Last month, the Local Sports Journal published a 24-page high school football preview section. Here is the preview story on the Fremont Packers. If you would like to purchase a copy of the special section, send an email to [email protected]
By Ron Rop
Local Sports Journal
Leaders of the Fremont Packer defensive unit want to take the pressure off the offense this season.
“Defensively, we want to give up 15 points per game or less,” said Kavan Russell (6-foot-2, 260). “We want to keep the score low and keep them to two touchdowns or less per game.”

The top returning defensive leaders for the Fremont Packers include, from left, Jared Bacon, Troy St. Peter, Ryley Bradley and Kavan Russell. Photo by Ron Rop

The Packers weren’t too far off from that goal last year, giving up an average of about 18 points per game. But in the latter stages of the season, the Packers were shut out twice and missed out on a chance at the Lakes 8 title and a berth in the playoffs.
Fremont is confident it can put some points on the board this season.
The Packers have a strong-armed quarterback in Christian Wade (6-foot-1, 185). Wade played most of last season on the jayvee team, but did perform quite well in two starts at the end of the year.
His teammates know just what to expect from their young quarterback.
“He’s got a good arm,” James Bacon (5-foot-10, 165) said.
Wade will be turning and handing the ball to junior Wyatt Campbell (5-foot-11, 190) much of the time. His teammates say he’s got some moves, and he’s shifty.
“He’s got strength and good speed,” Fremont coach Rob Pouch said. “And he’s got good vision. He fits in very well in our speed offense.”
Then comes the corps of receivers. Pouch said there are no superstars in the group, just guys with good hands who run good routes.
That group includes senior Troy St. Peter (6-foot-3, 190), Bacon and Mike Siegel (6-foot-4, 185).
“This is the most depth we’ve ever had at receiver,” Pouch said. “They are above average kids who can catch.”
Russell, a senior who spent some time at fullback earlier in his Packer career, will play guard on the offensive line. The other guard spot will be manned by Frank Strubble (6-foot-2, 200).
At the tackle position, Pouch has three players, two juniors and a senior, battling for the two starting spots. All three possess good size up front.
The senior is Jared Meeuwenberg (6-foot-3, 250) while the juniors are Caden Dombrowolski (6-foot-2, 240) and Jesse Powers (6-foot-3, 260).
Pouch will have several two-way players.
Russell and St. Peter will take up two spots on the defensive line.
Ryley Bradley is a senior and Charlie Dakin (5-foot-9, 180), a junior, will play linebacker.
In the defensive backfield will be Wyatt, Bacon and Jake Deur (5-foot-8, 165), who is a senior.
“We know on offense we have speed and quickness,” Pouch said. “We have kids who can control the line of scrimmage.”