Don't tell Fremont they have it made. The surprising Silver Wolves aren't buying it.

A 25-21 preseason win at Skyline and a chance to enter the record books as the first second-year school to ever win a state football crown means nothing, yet. Especially with the top-ranked Eagles lining up on the other side of the ball in Friday's 5A championship game (3 p.m., Rice Stadium)."It's not any comfort to have beaten them before," said Fremont coach Blaine Monkres. "It may be the other way. They are on a roll themselves."

Skyline (11-1), making its fourth appearance as a finalist in six years, has yet to lose since the Aug. 24 setback.

"They are just a bunch of kids who love to play football. They are very coachable," Dupaix said. "The kids know how to win. They are very consistent in being able to win close games."

Quarterback Gus Papanikolas has filled big shoes left by three-year starter Brandon Doman, while running back Shane Kojima and talented defender Wes Brockman bring additional firepower to Skyline's attack.

Fremont (9-3) counters with quarterback Olin Hannum, receiver Jake Brian and lineman Jaden Judkins.

"They can throw it a country mile and complete it. They've got a pretty quick-striking team and defensively they are very aggressive," notes Dupaix. "It's a classic match-up. A running attack against a passing attack. It ought to create a lot of excitement for the fans."

Given Skyline's storied history and Fremont's relative newness, will championship experience be a factor? Not much according to Dupaix.

"I think tradition helps you a lot, but I think Fremont has some tradition, too," he said. "Just to make it to the finals is really nice."

However, all things considered, the goal of the game is to capture the gold.

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"It's exciting for everybody," said Monkres. "Not only for the players, but for the students and the community."

Ditto says Dupaix.

"If we win it would be wonderful," he said. "If we lose, we already had a great season. Either way way we both come out winners."

5A NOTES: Skyline is 8-2 in championship games. . . The Eagles have more wins than any team in the state since 1990 . . . Fremont's Monkres is no stanger to championship games. He led Morgan to a 2A crown in 1993 before accepting the job as the Silver Wolves' first coach.

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