Lance Hasenfratz Learning As He Goes For Lake Fenton Football Team

Lance Hasenfratz wasn't taking over for just anyone as 's starting quarterback this season. He was replacing a four-year starter and one of the best all-around athletes in the school's recent history in Mitch Kirk.

So far this season, Hasenfratz has played steady, limiting mistakes and trusting his teammates to make plays and take pressure off of him and that's a big reason the Blue Devils are off to a 2-1 start.

"I've been pleased with his progression," said coach Eric Doyle."He's doing everything that I want him to do and more."

Lake Fenton's running game has been impressive this season. Rob Kesler and Bryce Frownfelter have both had 100-yard rushing games. Zac Zielinski has had a 75-yard game. Against LakeVille last week, the running game was so dominant that the Blue Devils didn't even get a chance to display the passing game.

"With the weapons we have in the backfield, he (Hasenfratz) just has to just manage the game," Doyle said. "He doesn't have to go out there and win games by himself, he has to just help put our playmakers in position to make plays, and he's doing that."

The multiple weapons on offense have made adjusting to the varsity level a smoother transition for Hasenfratz.

"The speed of the game is different, but I'm adjusting and with all of the running we can do, it's not that hard to adjust," Hasenfratz said. "I can improve on my passing a lot more, but I think I'm getting there."

He hasn't had to throw the ball much, but he did have a touchdown pass in a and connected with three different receivers in a .

Hasenfratz also gained valuable knowledge by watching Kirk lead the Blue Devils.

"He (Kirk) was aggressive all the time and never backed down," Hasenfratz said. "I learned a lot from watching him. I saw how aggressive he was and I've tried to start playing that way too."

As he continues to get more comfortable, Doyle believes Hasenfratz will continue to unveil more of his skills.

"He's getting his feet wet," Doyle said. "He's gotten better since the beginning of the summer and he's going to continue to get better."

Hasenfratz will try to help the Blue Devils to another victory Friday at Durand, starting at 7 p.m. The Railroaders are 0-3 this season and have lost 12 straight regular season games after going 0-9 last year. Durand isn't that far removed from success, however, and they went 7-4 in 2009 and won a playoff game.

The Railroaders have been outscored 153-22 this season, but Lake Fenton is not taken the squad lightly.

"We have to worry about us this week and taking another step towards becoming the football team we know we can be.  We have to continue to improve," Doyle said. "Durand is a well-coached football team who is going to be playing at home, so we have to show up ready to answer the bell.  They will be prepared, we have to meet and surpass their preparation and continue to play good hard Blue Devil football."