coach Lou Sponsel said. “We’re such a young team that we are seeing improvement every time.”
Wheeling running back Isaac Branch (4 carries, 23 yards) scored the Wildcats’ lone touchdown.
“I’m not doing a good enough job here,” Wheeling coach Brent Pearlman said. “We’re trying to get things headed in the right direction, and obviously I’m not effective right now with what we’re trying to do, and what I’m trying to stress.”
Fremd kicker Andrew Stark set a school record by kicking 8 extra points in a game.