APPLETON — The Fox Valley Lutheran football team is off to a 3-0 start early on this season.
They have scored at least 40 points in every single game so far and they have a lot of weapons to attack the opposing team with.
“Every game is different, one player is going to have a great game when other guys are just supplemental to that and then it switches,” said FVL head coach Seth Jaeger. “We have a group of receivers who are close (as a group), that are great. You have to pick your poison.”
The Foxes are picking opposing defenses apart with their air attack. This year, they have a new quarterback at the helm. Junior Liam Heiges who already has 12 touchdown passes and a passer rating of 143. Most importantly, he only has one interception. Heiges was a running back for the team his sophomore year.
“He makes good choices and that’s huge,” Jaeger said. “Of course we have keys that he reads. He’s one of the most coachable players that you can have as a coach. Really buys into our program – what we’re doing.”
“He’s just consistent, he’s always there,” said senior wide receiver Bennett Reader. “Always on the money. Whenever he has a bad throw, it’s always shrug and get the next one – then he does get the next one. I just love that about him. He’s always got his head high.”
Like a good leader does, the young QB gives all the credit to everyone around him. Especially, an offensive line that has not allowed opposing defenses to record a sack.
“My receivers, they’re doing everything to get open – all I gotta do is put the ball there,” said Heiges. “My lineman, they’re awesome dudes. They’re keeping the pocket clear for me and giving me time.”
He does have good weapons, the team has four receivers with over 100 yards. Reader leads the team with five touchdown receptions. Senior Cavan Dobberstein can take the top off defense. He only has 8 catches, but has 287 yards. A whopping almost 36 yards per catch.
“It’s been awesome – Liam able to throw it up there to me. Just got to get past (the defender), and he’ll put it in my hands,” said Dobberstein.
A lot of success in the passing game is because of their countless reps together on the field. But off the field, the group watches and breaks down film together
“As coaches we love that. We love when the kids want to talk about football and they have thoughts and ideas and incorporate that into what they actually get to do on the field.”
FVL hosts Xavier on Friday night. These two teams have played each other 52 times and it will be the 36th edition of the Apple Bowl.
