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.

A young man with light brown hair, glasses, and a short beard is smiling outdoors with a blurred green background. He is wearing a maroon sweater over a gray collared shirt.

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

Smiling woman wearing a green polo shirt with a football logo and headset with microphone, outdoors.

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

A young man with dark hair wearing a black Springfield football hoodie, sitting at a desk with a notebook, in front of a professional microphone and headphones, in a studio with a blue brick wall background.

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

A woman at a podium holding a microphone, speaking at an outdoor event with a crowd of women in pink in the background.

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

A man wearing a white shirt and black tie, using a headset with a microphone, working at a desk with a laptop, outside under a green canopy, with a chain-link fence and trees in the background.

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

A man wearing a green blazer and white shirt, using headphones with a microphone, standing at a DJ booth outdoors during daytime with a background of a white tent and people in yellow attire.

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

A smiling woman with blonde hair wearing a white top and gold necklace, standing in front of a football-themed sign with a football graphic and the words "Football Gate."

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.

Behind the scenes of a cooking competition show in a gymnasium, with cameras, crew members, and contestants preparing at a cooking station decorated with a 'Chef Ballers' sign.
A table with the Auburn University logo, a full field goal post, props with the message 'IT'S GONNA BE A's', a football, and chairs on a grassy area.
People attending an outdoor football themed event with a stage, where a band is performing. A large sign reading 'Football Fest Days' is displayed on the stage. The audience is seated at tables under umbrellas, enjoying food and drinks.
Nighttime college football game at Notre Dame Stadium, packed crowd in stands, players on the field, large scoreboard displaying Notre Dame logo.