Fremd keeps an eye on divisional destiny
Math is very important to the Fremd football team.
Last year it was addition by subtraction as Fremd moved its roster numbers down significantly. But thanks to an increased dedication from players, the move worked as the Vikings again qualified for the playoffs.
This year the Vikings are looking at division - as in, the Mid-Suburban West Division title.
"I really like this group," said Fremd coach Lou Sponsel, whose squad is at 43 players this year.
"These kids are warriors and the most committed kids I have ever had. The ones that have stayed here are competitive and are fighters."
That title will be well contested with defending champion and crosstown rival Palatine along with Barrington and Conant in the mix. Sponsel feels his team is ready for the challenge.
"Our kids have made it through the toughest off-season I have seen," Sponsel said. "They are ready to compete for the conference title."
The strength of the Vikings is the defense, which will feature a group of quick and athletic players. Fremd figures to be led by a pair of Division I recruits. Defensive back Kenny Lyke (6-foot-3, 185 pounds) had 24 offers before choosing Michigan State, and defensive end Matt McCabe (6-2, 220) had six offers before selecting Yale.
Sponsel will look to move Lyke around in his team's 4-2-5 defensive scheme in order take full advantage of Lyke's athletic ability.
"We looked at how we can have Kenny involved in every play," Sponsel said. "We are going to move him to different spots so he can be more active in the run game, but still be involved in the pass game."
Along with Lyke in the defensive backfield, Fremd will have Jake Haas, Joe Schneider, Cordell Finley, Mark Metzen and Matt Lee. McCabe will be joined up front by Alex Jacobs, Tommy Vannieuwenhoven and Riley Carlson. Jimmy Walsh and Caleb Vail will be at linebacker.
Offensively, the Vikings will have a whole new look.
Gone is that traditional Fremd offensive attack that featured enormous size. The 2015 version will be smaller - but much quicker and more athletic, according to Sponsel.
"We are much smaller." Sponsel said. "We used to look like a college line here. Now we look a normal high school line, but they can move."
The line, which has three juniors, will consist of Matt Payne (6-2, 245), Ethan Hansen (6-2, 245), Max Carver (5-11, 205), Will Pankratz (6-0, 233), Kyle Saxon (6-1, 240) and Carlson (6-0, 198).
The wide receiver corps is talented and quick with Lyke and Cordell Finley, who also has moved from quarterback, where he played last season. The move has fit Finley's style and he has drawn interest from various Division 1 programs.
Austin Schwantz, who will bounce between tight end and wide receiver, will also be a great target with his 6-2 frame. Schneider and Matt Lee should also be in the mix.
Sponsel has not settled on a quarterback yet, but is leaning to junior Tommy Josten over Justin Castillo. The running back duties will be split with Charlie Kaye, Alec Honickel and Haas.