2022 Record-8-3
Head Coach- Keith Graham
A Few Changes- Bethlehem has been on quite a roll the past few seasons under head coach Bryan Walker, who after the rough first season (4-8 in 2018) went 33-12 the past four seasons and built an explosive offense. The new head guy is Keith Graham, who says the staff pretty much remains the same other than adding Anthony Boggs as well. The Eagles will return several skill players and Graham will have to add a few as well.
Offense- The Eagles scored 30-points or more eight times last season and could be very potent again. Graham believes the offense (434-points) will be the same as the schemes, but he will have to replace Cooper Stone, who threw for over 2,500-yards and 27-TDs. Nicholas Osborne will be the likely candidate, with Jack Bradley behind him. With Hayden Osborne and Justin Popovich gone (the Eagles had three guys along with Will Ray with 36-catches each), the Eagles will have big shoes along with replacing Zane Wickliffe (1,308-yds rushing and 20-TDS). Marty Smith and Jacob Thornsberry could be the new backfield. Caleb Mattingly and Kyler Duvalle along with Isiah Ballard could step in. Also, Emmanuel Cheek, Haydon Clark, Garrett Lanham and Cal Yates could become playmakers as well. The OLine will see some changes, returning starters Teegan McCauley, Zach Winkenhofer and Seth Heady will be back. However, Evan Schoenagel and Jackson Leonard could step in.
Defense- The defense did allow 241-points last season and Graham will have several spots to fill and create depth. With Parker Greer and Justin Popovich gone, Seth Heady and Jackson Leonard will step in on the Defensive Line. Christian Furman is gone at DT, so freshman Matthew Stephens will get his chance to a line which totaled 27-QB sacks. The Linebackers will feature Garrett Lanham, Jacob Thornsberry as Inside LB’s while Marty Smith and Caleb Mattingly will be Outside Linebackers. The secondary should have Martavious Smith, Will Ray and Logan McMillan which came up with 15-interceptions.
Summation- Walker proved that after Ron Koontz, a winning program is still possible and Graham will most likely follow the same direction. With plenty of developing talent, Bethlehem should be on the right track again in 2023.
2023 Schedule- although the schedule isn’t quite complete yet, it appears the Eagles will start off against Adair County (3-7) August 26th, then a road trip to Carroll County (7-5) before coming home to face Lloyd Memorial (10-4) and then Washington County (3-8) before traveling to Campbellsville (7-4) and then KCD (9-3). A home game against Holy Cross (10-4) then at Sayre (5-6). So far, the Eagles have five teams with winning records.
