LocalSportsJournal.com
The long, painful losing streak is finally over for the Fremont Packers.
The Packers, who came into Friday’s game with a 30-game losing streak dating back to 2014, put an end to it with a 26-12 victory over
Central Montcalm on their home field in CSAA Gold action.
Prior to Friday’s victory, Fremont’s last win was on Oct. 24, 2014 against Montague. The Packers went the entire 2015, 2016 and 2017 seasons without a victory.
“This is great for our boys,” said Fremont Coach Rick Tank, who is in his third season as head coach and won his first game with the team. “It feels good, obviously, after all the pressure. The guys focused and executed perfectly and got the win.”
Central Montcalm scored an early touchdown and took a 6-0 lead in the first quarter, but the Packers were not intimidated. Christian Kennedy scored on a 12-yard run midway through the first quarter, and the extra point by Wyatt Kaastra gave Fremont a 7-6 lead.
The Packers extended their lead later in the first when Kane Widing scored on a five-yard run. Another extra point from Kaastra made the score 14-6.
Central Montcalm found the end zone in the second quarter, and Fremont led 14-12 at halftime.
The Packers took control in the second half.
Zane Stroven hauled in a 24-yard touchdown pass from Cody Andree in the third quarter, then Stroven scored from 18 yards out in the fourth to seal up the victory.
Then the celebration began.
“It was great to get wet,” said Tank, who was showered with water by his players after the win. “That was the best shower of my life. The entire student section came down and sang the fight song with the team. It was one school, Packer Nation.
“I was just proud and happy to see the looks on these kids’ faces. That’s what it’s all about.”
Stroven finished with 123 yards on 19 carries. Widing added 101 yards on 23 carries, and led the team with 7.5 tackles.
Fremont, now 1-3 overall and 1-2 in the conference, will host Newaygo next Friday.
