3 things to know about Cambria-Friesland in 2024 (2024)

Jamie Link’s dream came true in February when he was hired to be the Cambria-Friesland football coach.

“In so many ways, you can’t talk Cambria-Friesland football without talking Jim Bylsma,” Link said. “Obviously, there’s a lot of pressure that comes with that to try to maintain this program and continue the legacy that he built.”

Link played for Bylsma from 2001-03 and then coached alongside him the previous four seasons. He said he learned how to operate a successful program from Bylsma’s nuances.

“I think coaching, he’s got the same mind as coach Bylsma,” Cambria-Friesland senior Carter Drews said. “It definitely helps that he knows the ropes around here. It will help us win.”

Here are three things to know about the Hilltoppers.

Carter Drews changes positions as Dayton McBride named quarterback

Link named junior Dayton McBride the starting quarterback after two successful junior varsity seasons.

“In order to run and really be successful in the wing-T, it really helps to have not only someone really good at handing the ball off but be able to have the mobility to run our play-action scheme and also have a really big and accurate arm to be affective in the play-action pass plays,” Link said. “Dayton checks all of those boxes.”

Drews will move to running back after starting at quarterback last three years.

“It gives me new opportunities to do a whole new range with the ball,” Drews said. “It also gives us a talented thrower in the backfield to do what he needs to do.”

Link felt like he’d be wasting Drews’ talent of running with speed and aggression when McBride was ready to start now.

“It will help because every team will think we’re giving it to Carter and Callen (Drews),” McBride said. “They’re absolute dogs and we can just throw it over their heads.”

Transfer Evan Cappette boosts offensive line

Senior Evan Cappette transferred to Cambria-Friesland from Watertown in November and will team up with senior Brayden Busse, the returning Trailways Conference Lineman of the Year.

“It will definitely help us grow with that head-to-head rivalry (in practice),” Cappetta said.

Cappetta was a 6-foot-2, 260-pound starting center for the Goslings in the Badger Large Conference last season. Link said he’d argue his team has the conference’s two best linemen.

Cappetta is excited to play for the ground-and-pound Hilltoppers after spending three years with the pass-happy Watertown offense. He’s been antsy to learn the gap concept run-blocking scheme compared to Watertown’s zone blocking.

“It’s my cup of tea — run blocking and pass blocking,” Cappetta said. “There’s not really much of a change from the two teams. It’s something I enjoy.”

Callen Drews switching from guard to fullback

Link feels that sophom*ore Callen Drews’ 5-foot-8, 216-pound frame is perfect to plop in at fullback and let him block downhill after spending last year as a starting right guard.

“Having him not only as a blocker, but with his overall speed and strength, and the fact he’s only about 5 foot 8, he can hide behind our offensive line a little bit,” Link said. “I think he’s going to give some teams some fits.”

Callen Drews is excited to run the ball as well as block in open space for his older brother, Carter Drews, who’s been giving him tips on quicker feet.

“My past experiences have helped me with those,” Callen Drews said. “A lot of my job as a fullback is blocking. As a guard last year, my experiences will definitely help me get other ballcarriers down the field with open-field blocking.”