Football: Former LB Fruechte has a new emphasis: Pass first, run second

By Jeff Brown / Tribune Sports Editor

CALEDONIA, Minn. — There are plenty of new faces and plenty of changes taking place with the defending MSHSL Class AA state champion Caledonia Warriors. One of those changes involved taking a few steps back for Isaac Fruechte.

Fruechte, a starting linebacker last year, is moving a few yards back and will be the Warriors’ starting safety this year. It’s a big change for the 6-foot-2, 180-pound junior, but one he’s embraced and worked hard at.

“Our defensive coordinator, Brent Schroeder, said it would be better for us. We lost our best defensive cornerback for the past three years, Zach Gran. He just wanted me back there for the other corner,” Fruechte said. “It is a lot different than linebacker. At linebacker, it was run first, pass second. Now it’s pass first, run second.” Caledonia has built a reputation as a hard-hitting, aggressive team, especially on defense. The Warriors won 13 games last year thanks to a talented all-around team, but when it comes down to it, defense was the foundation. That, according to Carl Fruechte, Caledonia’s coach and Isaac’s dad, won’t change.

“Again, we don’t have much size, but we think we have some good quickness and good speed,” Carl Fruechte said. “We have a lot of desire. The kids want to play. They love the game of football.”

Isaac loves to play and will find himself on a defense that also includes returning starters Andy Bauer (cornerback), Eddie Hodges (defensive line) and Ryan Goetzinger (linebacker), to name a few.

“We’re going to rely on our speed again, hopefully, and just swarm to the ball,” Fruechte said. “I think we can get it done, be physical, be fast and get it done.”

Isaac Fruechte, who attended summer football camps at the University of Minnesota and Augustana College, as well as some others, will also try to get it done in the offensive backfield as he likely will play some running back.

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