Team Preview: Fruitport
Overview Fruitport is starving for a winning season as they haven’t had a season over .500 since 2012. Under 3rd-year head coach and 2014’s assistant coach of the year Nate Smith, Fruitport is looking to turn things around. Fruitport went…
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Continue ReadingOverview
Fruitport is starving for a winning season as they haven’t had a season over .500 since 2012. Under 3rd-year head coach and 2014’s assistant coach of the year Nate Smith, Fruitport is looking to turn things around. Fruitport went 2-5 in 2020 averaging 20.5PPG and 39.7PAPG. Fruitport ranked 6th out of 8 in OK-Blue league offense and 7th in league defense this past season. Fruitport does have some impressive talent headlined by All-state quarterback Gavin Reames Gavin Reames 6'0" | 170 lbs | QB Fruitport | 2022 MI . The real question is, when and how will Fruitport turn things around?
Schedule/Games to watch
August 26 vs Kenowa Hills
Fruitport has a prime opportunity to begin the 2021 season with some confidence as they play the 2-5 (2020 season) Kenowa Hills Knights. If Fruitport can play stifling run defense as well as having a big showing from Gavin Reames Gavin Reames 6'0" | 170 lbs | QB Fruitport | 2022 MI , Fruitport can come away with a critical early-season W here.
September 2 vs Cadillac
September 10 @ Coopersville
Fruitport won their 2020 contest against Coopersville 28-21 in a thriller. If they can figure out how to win here, it’ll bring tremendous momentum into next week’s matchup against rival Spring Lake. If they win here, then the rivalry matchup may be much more interesting than on paper.
September 17 vs Spring Lake
Crosstown rival Spring Lake has been on a hot streak ever since head coach Dan Start was hired. In fact, Fruitport hasn’t beaten Spring Lake since 2017. If Fruitport comes into this home game with a winning record, which I think they have a good chance at, they can surely pull off the upset.
September 24 @ West Catholic
October 1 vs Hamilton
October 8 @ Holland Christian
October 15 @ Allendale
October 22 vs Unity Christian
Players to watch
Gavin Reames Gavin Reames 6'0" | 170 lbs | QB Fruitport | 2022 MI , QB – Receiving all-state honors in 2020, Reames should come into 2021 with full confidence. He’s a rare left-handed pro-style quarterback that can really sling it. Reames excels at deep ball accuracy as most of his touchdowns were from DEEP in 2020. Reames also has surprisingly great ability to run the ball, both scrambling and having some run plays drawn up for him. Earning all-state honors as a junior is no joke, and Reames should have an even better senior season.
Hayden Harper, G/DT – Harper excels at the guard position showing great agility for his size. In addition, he’s able to consistently get to the second level and block linebackers. Most importantly for the Fruitport offense, Harper is a great pass blocker giving his all-state quarterback time to throw. On the defensive end, Harper is a big body who can be a big-time run stuffer. Improvement can be made when it comes to block shedding and awareness, but as long as he’s put in the required work in the offseason Harper could have a great year on both sides of the ball.
Aiden Vela, WR – Lining up in the slot, Vela is an unselfish receiver that can do anything you ask of him. Vela is an absolute standout blocker constantly being leaned on to make key blocks. In addition to blocking, Vela is a good ball carrier making the most of pitches and handoffs that he receives. I would love to see what Vela can contribute in the passing game this coming season.
X-Factor: Overall Defense
Fruitport is set up to have an incredible offense in 2021 with multiple all-league linemen, wide receivers, and an all-state quarterback. The real question is how their defense will do. Averaging nearly 40PAPG, Fruitport has lots to figure out on the defensive side of the ball. Run, pass, whathaveyou, Fruitport needs to improve. If Fruitport athletes really put in the offseason work, plus believe that they can and will win, Fruitport has the potential to make strides on the defensive side of the ball.