Last season wasn’t the story Fremont wanted to write.
The Packers finished 1-8 in 2025, battling through a difficult West Michigan Conference schedule where every Friday felt like a heavyweight fight. But inside the locker room, Head Coach Jared Hudson never allowed the focus to drift toward the scoreboard. Instead, it shifted toward something much bigger—building a program that could withstand adversity.
That work began in January.
“We have been working hard since January to better prepare for this season,” Hudson said. “We’re excited to see where all that work takes us.”
Now, as Fremont opens the 2026 campaign, optimism isn’t built on predictions or preseason rankings. It’s built on months of commitment in the weight room, offseason conditioning, and a team learning to trust one another.
“Our goal from this January has been to improve every day,” Hudson said. “Our focus is to win the day, drill, or opportunity that is right in front of us.”
That mindset could define this year’s Packers.
Veteran leadership returns
Fremont brings back several experienced players who have endured the highs and lows of varsity football and now carry the responsibility of leading a younger roster.
Quarterback and linebacker Brayden Crosley returns to direct the offense while anchoring the defense. He’s joined by explosive two-way receivers and defensive backs Gabe Hulst and Aiden Hunt, giving the Packers athleticism on the perimeter.
The foundation, however, may be built in the trenches.
Hudson believes the offensive and defensive lines could become the team’s greatest strength, led by returning linemen Konnar Vanderstelt and Eli Hertel.
“I feel that up front will be our biggest strength if we can stay healthy,” Hudson said.
If that group controls the line of scrimmage, Fremont believes everything else becomes possible.
New faces ready for bigger roles
While the veteran core provides stability, several newcomers are expected to make an immediate impact.
Running back and defensive back Mason Patten, tight end and linebacker Kolton Callison, and running back and linebacker Brody Rayl are among the players Hudson expects to contribute right away.
The youth movement is necessary for a program facing one of its biggest ongoing challenges.
“As a school that is declining in enrollment, depth will always be our challenge,” Hudson admitted.
That makes player development throughout the entire roster even more critical.
A stronger offseason
Hudson points to one area where the Packers have already taken a significant step forward.
“We have really stepped up our commitment level to the weight room this offseason and have seen major growth in our athletes’ weight room numbers and athlete measurements.”
That physical growth has been accompanied by stronger chemistry throughout the program.
“Every year brings a new group, and this group seems to be gelling well with one another between upperclassmen and some of the other sophomores and freshmen.”
The hope is that improved strength and improved chemistry translate into improved results under the Friday night lights.
No easy Fridays
The Packers won’t have much time to ease into the season.
They open August 27 with a road trip to Ionia before hosting Whitehall in Week 2 and Hart the following week. League play continues with Ludington, Oakridge, Orchard View, Montague, and Newaygo, programs that consistently make the West Michigan Conference one of the state’s toughest small-school leagues.
Hudson isn’t singling out one opponent.
“In the WMC, every game will be key because there are no off weeks. We will need to keep our focus narrow and try to go 1-0 each week.”
It’s a schedule that demands consistency from start to finish.
Defining success
Ask Hudson what success looks like, and his answer has little to do with standings.
“If everything comes together, I hope other teams look at us this season and compliment our work ethic,” he said. “Whether it is the first snap or last, our athletes are out there putting it on the line.”
That’s the identity Fremont is chasing.
A team that competes relentlessly.
A team that’s stronger than it was yesterday.
A team that measures progress one workout, one practice, one play—and ultimately, one Friday at a time.
After months of preparation, the Packers are ready to find out where that journey leads.
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