THE TEAM.
Friday Football Tailgate is the brainchild of three tech-savvy and creative producers, along with three passionate hosts who love the game. Together, they’re excited to bring the world of high school football something meaningful: a celebration of hometown roots combined with purposeful analysis and engaging content.
RYAN CHEEVERS
PRODUCER
Ryan Cheevers, a former college athlete with a dynamic career in film production, is the co-owner of Paper Crane Productions in Los Angeles and the owner of Little Red Fern, a thriving video production house in Southwest Michigan. His Los Angeles journey saw him collaborate with industry giants like Warner Bros. Studios, contributing to hits such as Milk, The Wolf of Wall Street, and Dumb and Dumber To. Known for his storytelling prowess and sports enthusiasm, Ryan brings creativity and energy to every project.
Favorite Football Team: Chicago Bears
KATE GASSMAN
DIRECTOR
Kate Gassman, an event producer at TPC Technologies, is a lifelong football fanatic, cheering at local high school games and passionately following college ball and the NFL. Her remarkable career includes collaborations with national networks, world leaders, astronauts, Emmy nominees, and professional athletes. Now, as the director of Friday Football Tailgate, Kate blends her love for football with her production expertise, promising to deliver an electrifying show this fall. She brings a wealth of experience to every project.
Favorite Football Team: Notre Dame Fighting Irish
TONY DEFRANCESCO
ASSOCIATE PRODUCER
Tony DeFrancesco is a film and television producer, former college wide receiver at Springfield College in Massachusetts, and co-owner of Paper Crane Productions. Passionate about storytelling and producing, Tony also co-hosts the podcast “So how’d you get here?” With two decades in Los Angeles, he has built a rolodex featuring some of the industry’s most well-known entertainers. His experience spans both behind and in front of the camera, showcasing his diverse talents.
Favorite Football Team: New York Giants
LUKE RING
VIDEOGRAPHER
Luke Ring has quickly risen in the film industry as a dynamic and highly talented writer, director, and cinematographer, renowned for his bold, creative vision and artistic flair. As the visionary force behind Sukavision, a thriving and fast-growing film company based in Southwest Michigan, he has crafted award-winning films that captivate audiences with their innovative storytelling and stunning visuals. Luke’s relentless energy, unshakable positivity, and deep passion for the art of filmmaking truly set him apart in the industry.
KACY STANDOHAR
SHOW HOST
Kacy Standohar is a vibrant sports broadcaster and sideline reporter based in Chicago, IL. She's graced the screens of FS1, ESPN+, Marquee Sports Network, and WCIU. From covering BIG EAST college sports to Northwestern and UIC athletics, she’s been everywhere! Kacy has also tackled IHSA football and basketball and even teed off with the PGA of America. Her passion for sports shines through every broadcast, making her a standout in the industry.
Favorite Football Team: Eastern Washington Eagles
BRENT LESNIAK
LEAD PREGAME ANALYST
Brent "BMAN, Bullet, White Lightning" Lesniak was a standout Varsity football player for Dowagiac in 1996-1997. He rushed for 4,539 yards and 70 touchdowns, setting school records. Named one of Michigan's top 50 high school players by MaxPreps, he was also an 11-time All-State track star and a 6-time State Champion. Lesniak won a National Championship at Grand Valley State and became an All-Pro in the Arena League. He now serves as a Program Director for Rite of Passage.
Favorite Football Team: LSU Tigers
KEN DIETZ
PREGAME ANALYST
Ken Dietz, a high school sports enthusiast with 38 years of experience as an Athletic Director, teacher, and coach, is thrilled to join the High School Football Pre Game Show this fall. He coached in Dowagiac, South Haven, and Hartford, and served as Watervliet’s Athletic Director for 18 years. Ken founded a successful basketball camp celebrating its 30th year. A Stephenson High alum, Ken played college ball at Olivet and earned a Master’s from Western Michigan.
Favorite Football Team: Notre Dame Fighting Irish
carly edinger
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT DIRECTOR
Carly Edinger is the teams Community Engagement Director, where she excels at fostering relationships between local businesses and the Friday Football Tailgate producers. With a background as a Licensed Social Worker, Carly brings her expertise in building strong community connections to engage local businesses as sponsors and partners for the Friday Football Tailgate events. Known for her extroverted and community-driven approach, Carly is dedicated to creating partnerships with local businesses and bringing communities together.
Favorite Football Team: Detroit Lions
EXPERIENCE.
The production team behind Friday Football Tailgate brings a wealth of experience and passion to create an electrifying show. Each member has a deep understanding of sports production, ensuring seamless and engaging content. Drawing from years of experience in live events. television, video production, and marketing, our team knows how to capture the energy of high school football rivalries, delivering a thrilling and memorable experience for viewers. Their commitment to excellence and love for the game will shine through in every episode, making Friday Football Tailgate a must-watch for fans and a testament to the team's expertise in sports entertainment production.
