Don’t let it be said the Bethel Bees football team can’t overcome obstacles when preparing for the start of another season.

Despite the fact that the ongoing construction that set the start of school back hampered many of the athletic activities and practices, the Bees are ready to open the season on Friday, as they host Northridge for a 7:30 kickoff. The Polar Bears knocked off the Bees by one point last year in the opener.

“The summer went really well despite all of the construction around here,” Bethel coach Scott Clodfelter said. “We went against some bigger teams at 7-on-7s and the kids figured out they could compete with them.”

“The weight room was about 80-85% attendance and I would like to see that higher, but we were challenged with the construction and had to workout in the evening, which is when a lot of kids had to work.”

Bethel’s numbers are up slightly this year, as 29 kids are on the roster, up from 25 last year. Clodfelter knows that many of the freshman he had to start two years ago are now juniors and expected to compete.

“Even after two kids left, we still increased,” he said. “The kids are noticibly older and you can see the maturity level up. The kids are growing up and with so many juniors and seniors now, it is good to have some upperclassmen to lead the way.”

“We want to improve every week and get better every practice. We want to compete and put in a position every game to compete. We need to execute and not turn the ball over and we have a saying ‘no penalties + no turnovers = wins’. We need to do those things right.”

Leading the way for the Bees on offense is the group that makes up the line which are all sophomore and juniors this year.

At right tackle will be junior Kellen Calhoun and next to him at right guard is junior Hunter Shelley.

Junior Zach McCarroll in position to be the center, while freshman Dylan Kelly also fighting for position. Both will play on Friday nights according to Clodfelter.

The frontrunner for the left tackle spot is junior Tyler Shoopman, while at left tackle is senior Tyler Massengale. Also vying for offensive line spots is senior Chase Dakin.

“I like this group we have, they are good kids and much stronger,” Clodfelter said.

The quarterback will be junior Jacob Evans, a 3-year starter. The players vying for the fullback spots are sophomore Jared Evans, freshman Evan Rogers and when he returns from injury, expect Noah Burrows to compete. The wing backs are senior Tyler Terry, senior Ian Anderson and senior Nate Rimkus. Senior Alex Allen also will be competing for a wide receiver spot.

“We could be pretty explosive,” Clodfelter said, adding that Bethel gained over 300 yards rushing per game last year. “It’s a matter of playing fast and the kids should do well.”

Many names will be the same on the defensive side of the ball. The line will consist of Massengale, Dakin, Anderson and junior Luke First, while at the inside linebacker spots, watch for Kelley, along with senior Matt Poffenberger. Leaders for the outside spots include senior Cameron Brown and Calhoun.

In the secondary, Bethel brings Rimkus, Terry, Evans all competing for safety spots, while Allen and Jarred Evans will battle for the corner positions.

All of the Bees special teams players return this season, including Terry as the punter/kickoff and Erica Turner will handle the extra points and field goals.

Clodfelter knows the Cross County Conference will be a challenge, and expects his team to compete with the three favorites at the top of the league; Miami East, Covington and Tri County North.

Bethel football schedule: 8/26 Northridge, 9/2 vs Mississinawa Valley, 9/9 vs Dayton Christian, 9/16 @ Covington, 9/23 vs Tri County North, 9/30 @ Miami East, 10/7 vs Twin Valley South, 10/14 @ National Trail, 10/21 vs Ansonia, 10/28 @ Arcanum.