KICKOFF '09: Seniors set tone for FHS

Fremont High School’s senior class isn’t lacking varsity football experience.

Many of the 12th-graders for the Tigers have been starters for two or three years. Fremont coach Kevin Meyer hopes that experience transfers to success this fall.

"We have a very solid and strong senior class," Meyer said. "They have good work ethic and character. Hopefully that trickles down on our team. The seniors have tried to get to know the younger kids and help them. I think they’ve had a good offseason in general."

Fremont’s backfield from last year’s 3-7 Class A state playoff team basically returns intact.

Senior quarterback Trevor Strong (5-9, 170) passed for 494 yards and two touchdowns while rushing for 315 yards and six scores.

"Trevor is a great leader and has done a great job of running our offense," Meyer said. "I think he knows the offense a lot better this year."

Senior I-back Sam Pimper (6-0, 180) and senior fullback Ethan Kindler (5-11, 205) also return. Pimper rushed for a team-best 609 yards and also caught 10 passes for 70 yards. Kindler rushed for 173 yards and helped create running lanes for his teammates.

"We have a couple of running backs in Sam and Ethan who are tough kids and downhill runners," Meyer said. "They both block well, have good speed and are physical kids. We’re excited about that trio that we have in the backfield."

Sophomore Roger Brohimer (6-1, 170) and junior Justin Vyhlidal (5-7, 150) will provide depth at running back.

Meyer also likes the potential of the Tigers’ offensive line. Senior Evan Royuk (6-1, 225) begins his third year as the starting center. J.C. Moore (6-3, 250) and Curtis Leick (6-1, 235) return as the starters at right tackle and left guard, respectively.

Senior letterman Bill McEvoy (6-0, 240) will be the right guard while junior Ryan Thayer (5-7, 185) takes over at left tackle. Senior Zach Myers (6-3, 205), who started several games at tackle last fall, will shift back to tight end.

"That’s more of a natural spot for him," Meyer said.

Seniors Jordan Beaton (6-0, 265) and Nate Schwanke (5-8, 210) could also figure into the mix on the interior line.

"We should be pretty good up front," Meyer said. "We do have good experience there."

The Tigers also aren’t devoid of veterans at the receiver. Junior Braxton Voss (6-1, 180) caught 13 passes for 190 yards and one touchdown in 2008. Senior Jordan Larson (6-0, 160) had five catches for 58 yards.

Pimper will move into the slot at times when the Tigers run one back sets. Brohimer, junior Aaron Carnahan (5-6, 130) and seniors Camden Schmidt (6-0, 165) and Scyler Ritthaler (6-4, 195) could also contribute at receiver.

"I think we have a good group out there," Meyer said.

On the defensive side of the ball, the Tigers plan on mixing even and odd fronts in an attempt to keep opponents off-balance.

"We played pretty well at the end of last year, especially defensively," Meyer said. "We’ve been preaching to the kids to trust their teammates and get 11 hats on the ball."

Kindler and Leick return at linebacker for the Tigers.

"Curtis has stood out in practice on both sides of the ball," Meyer said about the Huskerland Prep Report preseason Class A all-state pick. "He’s taken on a leadership role. The more kids we get playing like he is, the better."

Leick was a Tribune All-Area selection at linebacker last fall where he recorded 22 unassisted tackles and 64 assisted. Royuk was also an All-Area pick at end where he led the Tigers with eight sacks.

Myers returns at the other end while Moore will shift to different spots.

"We will play some nose guard and then we’ll move him at times to end," Meyer said. "He can create some chaos up front."

Backups on the line include junior Dylan Powley (6-4, 200) and sophomore Logan York (6-1, 210) at end and Beaton and McEvoy on the inside.

Voss was an All-Area pick at safety as a sophomore where he tied for the Class A lead with six interceptions. Strong, Larson and Ryan Ruf (5-9, 160) have starting experience at cornerback where senior Marvin Holliday and Vyhlidal will also play. Senior Jordan Knoepfel (6-4, 190) could see action at safety while sophomore Josh Smith (5-11, 155) could help at safety or corner.

Pimper will man the Tigers’ rover or strong safety position. Brohimer, senior Dylan Sendgraff (5-10, 200) and junior Scott Clausen (6-2, 190) are working at the outside linebacker spots.

Larson is expected to punt and is vying with Carnahan for kicking duties.

The Tigers host Lincoln Southwest on Friday night.