JOEY GINN

8-3

OFFENSE

The Bethel Wildcats return six offensive starters to their spread run-option pass attack. Expectations are high in 2022 after last season when the Wildcats finished the year with a school record 8-3 season and 5-2 tally in division play. The Wildcats are led by offensive linemen CJ Compton (6-5, 295, Sr.) Alex Tollett (6-4, 245, Sr.), and Benjamin Martin (6-2, 270, Jr.). Compton has started on the offensive line since his freshman year and has played tackle, guard, and center. Compton has been receiving interest from colleges and hopes that a solid senior season will allow him to lock down an offer. Quarterback Bryce Tapley (6-0, 150, So.) threw for 2,284 yards and 25 touchdowns as a freshman. Tapley started all 11 games in 2021 as a freshman and grew up as he adapted to the high school level. “We gave him more of a role in our run game as the year progressed,” Ginn said. “He is the fastest player on our team and very strong.” Tapley is a phenomenal athlete who also pitches for the Wildcat’s baseball team and is expected to have a memorable career in Bethel. Running back Bray Lower (5-9, 160, Jr.) had 373 yards and four touchdowns last year as a backup and will have a bigger role this season as a junior. He’ll be joined by John Allred (6-0, 190, Sr.), a two-way player, who carried the ball for 379 yards and five scores in limited appearances in the backfield.

DEFENSE

The Wildcats run a multiple 4-3 defense and rely on their team to play together and force their opponents to make mistakes.  They return four starters, led by 2021 leading tackler Allred, who had 160 tackles in 2021. “Allred started at safety as a sophomore in 2020 and had over 100 tackles, then as a junior we moved him to our SAM linebacker position where he was a tremendous playmaker,” Ginn said. “It seemed at times he was in on every tackle over the course of a game.” Fellow linebacker Austin Melson (5-11, 200, So.) is another player to keep an eye on. As a freshman he racked up 112 tackles and will only gain valuable experience as he continues to get bigger, faster, and stronger. Reagan Curry (6-0, 155, Jr.) also returns. “[He] was the quarterback of our secondary and finished the season with 14 tackles and two interceptions in just six games,” Ginn said. Gabriel Palomares (5-9, 150, Jr.) had 22 tackles, five passes broken up, and one interception from his defensive back role.

9-2 – vs. Classen SAS

9-9 – at McLoud

9-16 – vs. Little Axe

9-23 – at Meeker

9-30 – at Kellyville

10-7 – vs. Chandler

10-13 – vs. Star Spencer

10-21 – at Crossings Christian

10-28 – vs. Luther

11-4 – at Jones