BETHEL WILDCATS
Coach: JOEY GINN
7-4
Bethel heads into 2026 chasing a third straight playoff appearance after a 7-4 season and a decade of continuity under head coach Joey Ginn. Ginn said he is “really excited” about this group, which returns veteran quarterback play, six linemen with starting experience and multiple proven skill players on both sides of the ball. The Wildcats view this season as an opportunity to make school history by extending their postseason streak while leaning on a hard-working, coachable roster.
Offensively, Bethel brings back eight starters and will once again build around senior quarterback Maddox Davis (5-11, 165), a three-year starter and VYPE Top 100 nominee. Davis has completed 241 of 457 passes for 3,992 yards and 48 touchdowns in his career and added 862 rushing yards and seven scores on 94 carries, giving the Wildcats a seasoned dual-threat leader. The offensive line is a major strength, with juniors David Jenkins (6-0, 250) and Kacyn Belair (6-2, 250) returning as starting guards and senior center Petey Weinacht (5-9, 240) back after starting in 2025. Senior tight end Chase O’Dell (6-0, 185) is a physical blocker whose catches “have always come at huge times,” and sophomore running back Dallas Fixico (5-11, 175) returns after contributing in a three-back rotation last fall. The Wildcats operate a multiple-formation offense, using different looks to exploit what defenses give them and balancing run and pass, with the line expected to carry the load early while young receivers adjust to varsity speed.
Defensively, Bethel returns seven starters and will base out of a 4-3 designed to maximize depth along the defensive line. Jenkins is back as a starter up front after earning significant time since his freshman year, while senior nose guard Jasper Hays (6-0, 275) is described as a “plugger” who is tough to move and consistently draws double teams. Linebackers Fixico (53 tackles, seven tackles for loss in just five-and-a-half games) and senior Matthew Hartmann (6-0, 175) anchor the second level, with Hartmann highlighted as one of the team’s smartest players. In the secondary, sophomore safety Ridge Cator (6-1, 165), who made 58 tackles as a freshman, and senior corner Garrison Reid (5-9, 150) return as physical, coachable defenders who improved steadily last season. Ginn believes the combination of Davis’ experience, a deep line and an emerging young core gives this team a real chance to extend its historic playoff run.
8-28 – vs. Little Axe
9-4 – vs. Luther
9-11 – at Meeker
9-25 – at Chisholm
10-2 – vs. Kiefer
10-9 – at Blackwell
10-15 – vs. Crooked Oak
10-23 – at Cascia Hall
10-30 – vs. Dewey
11-5 – at Perry
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