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Fremont rebuilds football program
By Dick Sparrer
Ron DeMonner is working very hard to rebuild the solid tradition of Fremont High School football.
And quite often, decisions a head football coach must make to complete that process are very difficult indeed.
Such was the case last year for the Firebirds.
Poor grades and behavioral problems led to a 2-8 season for Fremont last fall, and the Firebirds finished up 0-6 in the rugged De Anza Division of the Santa Clara Valley Athletic League.
But DeMonner handled his team's problems with an eye to the future. Instead of doting on the present, DeMonner made some tough decisions for the good of the program.
Sure the Firebirds took their lumps in 1998... but that was last year.
Fremont is facing 1999 with a new attitude in a new division with a renewed hope for success--and with five returning starters who could help turn the Firebirds into contenders in the El Camino Division of the SCVAL.
"It should be a very tight, competitive season," said DeMonner as he looked ahead to the '99 campaign. "We could be a factor if grades and disciplinary actions are held to a minimum. Last year the team was decimated by such problems."
Five returning starters are leading the effort to make sure that Fremont follows a different path in 1999.
All-league linebacker Leo Saenz (5 feet 7, 185 pounds) is a talented senior returner who will lead the Fremont effort this fall. Saenz will serve double-duty for the Firebirds as a running back on offense.
Mark Ahrens (5 feet 10, 170), John Tona (6 feet, 170), Dan Kieraber (6 feet, 218) and Frank Anderson (6 feet 4, 308) are other seniors who return to starting spots for the Firebirds.
Ahrens is an "excellent all-purpose athlete" who will play many roles for Fremont, according to DeMonner. Ahrens will lead the team offensively at quarterback and he will double as a free safety on defense. He will also return punts and kickoffs for the 'Birds.
Tona is another key player for Fremont. He'll start at tight and strong safety, and he'll also handle the club's punting chores.
"He's an extremely tough, hard hitter," said DeMonner of Tona.
Kieraber and Anderson will anchor the offensive line for the Firebirds. Kieraber is the starting center and Anderson will hold down one of the offensive tackle spots. Anderson will also start at nose guard for Fremont.
New guys Estaban Carbajal (6 feet, 230) and Anthony Baza (5 feet 8, 165) are also expected to play important roles for the club.
Carbajal, a sophomore, will go both ways, starting at offensive guard and defensive tackle. "He's an excellent athlete," said DeMonner of Carbajal. "He had good feet, and he's aggressive."
Baza is a junior who will start at wide receive and cornerback for the Firebirds. "He's tough, fast and highly competitive," said DeMonner of Baza, who is also an outstanding wrestler for Fremont.
Fremont won the El Camino Division title in 1996 before moving up to the De Anza Division for the last two campaigns.
As the Firebirds return to the El Camino circuit this fall, DeMonner looks to Cupertino, Gunn, Santa Clara and Los Altos as the division favorites.
Fremont opens the '99 season on the road this week, visiting Prospect for a 3:30 p.m. game on Sept. 9. The home opener is Sept. 17 against Fremont at Diesner Field, and the league opener is Oct. 1 at home against Santa Clara.
Santa Clara is one of the clubs DeMonner considers a title favorite this fall. But don't forget something else the veteran coach said.
"We could be a factor."
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Sunnyvale, California Since 1994
