Ferderer solid performer for Reardan
He may not be the loudest guy on the field or lead his team in rushing yards, but Jacob Ferderer is the kind of player who shouldn’t be overlooked.
The Reardan senior has been a solid offensive weapon and flexible defensive player for the Indians this season. A 5-foot-9, 170-pound running back, Ferderer is often slightly in the shadow of teammate Jon Jayne in rushing yards.
”(Jacob) is the lesser known of the two,” said Reardan coach Eric Nikkola said. “But people shouldn’t overlook him. He might not have the yards or stats (Jayne) has, but he does a great job of blocking and running, and it’s made him one of the best running backs in league.”
Ferderer, a co-captain of the team, starts on offense and as a linebacker on defense. During the regular season he had 13 touchdowns and rushed for 794 yards on 96 carries, averaging 9.2 yards per carry. His teammate, Jayne, rushed 83 times for 925 yards, averaging 11.1 yards a carry.
”(Jacob) is real versatile,” Nikkola said. “We have used him at tight end or fullback, and he does great job catching the ball out of backfield. I can put him anywhere as a skill-position player and I know I am going to get positive results from him.”
Off the field, Ferderer has produced some positive results among his classmates. He is a good student, maintaining a 3.5 grade-point average and involving himself in various school activities, including Future Business Leaders of America and as an officer in Future Farmers of America. He also plays basketball and baseball.
Nikkola calls Ferderer a “very quiet young man.” But he is the kind of player every coach wants, Nikkola added.
“Every coach wants him a part of their team because of the leadership he brings,” Nikkola said. “He leads by example, and when he is doing something, the other kids are looking to see and they are going to follow his lead.”
Ferderer was injured for the last few weeks with a sprained ankle and has had limited playing time. But he is healthy and ready for this week’s playoff game. Nikkola said Ferderer will be a key factor in winning this week.
”(Jacob is) going to be huge for us in the game,” Nikkola said. “Our running game sets the stage for our offense, and we need to get him with some positive yards to open the game. That will hopefully open up our passing game. On defense he will be guarding a tough running back. Basically, it’s going to come down to if we can stop their two running backs, and Jacob is going to have huge part of that.”
The defending state-champion Indians (10-0) meet La Salle (11-0) in the State 2B quarterfinals. Kickoff is Friday at 6 p.m. at West Valley-Yakima High.