'Warrior' Parker Friess playing unsung role in success for Williamston football

HASLETT — Parker Friess had hopes of contributing for the Williamston football team last season when he made the varsity squad as a sophomore.

But a groin injury suffered in Week 2 sidelined him for the remainder of the 2024 season.

Now back and healthy, Friess has made an impact this fall for the Hornets. And the junior played a big role in Williamston claiming a share of the CAAC Red title on Friday, Oct. 3 with its 20-14 win over Haslett.

Friess had two touchdown catches for Williamston in the key league win and that included the go-ahead score on a 7-yard reception with 4:36 remaining. That go-ahead touchdown helped Williamston (6-0, 4-0) answer after Haslett (4-2, 3-1) had scored 14 unanswered points to tie the game.

"It's an unreal feeling," Friess said. "Our whole team just grinded out that whole last drive. It was a whole team effort and I was the lucky one to get that last touchdown."

Friess also added a 30-yard touchdown early in the second quarter to open the scoring. His contributions went far beyond that and he was a factor on defense and special teams as Williamston (6-0)  has now doubled its win total from 2024.

"Parker Friess is a warrior," Williamston coach Steve Kersten said. "That guy played every snap (at) inside linebacker, plays on every special team, plays H so he's blocking in there with all the big guys and he's running routes down field. He's a very tired, tired kid, but he's just a warrior. He just kept playing."

Williamston senior quarterback Kaleb Nielson and Kersten said Friess has been an unsung performer for the Hornets and played a large role in their bounce back this fall. Friess ranks as one of the leading tacklers for a defense that has been strong and allowed just 14 points the last four weeks.

"Him only being a sophomore last year, I feel like getting hurt made him a better player," Nielson said. "I feel like this year he's really putting it on display. Last year it definitely hurt not having him out there. This year it's just a blessing each day getting to see him out on the field. He comes out there every day with a smile. He has some of the most energy on our team."

Contact Brian Calloway at [email protected]. Follow him on X @brian_calloway and Bluesky @briancalloway.

This article originally appeared on Lansing State Journal: Parker Friess quietly factoring into success for Williamston football