Photo By Steve Conner - #4 Deshon Wheeler
Written by Hailey Stewart
North Fremont posted a stellar run during the 2019 season but ultimately fell short in the 2A semifinals.
With an undefeated regular season, the Huskies performed well with a 44-19 win over New Plymouth to open the playoffs. However, North Fremont lost to McCall-Donnelly 23-12, the Huskies’ lowest-scoring affair of the season, robbing them of their chance to reach the 2A State Championship.
North Fremont will return to the gridiron with something to prove this season, as the team aims to once again reach the playoffs. Head Coach Ben Lenz knows just how important each game is and looks forward to showing what the Huskies bring to the table in the 2A Nuclear Conference, regardless of their seeding.
“When you think of the playoffs, every game matters with how the RPI works,” Lenz said. “Our league is always fun and we’ve had some great games with all of them over the years. This year will be no different.”
The Huskies will go without most of their 2019 frontline this season. Tight end Paul Wynn, Tyler Shuldberg, middle linebacker Jordan Hess, offensive linebacker Hayden Hood and star running back Riggen Cordingley, with 4,266 career rushing yards, will all be missed, Lenz said.
North Fremont will look to bring several new varsity players up to speed this season to fill many of the holes left from graduating seniors.
Lenz expects senior offensive and defensive linebacker Jobie Palmer, sophomore offensive lineman Hank Richardson, junior running back AJ Hill, senior running back Mark Huttinger, junior tight end Bronson Childs and sophomore running back Carson Packer all to make a difference this year as new additions to the varsity team.
Not much has changed for the North Fremont offense, Lenz said, as the team’s keys to success will be blocking and execution with a run-heavy offense.
“Each role is vital to the success as a whole and it all starts with the offensive line,” Lenz said. “The weight room has been good to all of them. The kids are excited for the
opportunity to play.”
Lenz said the North Fremont defense hasn’t changed drastically from last season. The Husky defense allowed just 11.09 points per game last year — the best in the 2A Nuclear Conference.
“All of them have shown their commitment in the weight room and readiness to start a new season,” Lenz said.
North Fremont will once again open the season Aug. 28 against Filer.
Check back with IdahoSports.com for updated scores and schedules.