A-K Valley football Q&A with Freeport’s Garret Schaffhauser

By: HSSN Staff
Wednesday, October 3, 2018 | 5:45 PM

Garret Schaffhauser’s fourth-quarter touchdown reception from Freeport quarterback Austin Romanchak closed the door completely on the Yough Cougars Friday night, securing the Yellowjackets’ 20-0 win and their first winning streak of the season.

“He’s a physical football player,” Freeport coach John Gaillot said. “You can’t teach being physical, and he has really good hands.”

Schaffhauser can line up anywhere from tight end to slot back, and on occasion at quarterback, in the Freeport offense, but the 5-foot-11, 185-pounder spends most of his time at H-back. He has 48 receiving yards on four receptions.

Schaffhauser’s biggest contribution to the team might come from his left outside linebacker spot. He tallied seven tackles (three solo) and one sack in Freeport’s win over Yough.

“I told him after that game that this was probably his best game he played last week,” Gaillot said. “He sees things develop quickly, reacts very well and that’s why he makes so many plays.”

Schaffhauser has tallied 26 tackles, leads the team with six tackles for a loss and is tied for the team lead in sacks with two.

“He’s a student of the game when it comes to defense,” Gaillot said. “He’s just all over the place making plays for us. He knows his job and does it really well.”

How big was it to stop Yough running back Dustin Shoaf and pick up a quality win last week?

It was very big because it was for a playoff spot. Holding him to under 100 yards was really big because he’s rushed for 100 yards in 14 out of the last 15 games.

What’s the mood like in the locker room now that Freeport has won two straight games?

It’s a very exciting mood, very happy and looking forward to the next game versus Deer Lakes this week.

What’s it going to take to come out with a win over Deer Lakes?

We just have to stop the pass because they have a lot of talent on the outside and a good quarterback that can throw.

Are you more of a H-back or an outside linebacker?

I’m more of an outside linebacker. I’ve been playing linebacker since I’ve been playing youth football.

Where does the offense need to improve the most going into the back half of the regular season schedule?

I think our line needs to get a lot more aggressive. We’re very passive.

What’s the strength of this year’s team?

Talent on the outside. Skill positions.

What’s your best attribute as an outside linebacker?

Probably my awareness, recognition of plays and speed coming off the end.

Why do you wear No. 15?

This is my second year wearing it. Somebody already took No. 5, so I took No. 15.

What’s your favorite pregame meal?

Usually it changes from week-to-week, but my favorite one so far has been cheeseburgers. Conor Sellinger’s mom made them.

Which player on your team is poised to have a breakout season?

Brodey Woods. He’s a receiver. He’s fast and has pretty good hands.

Who is your favorite college football team?

Ohio State.

Who do you have this weekend, the Falcons or the Steelers?

I’ve never been a big Steelers guy, so I’ll say Falcons because Matt Ryan is my quarterback for fantasy.

William Whalen is a freelance writer.

Tags: Freeport