Rise and Fire Camp Series Interview: 2020 QB Carter Freedland Continues Fantastic Season for No. 9 Centennial

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

After transferring from Mater Dei High School to Centennial over the offseason, the future was unknown for Class of 2020 quarterback Carter Freedland. The 6-3, 205-pound, dual-threat was stepping from one hot frying pan into another seeking to replace five-star quarterback Tanner McKee (Stanford) after backing up another five-star QB, JT Daniels (USC), during the Monarchs run to a California state title and national championship (MaxPreps) a year ago. The move for Freedland has paid off well helping guide Centennial to an undefeated regular season while showing his full assortment of talents along the way. The move could put him in line for another California and national title run.

Freedland is part of a two-headed attack in the pocket splitting series with fellow junior Ala Mikaele. Both players are putting up similar numbers with head coach Matt Logan using both talents in similar fashion. For the year, Freedland has hit on 69 of 108 pass attempts for 1,149 yards with 14 touchdowns and has ran for another 142 yards with five trips into the end zone.

The stats have been compiled against some very talented squads like Chandler (AZ), Orange Lutheran, Pittsburg, Narbonne, and Norco earning the Huskies a No. 9 national ranking, fourth in the Golden State. The play on the field is drawing recruiting interest for Freedland with Washington State, Arizona State, and Army being among many taking a deeper look.

Ahead of the Huskies first round playoff game, a rematch against Orange Lutheran, I sat down with Freedland covering his play on the field with a preview of the Lancers showdown.

*Click link for Aug. 28, 2018, OLU post-game interview with Carter Freedland 

Interview

Carter, the Huskies were a true offensive machine in 2018 piling up 563 total points in just 10 games. You guys do everything well, but drilling deeper, what are the strengths of the offense?

“The strength of the team is the defense, I think we have the best defense in the country. Our offensive line continues to get stronger and stronger. Our running backs ball out every game. They keep linebackers honest which helps our passing game. We rotate the QBs in which keeps us fresh, I think that makes a big difference.”

For you personally, which game this season was the toughest?

“For me, I don’t know. It may have been the King game. Orange Lutheran was a tough one in the first half but we responded in the second half and shredded them.”

How did that challenge help make you a better quarterback?

“Against Orange Lutheran, it helped me become a better leader. I was able to help bring the team back. I kept encouraging everyone to do their job keep their head up.”

Which game this season was your best?

“Again, it was the Orange Lutheran game. I had to step up. I got to see what I am made of in that game. I got to see what I am made of when everything is on the line and the lights are the brightest.”

Which areas of your skills are showing the biggest improvement this season?

“My quickness getting the ball out has improved a lot this season. My reads are a lot faster since the beginning of the season as well. My running game has gotten a lot smarter and I have better field vision.”

As you have mentioned, you had a very good game against Orange Lutheran hitting 8 of 12 passes for 71 yards with a touchdown and you ran two in for scores. You guys get a second shot at them after beating them 45-28, what are you expecting from the Lancers defense this time around?

“I’m expecting the same tough defense. That they will cut down on the mistakes and play hard. They have been playing better over the last few games. We just have to execute well to get another win against them.”

Going into recruiting. Which schools are responding to the season you are having with Centennial?

“I am receiving interest from Washington State, Arizona State, and Army.”

Do you have any unofficial visits lined up for when the season is over?

“We do not have any planned right now but we are thinking about visiting Arizona State and Arizona, but I am not for sure when.”

Carter, great catching up with you today. Good luck on Friday against OLU.

“Thank you.”

Photo credit: recruitingnewsguru.com; Carter Freedland pre-game warmups vs. OLU