A record set long ago, back in 2002, by Fredericktown’s very own High School Principal, and a Quarterback Coach for the Freddies football team, was for the most yards in a single game by Chris Sipes, a graduate of 2004 and Ryan Shoemaker, a graduate of 2004 as well, had a game for the record books that put up a number of 177 yards receiving in a single game.
Ryan Shoemaker’s perspective on this high school game and his junior season was different compared to Chris Sipes. Ryan Shoemaker said, “At the time, I do not think anyone knew what the record was or who held it. It wasn’t until much later that I was even aware that I held the single game receiving record at Fredericktown.” Shoemaker had held the record for 22 years and he was very surprised that it stood for this long in the record books for FHS. ITo this day he still remembers that exact game when he had those 187 receiving yards. This memorable play was a catch to get them near the goal line, and then for Chris Sipes to execute a Quarterback Sneak for a touchdown and the victory!
Chris Sipes stated that Ryan was his main target all their years on Varsity. But playing football together began long before that, with both of them starting football as a full-contact sport in the 7th grade. Once Chris was brought up to Varsity as a freshman, their coach Don DeMarco switched offenses. He traditionally used a run heavy offense, but with Sipes’s throwing ability with the pig skin, Coach DeMarco decided to put in a true “spread” offense for Chris, which brought more wide receivers on the field.
Chris stated, “One thing about getting older, the memory starts to fade away. I was glad to be part of the record of that game with Shoemaker and how it has held on this long with all of the good quarterbacks/wide receivers who have come through over the years.” Chris added, “But one thing I will say, I am so happy and proud that my son is now a part of that record with Brode! It’s like passing the torch.”
Chris now coaches his son Blake, who just helped break the record with Brode, and is excited to watch Blake’s senior year of football play out.
Brode Davis is a junior here at FHS. Brode recently broke the record for most receiving yards in a game. He had 179 yards with 8 receptions. Brode said he picked football as one of his sports because he is quick and his friends played it. Brode’s speed was definitely an advantage in his record-breaking game as he used it to get to the sideline for first downs as Blake Sipes would scramble out of the pocket Brode never expected to break that record.
“I didn’t know it even existed, but after that night I was thinking what it was and how close I was to it after that game.” Brode broke this record against Mt.Gilead, the same team he scored his first varsity touchdown against. Brode’s first touchdown was his sophomore year and it was a pass interference one hand catch in the end zone from Blake Sipes for 6.
Brode isn’t just a football player though, as he plays basketball and baseball. However, choosing a favorite sport wasn’t easy for Brode., He stated, “Whatever sport I am playing at that time is my favorite sport but basketball is different. You can play it anywhere, so that has a little bit more leverage on the other two.” Brode is looking to have another good basketball season, trying to win a KMAC championship for the 3rd year in a row.
Blake Sipes is also a junior here at FHS. Blake played a big part in the game where Brode broke his record. Blake threw for 267 yd and contributed in the run game as well. Blake knew about this record for a while and has been waiting to break it. Blake had an amazing junior season, being ranked 22nd in all of Ohio for total yards, according to MaxPreps.
Blake is definitely a football player, but he also plays basketball. Blake explained why he chose football. “The brotherhood that comes with it is great and there is nothing better than playing under the lights on Friday nights with your whole town rooting for you.” Blake is looking to have another big basketball season this year as he did last year, being named 1st team All-KMAC.
