Bedfordtimesregister.com - Bedford football looks for return to top form

RPC Photo / Michael K. Dakota Bedford quarterback Deonte Hodges throws the ball during a practice Aug. 18. The Bearcats open the season at Mayfield Aug. 22 at 7:30 p.m.

by Michael Leonard

Sports Editor

Year one of coach John Gibbons tenure with the Bedford football team was marked by a series of ups and downs.

The Bearcats looked like they might be headed for the playoffs at times last season, but a pair of losses to Admiral King and Warrensville Heights to end the season dashed those hopes. Bedford ended the season at 5-5, 2-2 in the Lake Erie League Erie Division.

"It was a disappointing ending, but it gave the kids a reason to work hard in the offseason," Gibbons said. "We need to work hard to go from being a good team to being one of the elite teams in the area. I think, for the most part, we've been pleased with the effort the kids have given so far."

Bedford lost four starters to graduation, but has six coming back on both sides of the ball as Gibbons has about 70 varsity players in camp.

Gibbons said his goals for the team remain the same.

"Our goals are always going to be to win the conference title, make the playoffs and advance in the playoffs," Gibbons said.

Assessing the Erie Division, Gibbons said Warrensville is likely to be in the mix for the title, but he noted there will be no easy division games. Shaw, Admiral King and Lorain Southview complete the Erie Division in football.

"There's a lot of speed in the division all across the board," Gibbons said. "It's very competitive."

Bedford's offense will alternate between the I-formation and shotgun this season.

Manning the controls of the offense will be senior quarterback Bruce Edwards. Edwards split time with Shon Byars at quarterback last year after moving to Bedford from Florida last summer. Gibbons said there will be no time-sharing at quarterback this season.

"He's definitely the leader of this team," Gibbons said. "He's become very vocal over the summer. He's got a 3.7 grade-point average and that [intelligence] translates well on the field."

Junior Deonte Hodges will server as backup quarterback.

At running back, Bedford will turn to senior Jerrell Hodge to carry the load. Although Hodge is not big, Gibbons said he brings quickness and a wrestler's toughness to the position. Senior Darnell Pettis also will see time in the backfield, while senior Dominque Hopkins will likely start at fullback.

Senior wide receiver Antion Addison was the engine of the Bearcats' offense last season -- so much so that Gibbons admits the Bearcats became too reliant on him. Addison's speed makes him a threat to score every time he touches the ball, but Gibbons said he expects there to be more balance in wide receiving corps. Sophomore LJ Chambers likely will get the other starting spot, while senior Terrell Hunter, sophomore Wayne Mathews and freshman Isaiah Mathews all will see time.

Bedford has another solid athlete in senior tight end Justin Willis, who may also play some time at fullback. Senior Evan Falkner also will see time at tight end.

Bedford should benefit from an offensive line that is experienced and huge. The starting corps included senior center Tasev Gardner (220), senior left guard Eric McBride (285), senior right guard Ivon Blackman (320) senior right tackle Dario Hillard (250) and junior left tackle Nick Ihasz (340).

"We do have the ability to run the ball with those guys up front," Gibbons said. "We want to get up in there behind them and go to work."

Meanwhile, the Bearcats' defense will operate from a 3-3-5 stack formation.

Gibbons plans to rotate his defensive linemen often to keep them fresh. Blackman will likely get the start at nose tackle, while Hillard, McBride, Falkner, Gardner, senior Micaiah Brown and juniors Desmond Johnson and Derek Robinson all are in the mix for playing time.

Gibbons admits it will be tough to replace linebacker Jared Kimber, but Willis will get the nod to start at middle linebacker, with Hopkins and senior Trent Richardson also seeing time. Isaiah Mathews, Pettis, senior Tyler Price and junior Misca Brown are in the mix at outside linebacker, though Gibbons notes Brown may also see time at strong safety.

The Bearcats' five-man secondary will be anchored by Wayne Mathews at free safety, while Hodge, Addison and Edwards all seeing time at cornerback.

Chambers and junior Sequayah Magby are likely to start at the two strong safety spots.

Bedford had a Jeckyll-and-Hyde time with its special teams last season, as the return game was solid, but the punting game had major issues. Hodge is likely to get the nod at punter this season, while junior kickers Matt Cart and Anthony Miller both are back. Junior Tim Bissler will serve as the Bearcats' long snapper.

Gibbons said he has a lot of confidence in both offensive coordinator Mark Lantos and defensive coordinator Pat Griffis. He also noted the return of longtime coach Everett Heard, who will coach defensive backs, to the program has had an uplifting effect.

Rounding out the coaching staff are quarterbacks coach Matt Moran, linemen coach Eric Keister and wide receivers/special teams coordinator Adam Hoon.

Bedford will open its season Aug. 22 at Mayfield at 7:30 p.m.

The Bearcats' home opener will be Aug. 29 at Bearcat Stadium at 7:30 p.m. against backyard rival Maple Heights.

E-mail: mleonard@recordpub.com

Phone: 330-688-0088 ext. 3113