Football team caps early 2023 work with spring game
Returners put on a strong performance as newcomers taste their first action at Thresher Stadium.
On Saturday, the Bethel football team completed its spring season with the annual spring game. Also on Saturday, the new Thresher Stadium locker room was unveiled and recruits and fans alike were given tours of the newest facility in North Newton.
The spring game consisted of the Thresher offense and defense squaring off for two 15-minute halves with a ten-minute halftime in between. The defenses started with a 21-0 lead and could score three points off of any turnover, including on downs. The offense scored at a normal rate, just by touchdowns and extra points.
The team also practiced all phases of its special teams during the spring showcase scrimmage. When the final horn sounded, the defense had done enough to hold on for the victory.
Some key returners that played throughout the game were linebacker Kade Miller, running back Kayden Christiansen, wide receiver Mario Quintero, quarterback DJ Ciers, defensive back Grant Godsey, and defensive back Brenden Sanders — who was named an All-American in 2022.
“Losing crucial players is part of the game, it happens to programs all around the country every year,” head coach A.B. Stokes said. “We have confidence in our guys and we know that they've been waiting on an opportunity to show what they can do. I'm excited to see them grow.”
Some key faces that didn’t play much last fall that shined in the spring game were backup quarterback Jayden Briscoe, cornerback Josh Ciers, and wide receiver Shane Jones.
“I'm looking forward to having a great summer season with our guys who stick around,” Stokes said. “I look forward to spending time with recruits in our camps as well. I thought as a whole we played well the whole spring game. I thought the outside receivers played well especially with them being an all-new group.”
Stokes joined this week’s episode of the TBC Podcast to discuss more about his team’s spring progression and expectations for the fast-approaching fall campaign.