Fremd erased an early 14-point deficit and survived a wild finish to beat Bolingbrook 34-33 in a Class 8A quarterfinal matchup Saturday, sending the Vikings to the state semifinals for the first time in school history.

“We talked about it all week. We wanted to do something no Fremd team has ever done and win this game,” Fremd head coach Lou Sponsel said. “It’s awesome for our families, our kids, our coaches.”

The Vikings trailed 14-0 early, as Bolingbrook’s speed and tempo caused problems, but Fremd settled in after its first scoring drive. The momentum truly swung on a perfectly executed surprise onside kick in the first half with Fremd down 14-10, a play Sponsel called “the Riddle Kick,” named for receiver Ben Riddle, who recovered it.

“We said ‘expect the unexpected’ today,” Spon

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