Toughness Has Propelled Fenton Football Team Through Mistakes

The football team has a 2-0 record, beating two teams that also have Metro League title aspirations in and .

Still though, despite the undefeated record, the results of each game could've been different. Against West, Fenton built a 24-0 halftime lead before going scoreless in the second half and giving up a couple of big plays to the West offense that allowed the team to get within one score at 24-16. A Fenton fumble gave West the ball with about three minutes left and good field position to go after the tying score before the defense held.

Then, against Linden, Fenton forced a Linden punt and then stopped a fourth down attempt on two drives before costly penalties gave the Eagles back the ball. Linden would go on to score on each drive.

Big comebacks and untimely penalties lead to frustration and cause some teams to lose their composure in those moments. Fenton, however, has shown impressive mental toughness and the team's ability to weather those types of miscues is the reason the Tigers are undefeated.

Fenton is certainly talented, but the team's experience and ability to impose its will on opponents has been a difference-maker. Against West, although the Panthers did manage a big play in the passing game, they had trouble throwing the ball most of the game. Fenton's secondary has depth and is one of the most effective in the area.

"This is a team that went to Notre Dame this summer, took on 70 teams and finished in the top four in a seven-on-seven (passing league), so we're comfortable in the passing game," said coach Jeff Setzke.

Offensively, Fenton's ability to control the clock with a power running game has also been a big weapon. Gerad Wegener has rushed for 236 yards in the first two games, averaging 6.4 yards per carry. He's been strong running between the tackles, but has also shown big play capability, including a 43-yard touchdown run against West. His 159 yards on 24 carries against Linden allowed Fenton to keep Linden's potent offense off the field.

"I've been pleased with the way we've run the football," Setzke said. "We talked to the kids about mental toughness and physical toughness. We said we're gonna run right at them (Linden) and we did."

Although Fenton gets a brief respite from league play this week, the Tigers face another league foe and potential playoff team in Holly the following week.

"When you start with West and Linden then throw Holly in in game four, who has a tougher schedule than we do on the front end?," Setzke said.

Although the team is focused on improving and limiting mistakes, the coaching staff is pleased with the undefeated start and the physical way in which Fenton has played.

"Do I think we have to get better? Yeah," Setzke said. "But we want to be tougher and more physical and we've accomplished that (so far). In the end, I think that's what has won games for us."

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