Freeport got a glimpse of life without Amos Glenn in its WPIAL Class 3A quarterfinal playoff matchup with Avonworth in November.

Without the injured 2025 Butler Eagle Scoring Trophy recipient, the Yellowjackets (8-4 last season) were rolled by eventual state champion Avonworth.

Glenn, who graduated along with starting quarterback Drew Ross, is gone. Danny King, who backed up Ross while playing wideout, steps into the offense’s cockpit, while a running back who reminds teammates of Glenn will also settle into a larger role.

With an offseason’s worth of preparation, this version of Freeport is planning on better success.

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Senior center/defensive tackle Cameron Manke remembers his “welcome to varsity” moment. Then a sophomore, he stepped in for an injured starting guard against Derry and tried to block a linebacker on an outside sweep.

“(He) runs right through me like I’m not even there,” said Manke, now a second-year starter on both sides. “It woke me up pretty quick.”

Manke wouldn’t be playing up front on some of the other teams in the area. He even tried switching to tight end at one point but wound up back as a blocker. He’s since adjusted, learning to use speed to his advantage against bigger opponents.

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“We don’t have the size at Freeport like other schools, like Butler and Mars,” Manke said.

“We hold our own,” senior guard Karter Kemp said. “We don’t get a lot of recognition just for how small we are, where we’re at.”

Because of that, the Yellowjackets have to make do with who they have. But there are advantages, too.

“With how small we are, we run a no-huddle offense, so we’re able to tire them out quickly,” Manke said.

Last year, Glenn ran for 1,008 yards and 18 touchdowns within that attack, showing Freeport shouldn’t be overlooked. At outside linebacker, Brycen Paga doesn’t fit the typical positional mold either, but he stresses technique as coaches on the other sideline underestimate what he can do.

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“The way ‘Mickey’ (Glenn’s nickname) ran the ball these last two years, they definitely don’t wanna underestimate anyone,” Manke said.

Quarterback/safety Danny King takes pride in the program and representing the community that supports it.

“I think it’s just important to not only play for yourself, play for your team, but also play for all the people watching you,” King said. “Just playing for everyone, play for the town.”

1. Mile marker upcoming: Longtime coach John Gaillot’s program is two wins away from its 600th.

“We definitely gotta play for (it), but that’s one of our very little goals that we have to accomplish along the way,” said King, who added the ’Jackets are aiming to finish above .500.

“It’s pretty big,” Kemp said of the milestone. “Not everybody gets the chance to do that. It’s an accomplishment, for sure. ... Last year, we talked about it. We were pretty close, just couldn’t get there. This year should be the year for that.”

2. Deja vu?: Senior Braydon Pomaybo, whose build is similar to Glenn’s, will take over as the ’Jackets’ top running back. He’s a shifty ballcarrier but doesn’t shy away from going head-on with defenders.

“He runs very similar to (Amos), which I like,” Manke said. “He doesn’t wait behind the offensive line and try to be patient. I like just attacking the hole as you see it. Don’t wait.”

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Pomaybo went for 50 yards on five carries a season ago.

“He’s been the guy ever since Amos was hurt,” King said. “And even in youth and stuff. Chace Flynn will be taking a couple of carries this year, as well as playing tight end.”

3. Get ready, get set: Dylan Henderson is back as Freeport’s offensive coordinator, designing a whirlwind game plan.

“I like our fast-paced offense, because it definitely catches other teams off guard,” Paga said. “Like Coach Gaillot says, you’ve gotta be well-conditioned.”

Ideally, the up-tempo scheme and focus on being in shape will wear out defensive backs by the time the fourth quarter rolls around.

*Section game

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2025: 8-4*

2024: 8-4*

2023: 3-7

2022: 10-2*

2021: 6-5*

*Made playoffs