BETHEL WILDCATS

Coach: JOEY GINN

4-6

OFFENSE

The Wildcats enter this season loaded with experience and excitement. Sixth-year head coach, Joey Ginn says that his squad has a tough schedule ahead of them, but he knows that it will prepare them for what they hope is a playoff run. “Our district is arguably the toughest district in Class 2A,” he said. “We look forward to the challenge, if you’re a playoff team out of our district, you’ve been battle tested.” Last season, Cale Duncan (6-2, 215, Jr.) finished the season at quarterback for Bethel and Ginn expects him to pick up where he left off leading the team. Bryce Tapley (6-1, 160, Jr.) started the last two seasons at quarterback and will now move to more of an ‘athlete’ type of role, where the team can take advantage of his phenomenal athleticism. They will work to get him the ball in a variety of ways in order to keep the defense honest. The running back duo of Brady Lower (5-10, 165, Sr.) and Luke Quinter (6-2, 195, So.) will both look to be key players out of the backfield. Last season, they combined for 110 carries for 617 yards and six touchdowns. A target on the outside that Tapley will look for is Reagan Curry (6-1, 160, Sr.), who had 33 catches for 468 yards and three scores.

DEFENSE

Ginn’s squad is bringing back a lot of experience on the defensive side of the ball and that will be a major asset for the team this season. Austin Melson (6-0, 205, Jr.) and Quinter are returning at linebacker. Melson had 106 tackles last season and over one hundred the year before at middle linebacker. Quinter started as a freshman in 2022 as a weakside linebacker and registered 84 tackles in nine games. Hunter Luschen (5-10, 165, Sr.) will also be contributing as a linebacker. Patrolling things in the secondary will be Gabe Palomares (5-8, 165, Sr.) and Curry. Both has solid seasons a year ago and should play bigger roles this season. Taking care of things on the defensive line will be Alex Barnett, Dally Trussell, and Ben Martin.

SCHEDULE

9-1 – at Classen SAS

9-8 – vs. McLoud

9-14 – at Little Axe

9-22 – vs. Meeker

9-29 – vs. Kellyville

10-6 – at Chandler

10-13 – at Star Spencer

10-20 – vs. Crossings Christian

10-27 – at Luther

11-3 – vs. Jones