Homewood-Flossmoor blanks Fremd

The 0-3 start to the 2018 season did not hold much hope for Fremd to reach the IHSA playoffs.

But a group of players and coaches never had any doubt in themselves or their ability and the Vikings won five of their final six contests to reach the first round of the Class 8A playoffs.

However, the feel good story ended in Flossmoor on Friday night as the Vikings fell to Homewood-Flossmoor 21-0.

"I am very proud of this team," said Fremd coach Lou Sponsel. "When we fell to 0-3 all the doubters thought we were through.

"But this group of seniors led by example and worked their tails off to get us into the playoffs."

Fremd showed some promise in the first quarter when it stopped a Homewood-Flossmoor drive in the red zone by forcing a fumble which was recovered by senior Nick Rattin.

Fremd reached the H-F 45 yard line before giving the ball back on a fumble of its own.

H-F converted the turnover into a 7-0 lead. The score remained 7-0 at the half.

Fremd was hoping to build some momentum after receiving the second half kick but a quick three-and-out forced a punt.

H-F used 13 plays to cover the 74 yards and build a 14-0 lead.

Fremd got into the red zone at the H-F 6-yard line but failed to score any points.

H-F added a score on a 39-yard interception return for a touchdown to seal the win.

"They had a little too much talent and physical ability," Sponsel said. "But we have nothing to be ashamed of."

Luke Bilek led the Fremd defense with 19 tackles, Trey Castella had 18, Devin Dinham 11 and Rattin had 10 tackles.