ROCKFORD, Wash. – Freeman football enters the new season with a familiar goal — bringing home a state championship for the first time since 2013.
The Scotties are coming off a 9-3 season that ended with a heartbreaking 34-32 loss to Okanogan in the state playoffs.
Now, a new group is looking to build on that experience and take the final step.
“Honestly, it’s been a goal ever since we won it in 2013,” junior defensive back and receiver Jaetyn Cole said. “But coming up short sucks. I think this is the year we were closer all together.”
Freeman lost several seniors from last year’s team, creating an opportunity for younger players to step into bigger roles.
Cole said the returning players have embraced that responsibility throughout the offseason.
“It’s just like a lot of coaching and coaching the younger guys, making sure they know what’s going on,” Cole said.
Senior Cooper Florence has also taken on a leadership role.
Florence is one of the louder voices on the field, using his energy to keep his teammates engaged and confident.
“Your team feeds on it and the other team crumbles,” Florence said. “When you guys are loud, you get loud, your energy because your team feeds on it.”
For Florence, this season carries extra meaning.
He has played alongside many of his teammates since he was young, and getting the chance to win a state championship together would be a special way to finish their high school careers.
“It would mean the world knowing that I’ve played with these guys since I was ten years old, knowing that we get to come up and win the state title together,” Florence said.
That chemistry has been developing throughout the summer.
The Scotties have spent time throwing routes, lifting together and preparing for the season, while coaches have worked to build a culture that can carry the team through the ups and downs of a long season.
“They’re happy people. They’re excited, they love the game. They really love each other,” Freeman’s head coach said. “And that’s a big, important piece to have.”
The program also received a boost away from the field with a newly renovated locker room.
The project was made possible through support from the Freeman community and booster club, giving the players a space they can take pride in.
“We have an amazing community that loves these kids,” Head Coach Michael McKeown said. “And is willing to put blood, sweat and tears to help make their space a special place for them that they feel pride in.”
Now, the focus turns to the field.
After months of preparation, Florence said Freeman wants to set the tone from the opening whistle.
“We want to come out and punch them in the mouth,” Florence said. “With our offense, we want to shove it down their throat, run the rock down hard, and on defense, we’re not going to let them get an easy yard the entire game.”
The Scotties know getting back to the final stages of the playoffs won’t be easy.
But after falling two points short last season, Freeman believes this year’s group has the chemistry, leadership and motivation to finish what last year’s team started.
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