Friendswood loaded for another season

August 10, 2010

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Friendswood QB Pete Maetzold

FRIENDSWOOD — When Friendswood won their first-ever Class 4A Region III Division I title under veteran head coach Steve Van Meter in 2008 to advance to the 4A state semifinals, no one thought the Mustangs could make it back to the region title game much less return back to the state semifinals in 2009.

The Mustangs did make it to back to the region finals only to fall short to district rival Pearland Dawson 28-11.

However - last year's team was supposed to be too young and inexperienced and not capable of defending their region championship.

While Van Meter was having to replace a three-year starting quarterback and a full stable of experienced receivers, the only thing that changed was the name of the field general and his new pass-catching corps.

Quarterback Pete Maetzold took over the offensive controls from Jacob Karam (TT) and proceeded to put up some mind boggling numbers in his first varsity season. The 6-3, 190 pound signal-caller hit 207-of-351 passing for 2,802 yards, 30TDs, ad 11 INTs to earn All-District first-team honors. Those numbers topped Karam's numbers his junior year. Karam finished as the top passer in Friendswood history.

Maetzold will be a year older and will offer much more experience in leading the Mustangs high-octane offense this season.

"Pete will certainly be one of the keys to our offense this year," Van Meter said. "He did an excellent job last year and I look for him to surpass what he did a year ago."

Maetzold is getting some strong looks from some Division I schools including Fordham and Vanderbilt.

But Maetzold isn't the only offensive threat as the Mustangs have Jonathan Johnson returning for his junior season at running back.

Johnson was named District 24-4A "Newcomer of the Year" after being the favorite target of Maetzold. The versatile Johnson caught 46 passes for 705 yards and 8TDs to lead the Mustangs in that category.

Matt Kennemer was also a big force on the offensive side as a wide receiver as he finished with 14 catches for 372 yards and five TDs and will return for his senior season. Kennemer also plays on defense where he is an impact player on that side of the ball.

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Jonathan Johnson TD

Keith Canada (6-3, 205) returns and should also be an offensive threat as he had 23 catches for 340 yards and three scores last year.

As Van Meter looks at his team for the upcoming season, his initial thoughts reflect that this year's squad is really better than last year's team.

"As long as we can stay healthy, I believe we have a strong chance at making another deep run in the playoffs," Van Meter said.

Of course, the real battle is in the trenches and Friendswood has some stout body-guards for Maetzold.

Ben Compton (6-4, 300), Jose Sanez (6-4, 280), Bronson Price, and junior tight end Trevor Stevens (6-3, 240) will lead the charge in the trenches. Add Pearland move-in Nick Bryant in the mix and the offense should become a bulldozer down the field.

"We only have six offensive linemen with any experience, so we are going to have to stay healthy," Van Meter said. "We have to keep defenders off of our quarterback."

Through the years, Friendswood's defense has always been challenged to stay at the same level as the offense - which is a tall task in the asking. However, Van Meter has seen his chargers play with a gutsy tenacity that keeps them in a position to pull out a win - especially in the close games.

The top returning defenders include lineback Mark Brezina along with Matt Lewis and Will Fitzpatrick. Kennemer, Johnson, and Canada also anchor the secondary during crucial possessions. Brezina is a three-year starter and should lead the 3-4 defense.

"For us, it's all about depth," Van Meter said. "We have to keep healthy because several of our guys play both ways. We aren't very deep at the offensive line position and we need to keep our quarterback healthy as well. He makes us tick."

Other key players for the Mustangs include kicker Zack Hardy, Shane Bergeson, LB Benson Chidester, and DT Trey Gonzales.

Friendswood is a pre-season pick to challenge for the District 24-4A crown, but Van Meter keeps all in perspective prior to the start of the season.

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"Pre-season predictions really have no impact on us as we start the season," Van Meter said. "It all is determined on the field and we have to stay focused and take one game at a time.

"It is gong to be a difficult district. There are no let up games and someone can sneak up on you every week. With the addition of Ball High, it is going to be brutal. We also lead off with Angleton, West Orange-Stark, Stratford, and Channelview in our non-district games, which will also be tough. We know we won't come out of that unscathed."

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