Fremd keeps its playoff hopes alive by beating Hoffman

Fremd was determined to keep its slim playoffs chances alive when it traveled to Hoffman Estates on Friday night to face the Hawks.

The Iron Will determination paid off for the Vikings (4-4, 3-1) as they knocked off the Hawks 31-9 in a Mid-Suburban West game.

"The kids played their hearts out," said Fremd coach Lou Sponsel. "Everyone elevated their game tonight and played for each other."

The Hawks (6-2, 2-2) got on the board with just over 3 minutes in left in the opening quarter on a 30-yard field goal from Jordan Lane.

But it was all Fremd after that.

Sponsel switched to senior Nick Rattin at quarterback after getting nowhere on the Vikings' first two possessions.

"Nick is a special kid and we put the game in his hands and he responded," said Sponsel.

Rattin led the Vikings on a 13-play, 86 yard drive for a 7-3 Fremd lead. Will Ferry scored from 2 yards out and Anthony Piasecki converted the point after.

After the Fremd defense forced a three-and-out after a pair of Devin Dinham sacks Rattin went back to work.

The Vikings got decent field position at their own 46-yard line to start the drive.

Rattin hooked up with junior Jack Hipchen for a 44-yard pass to get the Vikings into the red zone.

He found a wide open Ferry in the end zone for a 9-yard touchdown pass to give Fremd a 14-3 lead.

Piasecki connected on a 31-yard field goal just before halftime to put the Vikings up 17-3.

"I practiced all week at quarterback so I knew I might make the switch from running back," Rattin said. "Jack and Will ran great routes and made it easy for me."

Rattin scored from 10 yards out on the opening possession of the second half to give Fremd a 23-3 lead. Dinham caught a pass for the 2-point conversion.

The Hawks had only one possession in the third quarter and took advantage of it.

Kyle Krogstad led Hoffman on a 73-yard scoring drive. He connected with Malik Whitehead on a 48-yard pass to cut the Fremd lead to 25-9. The 2-point conversion failed.

"We were dominated up front tonight on both sides of the ball," said Hoffman coach Tim Heyse. "We told the kids all week that Fremd was not a 3-4 team."

Rattin scored on a 15-yard run to start the fourth quarter and a 31-9 Fremd lead.

The Vikings host Schaumburg (4-4, 1-3) next Friday night with playoff implications on the line for both teams.