One more win.
After taking down No. 9 Barrington 26-12 on Friday night, that’s all Fremd needs for a chance to return to the playoffs for a 16th consecutive season.
“That’s our program,” coach Mike Donatucci said. “They learn not to be selfish. They learn to play for each other, not themselves.”
The Vikings (4-4, 3-1 Mid-Suburban League West) had their backs against the wall with four losses in their first five games, but wins over Hoffman Estates and crosstown rival Palatine put them back in contention.
Fremd’s next step was to defeat the previously undefeated Broncos (7-1, 3-1 MSL West).
“We’ve been executing,” Fremd running back Justin Wallace said. “Our line has been blowing off the ball. It’s really easy to run behind them.”
Fremd did it with big plays from freshman quarterback Sam Beutler. The Vikings did it with Wallace pounding the ball up the middle, and they made big plays on defense and special teams.
The Vikings got on the board first with a 29-yard run by Beutler. A blocked Barrington field goal and a key sack later, Beutler connected with junior Matt Metzen for two straight completions, the second of which put Fremd up 12-0 on a 15-yard touchdown pass.
The Broncos attempted to rally, but Fremd’s Tyler Hanson picked off Barrington quarterback Matt LeMire to start another scoring drive. Wallace busted for an 18-yard run to put the Vikings in scoring position and then capped it off a play later with a 5-yard rush to put Fremd up 19-0.
Barrington finally got on the board with 8 minutes, 9 seconds remaining with a 7-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Mark Bennett to Jeremy Rafidia. Wallace and the Vikings proved to be too much, ending the Broncos’ perfect season.
“It feels great,” Wallace said. “One game at a time, but it’s a great feeling.”
Player of the game:
Sam Beutler, Fremd, 12 carries, 49 yards TD; 2-for-6, 48 yards, TD.
Key peformers:
Fremd — Justin Wallace, 31 carries, 223 yards, 2 TDs; Barrington — Chase Murdock, 160 rushing yards, TD.
