Prepzone Pigskin Preview 2017

FREEMANFALCONS
By: Kevin Sjuts
A four-game winning streak
highlighted Freeman’s 2016
football season, and the Falcons
are hoping for sustained success
in 2017.
Freeman is eyeing a potential
playoff berth after missing out
on the postseason for the second
straight year. Head coach Travis
Andreasen said staying healthy
and limiting turnovers will be
key this fall.
“The team should build off a
solid 5-4 season and look to
compete for the district title,”
Andreasen said. “Freeman
should be solid in all phases.”
The Falcons have a wealth
of experience with starters
returning at 16 positions.
Freeman’s offensive line, in
particular, will be experienced.
Colton Beebe (6’3” 250 lbs) leads
the unit, which helped Freeman
average 164 rushing yards last
year. Beebe will be a three-year
starter who also qualified for the
state wrestling tournament.
“He has good strength and size,”
Andreasen said.
TEAM FACTS
A main priority for Beebe and
his linemates is protecting
quarterback Jacob Gramann (6’
175 lbs). The senior QB threw
for 1,185 yards last season
and had 18 total touchdowns.
Freeman is hoping for continued
improvement from Gramann,
who will have several reliable
receiving options.
“We have to limit turnovers,”
Andreasen said. “We can control
the ball. When we were beat last
year, we struggled to win up
front. Our skill guys should be
good enough, but we need our
offensive line to create a better
push.”
Blake Kastanek (6’3” 165 lbs)
led Freeman in receptions last
year with 28 catches and seven
touchdowns. Another target will
be junior tight end Tyler Adams
(6’3” 215 lbs). Freeman also
welcomes back Lane Cacek this
season, who’s 2016 campaign
was cut short due to injury. The
senior running back suffered a
broken shoulder in week five.
“He is very physical and
athletic,” Andreasen said of
Cacek. “(He) will look to carry
the load again this season.”
2017 SCHEDULE
8/25 Hastings St. Cecilia
9/1 @ Elmwood-Murdock
9/8 @ Southern
9/15 Fillmore Central
9/22 @ Johnson County Central
9/29 @ Lincoln Lutheran
10/6 Humboldt-Table Rock-Steinauer
10/13 Palmyra
10/20 @ Wilber-Clatonia
per game. The Falcons were
solid in some facets, but allowed
opponents to reach the end zone
too often.
“We have to limit big plays,”
Andreasen said. “Teams didn’t
drive on us often, but we had
some errors go for big gains.”
Freeman allowed at least three
touchdowns in each of their
losses in 2016.
The Falcons are optimistic
about their progress on defense.
Gramann, Cacek, and Kastanek
are all two-way players. Plus,
senior Jacob Dorn (5’11” 175 lbs)
is back after recording 54 tackles
last season, which ranked second
on the team.
THE WINNING GAME PLAN FOR YOUR FIELDS
6700 East State Hwy 41 Adams, NE • 402.239.9676
Team Name: Falcons
Class: C2
2016 Record: 5-4
Playoff Appearances: 8
Head Coach: Travis Andreasen
Career Record: 15-14
Assistant Coaches: Tony Jensen,
Joe Gramann and Marshall Payer
Cacek’s injury coincided with
Freeman’s late-season slide
last fall. With the Falcons’ top
running back sidelined, Freeman
had a 1-3 record. The Falcons
were 4-1 with Cacek in the
lineup.
Defensively, Freeman hopes to
improve after allowing 25-points
Key Players:
Lane Cacek (6’0” 170lbs) Sr. RB/SS
Jacob Gramann (6’0” 175lbs) Sr.
QB/FS
Blake Kastanek (6’3” 165 lbs) Sr.
WR/SS
SEASON PREMIERE
SEPT 25
MON & TUES
8/7c
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