North Boone looks for continued success in year two of Coach Frederick

POPLAR GROVE, Ill (WTVO/WQRF) — North Boone football is coming into year two of the Brett Fredrick era. Everyone on the team is continuing to build on what they learned last year. "I was very proud of that group last year, being our first year together and coming together as the season went along." Said head coach Brett Frederick. "This group is determined to take the next step, to continue to carry on and to take the things they learned from a year ago and from those that were around us that maybe aren't here anymore." The Vikings lost a handful of players from last season, including quarterback Grady Condon, wide receiver Brad Dahl, and lineman Phillip Davis. North Boone also lost offensive coordinator Chris Weber, as he is now the head coach at Stillman Valley. Leaving a hole that Coach Fredrick and his assistants are gladly able to fill. "Fortunately, the system that we have been using for quite some time." Said Coach Frederick. "I am pretty well versed in it, so I can slide over to the offensive coordinator responsibilities without having to change terminology and scheme entirely." With a smaller group leaving from North Boone, it means a lot of returning experience for the Vikings, along with a lot of the younger talent stepping into new roles. "We are going to be returning the majority of the team." said running back Connor Chamberlain. "We did get rid of a couple individuals from last year who were key parts, but we are bringing up a lot of younger guys too. So, I'm really excited to see what they can do for us now in the long run." Some key players returning include quarterback Eli Bryan, wide receiver Jaziah Howard, and running back Connor Chamberlain. Another aspect the Vikings are returning from last year is a dual quarterback rotation. One coach, Frederick, says it is a privilege for their team. "It's funny, I don't intend to have quarterback rotations; I just feel like we have two starters, honestly." Said Coach Frederick. "I love everything that we can do from it." Said quarterback Eli Bryan. "It kind of gives us a little bit of a break when we need it. Makes sure that we keep everything rolling good offensively." North Boone kicks off their season against the Byron Tigers, so they are going to be challenged right away. With the mentality they have for this season remaining the same. "We're going to be hard-hitting." Said Chamberlain. "We may not have as much depth as we would have had last year as we wanted, or as many big guys, but we're still going to be packing a punch, I would say." Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to MyStateline | WTVO WQRF News, Weather and Sports.