2-way playmaker Drew Ross leading the charge for confident Freeport

By: Michael Love
Wednesday, August 13, 2025 | 11:01 AM

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Drew Ross is comfortable sitting in the pocket, surveying the field and delivering a strike to any one of several receiving targets in Freeport’s passing game.

He also is ready to have his number called and use his feet to get yardage and move the sticks.

Defensively, he’s set to roam the secondary and deliver a hit while bearing down on a receiver and hawking the ball for a big play.

A senior and a captain, Ross is ready to lead the Yellowjackets to what they hope is another trip to the WPIAL Class 3A playoffs. With a lot of key pieces back from last year’s 8-4 playoff team, he likes the chances to make some noise in the postseason.

But he knows there are many things to take care of before Freeport thinks about playoff opportunities at the end of October.

“I felt last season everyone looked down on us,” Ross said. “People had us going 5-5, 4-6. Nobody expected us to be good. But we came out and showed everyone they were wrong about it. We knew we could have a good season and get back to the playoffs because of the work we put in and how we were prepared to go from the first game. There is definitely room to improve for this season. Everyone has been working really hard.”

Freeport finished third last year behind Imani Christian and Deer Lakes in the Allegheny 7 Conference. The Yellowjackets met Mt. Pleasant in the first round and scored a 44-20 victory.

Ross had a big game against the Vikings, accounting for five touchdowns — three rushing, one passing and one on a 41-yard interception return.

He totaled more than 1,900 offensive yards and 26 touchdowns. Of that total, 1,384 yards and 12 touchdowns came through the air. He was only intercepted four times.

Ross carried the ball 76 times without a fumble for 549 yards and 14 scores. He took pride in his ability to secure the football when he used his feet to gain precious yardage.

“Being the quarterback, everyone wants to target you,” he said. “Turnovers can kill a game. There is just not room for it. We work a lot in practice on carrying the ball properly and how to respond to when you take a hit while running the ball. Good footwork is so important.”

Ross said the offseason was key to his continued development.

“Personally, I worked a lot on my footwork, my strength, getting bigger and being better at reading defenses,” he said. “Defensively, it was just working on reading my keys and being able to read the offense. The biggest part of it for the team was having everybody on the same page and committed to each other. There was just so much I was focused on.”

Ross said helping lead the team into 7-on 7-showcases, tournaments and leagues really helped him get a perspective of what the offense could accomplish

“Getting comfortable with the running backs and receivers and also the linebackers, corners and safeties on defense was so key,” he said. “Those countless reps made such a difference. We had some new guys and younger guys in there learning what to do and contributing.”

Ross got to show his stuff at camps at Robert Morris and Duquesne in early June.

“It’s great to be able to learn from coaches and putting it together in drills,” he said. “But a lot of it is getting your name out there and showing that you are more than just another kid from a 3A school. I know I can compete at the next level.”

Ross said he’s excited to continue the recruiting journey that will soon land him at a place where he can make a big impact. He said he’s talked a little bit with RMU and Duquesne, and he hopes to add more to the list with a strong fall season.

“I have my personal goals, but the big thing is we are focused on winning as a team,” he said. “Personal stuff, all that will take care of itself. I have a feeling we’ll be great this season.”

Ross said he appreciates the comfort and freedom in play calling with offensive coordinator Dylan Henderson.

“Coach Henderson and I are close with each other, and we’re on the same page a lot,” Ross said. “He trusts me to make calls and audible at the line if it is needed, and there is a lot of talking with the pro set with the linemen. If I see something on the field, I have to be able to make the right choice. He has trust in me, and I trust in him to also make the right play calls. It goes both ways, and we really believe in each other.”

Whatever the call is on offense, Ross knows the big guys up front, led by conference all-stars in seniors Wade Potocnak and Cole Toutman, will get the job done.

He also is energized when he talks about what this year’s Freeport defense can do. He made 71 tackles (24 solo) last season with three interceptions. He also recovered a fumble.

“We lost one starter, Sean Selinger, from last year, and another starter (Camden Schlegel) is hurt and out for the season,” he said. “Those were big losses, but to have everyone else back is huge. It’s a great opportunity for some guys to step up and keep the defense rolling.

“Obviously, we want to game plan for what the offensive is running, but we’re able to go into different flexes. When the defensive coordinator is there excited to call whatever he wants to call, that is a good feeling. The coaches stress getting everyone to the ball. When you watch our film, we get 11 guys to the ball. That means a lot to us. We love to swarm.”

Ross said he’s not alone in his excitement for Saturday and the opportunity to go up against someone in a different color jersey. Freeport will scrimmage at 12:30 p.m. at Slippery Rock at 12:30 p.m.

“There’s no better feeling than that,” Ross said. “During the summer, you’re just in your helmet, and then you are able to add to it with work in heat acclimation and now that we’re in practices. When it comes down to it, hitting people and making plays in game situations, that is the best thing. That is what makes football what it is.”

Michael Love is a TribLive reporter covering sports in the Alle-Kiski Valley and the eastern suburbs of Pittsburgh. A Clearfield native and a graduate of Westminster (Pa.), he joined the Trib in 2002 after spending five years at the Clearfield Progress. He can be reached at mlove@triblive.com.

Tags: Freeport