It would be easy to assume that Rudder outside linebacker Matt Fritsche has all the pressure of the world on his shoulder trying to carry the family name.

After all, his brother Brian played for Bryan High, graduated last year and is now a freshman at Texas A&M. And his father Alan is one of his football coaches.

Still, when you talk to Fritsche, the thing he is most worried about is studying for his Advanced Placement courses.

"School is my main priority right now, trying to make good grades," Fritsche said. "I've heard your junior year is your hardest year, and I have a lot of homework. I usually go home after practice and start studying."

Fritsche also shows a good football IQ on the field and pays close attention during film study to learn more about opponent's tendencies. Of course, having a football coach as a father gives him an advantage in breaking down film, but this season has seen the entire defense increase its ability to get the most out of film sessions.

"This year we've done something different," Rudder defensive line coach Calvin Hill said. "I made a film study sheet. The questions on the paper are the same questions we as coaches look for when we break down film. So when we do come in in the afternoon, they know exactly what to look for. And I have them fill the paper out, and at the end, I have them put their personal goals for the week. We always talk about how much film helps you in the games, and I think it's helped the entire defense this season."

In the offseason, Fritsche worked hard in the weight room to gain more strength, and it's paid off. Fritsche made three tackles against Hearne and recovered a fumble. He also is tied for the team lead with one interception, which he returned for 10 yards.

Having a father on the coaching staff has been both a help and a motivating factor for Fritsche.

"My dad has had a big impact on me," he said. "He's taught me a lot and I've listened. You just have to work at it a little harder, because he's always watching."

Fritsche has been working harder, and people are noticing.

"He's got more confidence this year," Hill said. "He's got a different kind of walk right now. Going into those scrimmages and now winning those two games has really boosted his confidence up. His strength and speed has gotten better, because he was in here every day this summer working out."

Fritsche is part of a much-improved Rudder defense that is benefitting from a year of physical maturity, but that's not just about guys getting stronger. There's also a bond among the defense, which shows itself in subtle ways.

"It feels great, just getting out there and to start winning," Fritsche said. "We're all hyped up about it and ready to play this week. Everyone gets really excited when a big play happens. It just puts into your mind that, 'Wow, we've got this game.'"

Rudder runs a 50 defense, which puts a nose tackle over center and two tackles over the guards. It also has two defensive ends/outside linebackers on the end of the line. The setup is popular in high school football and puts a lot of pressure on its end players. Fritsche, in his position, has outside containment responsibilities and pass coverage responsibilities to go with rushing the passer.

Facing a team like Navasota with a dangerous running quarterback in Kye Hildreth, Fritsche's outside containment duties grow especially important.

"It takes a special person to play that position," Hill said. "His number one job is to [make the quarterback] run between the tackles. He's accepted that challenge, and he's doing great. His speed, mixed with his aggressiveness and his intelligence are a perfect mix for that position."

MATT FRITSCHE UP CLOSE

* Favorite cartoon: Bugs Bunny

* Favorite pro team: Dallas Cowboys

* Favorite teammates: Will Johnson and Dominique Robison

* Dream job: Middle linebacker