Unstoppable Force: Remembering Freeport's Undefeated 2013 March to Glory

A decade has passed, yet the roar of the crowd and the sheer dominance of the 2013 Freeport Yellowjackets football team remain as vivid as ever. Ten years ago, this formidable squad was not just winning games; they were redefining what it meant to be unstoppable, marching deeper into the WPIAL Class AA playoffs with an unblemished 10-0 record.

On that memorable night, the stage was set at New Castle’s historic Taggart Stadium for a WPIAL quarterfinal showdown against Laurel.

The stakes were high, but Freeport, a team fueled by an unwavering spirit and a roster of exceptional talent, met the challenge head-on, delivering a resounding 41-14 victory that solidified their reputation as a true championship contender.

The game was a masterclass in ground-and-pound football, spearheaded by the electrifying performance of running back Chase Calcagnino.

Calcagnino wasn't just good; he was legendary, tearing through the Laurel defense for an astounding 282 rushing yards on 25 carries. But it wasn't just the yardage; it was the five touchdowns he punched in, each a testament to his power, agility, and relentless drive. His monumental effort that night not only sealed the win but also saw him shatter the school's single-season rushing record, pushing past the 1,800-yard mark – a feat that still echoes in the halls of Freeport football history.

While Calcagnino undoubtedly stole the show, he was far from a one-man army.

Fellow running back Ryan Troutman added his own significant contribution, galloping for 79 crucial yards and finding the end zone himself. As a collective, the Yellowjackets' ground game was an unstoppable force, amassing a staggering 412 rushing yards against a bewildered Laurel defense. This offensive juggernaut proved too much to handle, consistently moving the chains and wearing down their opponents.

Freeport’s dominance wasn't limited to offense.

The defense, a resolute and unyielding unit, set the tone early. In a pivotal moment on Laurel's opening drive, the Yellowjacket defense stood tall, halting their opponents and sending a clear message: scoring against this Freeport team would be an uphill battle. This early defensive stand not only preserved their lead but ignited a fire under the entire team, setting the stage for their offensive explosion.

With this emphatic victory, Freeport didn't just advance; they sent a tremor through the WPIAL landscape.

Their next challenge? The formidable Aliquippa, a matchup that promised another epic chapter in what was already becoming an unforgettable season. Ten years later, the memory of that undefeated march, the thrill of those victories, and the brilliance of players like Chase Calcagnino continue to inspire and remind everyone of a truly golden era for Freeport Yellowjackets football.