The Freedom Irish return to the regular schedule as a dominant football team, thanks in part to a quarterback and coach who played on the Freedom team. In this story, both coach and quarterback discuss some of the factors that make up their relationship and how it translates into the program’s return in 2024. (Below is a transcript of the full broadcast coverage along with additional details that can be shared online).
After a huge win over Wrightstown, Freedom Football is 7-0.
After last year’s disappointing season, the Irish bounced back in 2024, thanks in part to the exceptional relationship between quarterback and head coach.
Freedom has an excellent record in its second year under head coach Charlie Jadin, the former quarterback who led the Irish to the playoffs in 2015 and 2016. He knows a thing or two about the program’s winning tradition.
“To keep this winning story going again… I was a part of it and I really understood that you can’t take things like this for granted and that it’s a daily job,” Jadin said.
“This program has given me a lot. It was exciting to be able to give back in any way.”
That’s why, in his opinion, last season was so arduous, when the Irish finished with only a 4-5 record and did not reach the playoffs for the first time since 2011.
“Having that 13-year playoff streak broken was a punch in the gut,” senior lineman Henry Vanderheiden said. – We definitely could have played much better.
This year, however, senior point guard Drew Kortz is committing the crime of humming the appropriate tune in a role recently filled by his head coach.
Jadin’s unique understanding of the quarterback’s job has led to victories and exceptional relationships.
“He just thinks I’ll make a play, and if it’s a dead play, [he] he knows I’m just going to extend the game and keep my teammates playing,” Kortz said.
“What I see in defense… for him to see it, I have to explain it as well,” Jadin said.
“We talk a lot. Every game he sends me feedback on what I need to do better and what I did well,” Kortz said.
“I’ve had some of these experiences. Some of the things that my old coaches passed on to me, like the responsibility that comes with being a setter,” Jadin said.
The Irish will look to stay in tip-top shape when they host Sheboygan Falls on Thursday.
