JOSIAH FREDRIKSEN

Steve Virgen

Life without football is peaceful, seemingly simple for Josiah

Fredriksen. He spends his days working as a carpenter, customizing

houses and boats. He is single. His athleticism is fulfilled in

surfing. He tries to get in the water at least once a week.

There was a time when football was a part of Fredriksen’s everyday

life. For two years at Newport Harbor High, Fredriksen was the

starting quarterback, the director of prolific offenses in 1995 and

1996. He made his dreams come true while causing nightmares for

opposing defenses.

“At that time, football was an important thing,” said Fredriksen,

24, who lives in Newport Beach. “I don’t really miss football now. I

just miss being with the group of guys. I don’t actually miss the

sport itself, but I do think about it once in a while. I go back and

watch Newport football now. I still think about it sometimes.”

Fredriksen guided the Sailors to the CIF Division V title game in

1996. During that season, he threw for 29 touchdowns to just six

interceptions. He compiled 2,142 yards on 157-of-260 passing. Aside

from the statistics, Fredriksen’s most memorable highlight came from

when the Sailors upset Servite, 23-16, in the Division V semifinal.

“We won the game in the last minute,” Fredriksen said. “I threw a

touchdown pass for the go-ahead score to Brad La Bass. It was

exciting. Coach [Jeff] Brinkley and I kind of put the play together

in the huddle.”

Fredriksen improvised on the winning play, leading to the

touchdown pass to La Bass. The Sailors lost in the CIF Division V

title game to Santa Margarita. Newport had just two losses that

season -- both to a Santa Margarita squad quarterbacked by future

Heisman Trophy winner Carson Palmer -- but Fredriksen remembers the

camaraderie the most.

“The group of guys and the fun we had together, that’s what sticks

out the most for me,” Fredriksen said. “I also learned commitment,

hard work and a good work ethic. I still try to keep in touch with a

few guys from the football team.”

During the fall of 1996, football was the center of Fredriksen’s

life.

“The whole week would be exciting,” Fredriksen said. “Friday

nights would be exciting. During the week, each practice, it just got

more and more exciting leading up to the game.”

After high school, Fredriksen went to Orange Coast College. He did

not play football, mostly because he developed tendinitis in his

right (throwing) elbow.

“Just in high school, football was big,” said Fredriksen, the

latest Daily Pilot Hall of Fame honoree. “I was just the high school

quarterback. It’s not a huge part of my life. I’m not a big pro

football fan. I watch more college football. It’s cool to watch and

see the players I used to play against or with.”

Last year, on occasion, Fredriksen watched USC, spearheaded by his

former prep quarterbacking rival, Palmer.