Mature, skilled quarterback Johnny O’Brien leads Fremd past Lyons and into the 8A quarterfinals

Fremd quarterback Johnny O’Brien held a mini-press conference on the sidelines Friday in Palatine after guiding the No. 8 Vikings to a 45-21 win against No. 17 Lyons in the Class 8A second round.

Five reporters tossed questions at the Northwestern recruit, and he handled them more like a seasoned NFL veteran than a high school kid. He complimented Lyons, gave thoughtful and insightful answers and even thanked former teammates.

It’s the first trip to the quarterfinals for Fremd since 2009. O’Brien expressed his pride in his team’s accomplishment but made it clear the Vikings want more this season than two playoff wins.

“It definitely feels good, but this is just a small step,” O’Brien said. “We have bigger goals in mind. This is great for the community and great for the school. We are going to enjoy this tonight, but we know what the end goal here is.”

Fremd (10-1) has been thinking state championship since back in August. The Vikings’ only loss this season was to Barrington with O’Brien out injured.

“Our goal is to make a run at this thing,” Fremd coach Lou Sponsel said. “This was a statement game. We just stayed true to who we are, played tough defense, solid on special teams and aggressive on offense. That’s what we are going to do.”

O’Brien was 21-for-33 for 299 yards. He threw four touchdown passes and ran for 40 yards.

“We knew who we were playing,” O’Brien said. “We watched so much film on them. They are a great team. I just executed really well today. We love throwing the ball. We love to be in moments like this, in big-time games.”

Fremd led 28-0 before Lyons (8-3) scored. EJ Kuhlman scored on a 12-yard run in the third quarter to pull the Lions within 31-14, but that was as close as it would get.

“Our game plan was to run the football,” Lyons coach Jon Beutjer said. “We felt like we did a good job of that on the first drive, but then we got behind. It changed the plan a little bit.”

The Vikings held Lyons to just 10 rushing yards.

“Our run defense is what defines us,” Fremd linebacker Troy Pepe said. “Not many teams are able to run the ball. We come downhill aggressive. We have guys that can read and fly to the ball.”

Pepe and Michael Murray both had interceptions in the first half. Lyons quarterback Jack Slightom completed his first 11 passes but then threw back-to-back interceptions. He was 26-for-39 for 257 yards with two TD passes.

Junior Owen Matela had 13 catches for 138 yards and one TD for the Lions.

“We were buzzing all week,” Pepe said. “Lyons is better than their seed. When we play together and are at full health, no one can stop us. We are a great team.”

Northwestern recruit Owen Jakubzcak, a defensive lineman, had a big tackle for a loss in the third quarter for Fremd. Linebacker Tom O’Brien and defensive end Anthony D’Ambrosio both had sacks in the second half for the Vikings.

Jayden Faulkner had 14 carries for 76 yards and a TD for Fremd. Marquan Brewster, a WIU recruit, had seven catches for 103 yards and one TD for the Vikings.

Fremd will face the Warren vs. Bolingbrook winner in the quarterfinals next weekend.