Three Rivers Athletic Conference Preview: Fremont Ross

I’ve said it before, and I’ll repeat it, this team is loaded with talent. The 2020 season was exactly what the doctor ordered for coach Chad Long and his Little Giants. Quarterback [player_tooltip player_id="92620" first="Kaden" last="Holmes"], class of 2023, had a complete breakout season last fall, which springboarded this team and has them riding a new wave of Fremont football. Cincinnati got a commitment out of 2022 OT [player_tooltip player_id="126533" first="Ethan" last="Green"]. Green is touted as the top offensive lineman in the TRAC and one of the best in the State. The guru of this high octane offense is Coach Baptista, and he will be looking to galvanize this group as they have a chance to be very special for the next few years. Let’s get to the football talk already! &nbsp; <strong>Head Coach</strong>: Chad Long (6th Season) <strong>2020 Record</strong>: 5-6 &nbsp; <h2><strong>Quarterbacks</strong>:</h2> [player_tooltip player_id="92620" first="Kaden" last="Holmes"] had a phenomenal 2020 season by the numbers. He was at his best when making the right decision to extend plays with his feet. Holmes pass for nearly 2600 yards and 33touchdowns, meanwhile amassing 700 yards on the ground with nine touchdowns. Yes, the numbers were unreal, but Kaden was only a sophomore, which means the ceiling is high for Holmes to grow. Since Kaden is not over six feet tall, many teams have looked over him in recruiting, but he is no stranger to proving doubters wrong and will have a solid team around him to do so together this fall. &nbsp; <h2><strong>Running Backs:</strong></h2> The Little Giants backfield will be handled by two key ball carriers in Labronze Barnett ’22 and Kelandre Jones ’23. Barnett was named to the second team All-Conference status In 2020 with 700 yards of offense and seven total touchdowns. Jones is the back that you have to worry about. Standing at 5’11 240lbs, this kid can run well and run you over, said coach Long. He will help solidify the Little Giants ground game attack and expect to see Kelijah Pickens toting the rock in 2021. &nbsp; <h2><strong>Wideouts:</strong></h2> There was no way that [player_tooltip player_id="92620" first="Kaden" last="Holmes"] was doing all the work himself, and he would be the first to agree because his WR’s corp is Elite in Northwest Ohio. Combining skill, size, and speed makes this unit threatening to defensive coordinators and players alike. [player_tooltip player_id="92624" first="Bryson" last="Hammer"] was 1st team All-Conference gaining a dominated 11 Touchdowns and over 750 yards receiving. On the other hand, you have one of the most gifted multiple sports athletes in [player_tooltip player_id="93333" first="Anthony" last="Vann"], who earned second-team All-Conference. Now here’s the caveat, you also have to deal with budding star WR [player_tooltip player_id="163937" first="Adam" last="Hrynciw"] who would be most teams’ number one guy. Expect a breakout season from Hrynciw. To round off this group, we will talk about the TE, Brayden Guhn. Guhn is a rugged two-way player who has improved his blocking and receiving abilities this offseason while adding another layer to Coach Long’s team. &nbsp; <h2><strong>Offensive Line:</strong></h2> [player_tooltip player_id="126533" first="Ethan" last="Green"] is the name that will attract southern Ohio fans to check out their next star. Ty Ferguson will be another big piece to this offensive line as he enters camp at 6’4 and 330lbs as a two-year starter. Josh Wagner will also be a centerpiece on this offensive line as a 2-year starter. The depth with veterans doesn’t stop there. Senior 3-year letterman London Johnson will hold down the RT position for his final fall at Ross. Evan Gerwin and Jabari Heidelburg will also compete for playing time on the interior. This is a balanced unit with experience; if this group plays well, you can expect them to compete deep in the playoffs. &nbsp; <h2><strong>The Defense:</strong></h2> In 2020, the defense gave up on average 28 points per game; coach Long expects this unit to play better this fall and with a chip on their shoulder. <a class="uni-link--implied" href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/12059490">Kalijah Alejandro</a> is the secondary leader as he was the interception leader in the TRAC and earned 1st team All-Conference. Coach Long praises Alejandro’s ability to become a student of the game and his passion for his team. Another budding star is [player_tooltip player_id="161107" first="Elijah" last="Simms"], class of 2024 CB, who impressed me at the University of Toledo’s 7v7, which Fremont won. You can also expect to see Brycen Hammer and [player_tooltip player_id="93333" first="Anthony" last="Vann"] in the secondary. With their playmaking ability, expect to see a lot of interceptions. In the middle of the defense, Brayden Guhn, Labronze Barnett, Mason Villarreal, and Tykell Patterson. The athleticism of this bunch mixed with a few thumpers will be tasked with slowing down the run in 2021. [player_tooltip player_id="126533" first="Ethan" last="Green"], Josh Wagner, and Bowen Schoch will be counted on heavily to get penetration and making plays spill. More defenders will emerge during August camp. <div class="team-athlete-view-follow-count"></div> <h2><strong>The Kicker:</strong></h2> Johan Silver is the name, and do not forget it! Silver moved to Fremont this summer after playing football at a boarding school in Virginia. While in Virginia, he earned first-team all-state as a sophomore. This will be exactly what this high-powered offense needs to win the game late when a touchdown is too far. Johan recently earned a D1 offer from Kent State and should be more. &nbsp;