Froid/Lake Brings Home Second Straight Title

Encore Performance

Right before the opening kickoff of the state championship football game in Dutton, Froid/Lake’s assistant coach Jalen Hendrickson huddled quickly with several of his players to deliver an important message.

The passionate and demanding coach told the players that he loved them.

“I don’t tell them that enough,” Hendrickson explained. “That’s why I’m out here. I love each of them.”

It’s that special bond between the team’s coaches, players and fans that led the Red Hawks to their second straight state title. The Red Hawks cruised to a 43-0 victory over Power/ Dutton/Brady in the six-man football championship contest on Saturday, Nov. 20.

The Red Hawks agree that winning the second title was even more challenging than last year’s championship.

“Last year, we were relatively unknown,” Froid/Lake coach Michael Reiter said. “This year, everybody was after us.”

Senior Brett Stentoft explained, “It was more expected. We knew we had to win it.”

Playing as a team, the Red Hawks went through the regular season undefeated and then earned four playoff victories.

“This year wasn’t as stressful for the fans, but I think it has been for the players,” parent Scott Huft said. “They had the target on their heads for every game. They got the best shot from every team they played.”

Parent Andy Dethman noted “There was a lot of pressure. Our defense stayed solid the whole season.”

The community was very proud of the players and came out in force despite having the title game in Dutton this season.

“I’m excited for the kids because it doesn’t happen often,” Dethman said. “It’s something that they will always remember.”

“All of us fans cheer on the Red Hawks,” mother Chassity Kelm added. “I’ve been here cheering them at every game.”

At the end, the Red Hawks couldn’t be stopped in their pursuit for a second straight championship. They won the title together as a close group.

“It feels twice as nice,” Hendrickson laughed after the state title victory.