Morale hits new high

After a warm start to October, a fall chill is in the air. But one would never know that inside the walls of Freedom HS. That’s because the Freedom Patriots’ football team is red-hot. The inspiring group of young men were winners of nine consecutive games, forever cementing this season into school history.

“It really means a lot, to start where we were [my] freshman year, as a good team, but not the best. This year shows improvement as a football team, but in the community as well,” said Tristan Wheeler, senior linebacker and tight end.

Despite Saturday’s loss to rival Liberty, 2018 is the first time the Patriots won more than seven consecutive games. Freedom will have a shot at redemption, as the Patriots and Hurricanes meet again this Friday at Frank Banko Field.

Wheeler acknowledges the support his team received throughout the special season. Back on Sept. 7, the team rallied from a 14-0 deficit to take a 21-14 fourth quarter lead against Parkland. The Trojans scored in the game’s final moments, but botched the extra point, allowing the Patriots to escape victorious.

Once again, all hope seemed lost on Oct. 12, a chilly evening in Emmaus. The Patriots trailed the Green Hornets 24-9 with under four minutes to play. Thanks to two Jared Jenkins-led touchdown drives, a stingy defensive stand, and a high snap to Emmaus’ punter, Freedom stormed back to send the game into overtime.

The Green Hornets scored to begin the overtime period, reclaiming the lead 31-24. Freedom answered right back, scoring a touchdown in two plays to pull within a point. However, coach Jason Roeder was not content to keep the game going. He rolled the dice, and Jenkins found tight end Jack Gawlik on the ensuing two-point conversion to help the Patriots steal victory in the most improbable of circumstances. Stunned Emmaus players and fans looked on as Freedom students stormed the field in celebration.

“We won that game with faith, and a little bit of luck. As the team all looked at each other, we realized we weren’t done. It showed us how it feels to be down and motivated us to do better next time,” Wheeler said.

Players are not the only ones indulging in the team’s success. Freedom’s energetic student section, known as the ‘Riot Squad,’ shows up in large numbers to cheer on their friends and classmates every Friday night. The group, which takes its name from ‘Patriot,’ was highlighted by WFMZ in September.

“When we come out, [the Riot Squad] gets us amped. I don’t want to let them down. The noise they make on third down makes the other team struggle to hear play calls,” said Jalen Stewart, junior running back and linebacker.

Members of the Riot Squad tailgate on Grenadier Boulevard behind Frank Banko Field before every home game, where students dance and cover their bodies in paint.

“It’s a nice way to get involved, and I’ve made a lot of new friends. I think [senior Max Stevens] is a really good leader, he gets the squad pumped up with his chants,” said Carly Grozier, FHS sophomore and proud Riot Squad participant.

Students not involved in the Riot Squad still demonstrated their Patriot pride during the school’s Spirit Week. Held the week preceding the Freedom vs. Liberty game, the 2018 Spirit Week consisted of five themed days: Pajama Day, Groutfit Day, Old People & Babies Day, Sports Jersey Day, and Black & Gold Day.

“Spirit Week helps hype up our annual rivalry game against Liberty. The game itself has enough excitement already, but Spirit Week really gets the whole student body and staff excited for the game,” said Gabrielle Rader, senior and Class of 2019 vice president.

Of course, some themes are more popular than others.

“My favorite Spirit Day was tied between ‘Groutfit Day’ and ‘Jersey Day’ because these are two new days that have not been done in my four years at Freedom. A lot more people participated in these two days than some of the others,” Rader said.

The 2018-19 school year is off to quite a start at Freedom. As the football players prepare for playoffs, the student body gears up to cheer them on. With so much excitement in the school’s near future, the Patriots dream of success in all areas. Check back in January for another update; but for now, GO PATES!