By: Evi Fromm

On Friday, November 3, the Bellbrook Eagles football team traveled to Fairfield High School Stadium in Fairfield to face the Stephen T. Badin Fighting Rams. Both teams advanced to play each other in the second round of the Ohio High School Athletic Association (OHSAA) tournament.

The game started off in high spirits with the cheerleaders and fans cheering loudly as the team ran onto the field.

The Rams won the coin toss and deferred to the second half. The Eagles struggled to get the job done in the first half of the game, but the atmosphere radiating from the stands did not waver. The half ended with the Eagles down 21-0.

After halftime, the Eagles came back out onto the field ready to fight. With 29 seconds left in the third quarter, senior quarterback Luke Benetis threw a touchdown pass to senior Johnny Deszcz putting the Eagles back in the game entering the fourth quarter. The Eagles were still down 24-6.

As the fourth quarter continued, the Eagles held the Rams and there were no points scored on either side. The game ended with the Rams up 24 to the Eagles’ 6.

Bellbrook only allowed 3 points in the second half, outscoring the Rams by 3 points, but it was still not enough.

The league champions ended their season with eight wins and four losses. Head coach Jeff Jenkins was named Coach of the Year, and senior player Jacob Umina was named Defensive Player of the Year.

Many Bellbrook players were acknowledged by the league. Seniors Mohammad Al-Halawat, Luke Benetis, Johnny Deszcz, Alex Florea, Charlie Olds, Jacob Umina and juniors Gavin McConnell, Preston Pettit, Jude Omiatek, and Tanner Stewart were all named First Team All-League.

Sophomore Vincent Epifano, senior Ethan Sickels, and junior Makai Smith were all named Second Team All-League. Bellbrook junior player Taylor Turner and Preston Valentie were both All-League Honorable Mentions.