Bedford is coming off a 2016 that saw them fall in the Division 2 Regional final to eventual state champion Detroit MLK. The Kicking Mules recorded the third most wins in school history as they finished with a 9-3 record. Coach Jeff Wood enters his 10th season and has a career record of 67-29.
Bedford graduated a ton of great athletes on both sides of the ball, but return a solid nucleus to compete in the SEC Red.
On offense, Bedford will be led by a host of players that include senior FB Sheamus McCaig, senior RB Tyler Werner, senior end Evan Roach and senior tackle Bryce Krimmel. Sophomore QB Jake Ehlert is a player with a very bright future, but may have to wait his turn to lead the offense. The Mules will be hard pressed to match last season 32 ppg output, but the triple option should be tough to defend.
On defense, Bedford is led by 3 outstanding players in senior MLB Jordan Cooker, senior safety Maison Hullibarger and senior DT Shane Yoder. Look for senior LB Zack Cox to contribute as well as senior DT Austin Emerson. Emerson was runner up in the Division 1 State Wrestling Championships at 285 lbs.
Bedford has an extremely tough schedule this season and the first three weeks should let the Mules know where they stand. Bedford hosts Toledo St. John’s, a team that is loaded with D1 talent, in week 1, then travels to the Glass Bowl in Toledo to take on Toledo St. Francis before hosting Saline in week 3. If Bedford survives the first three weeks, it should be a solid season.
Chris’s Picks: SEC Red 3-2, Overall 5-4
Gary’s Pick: SEC Red 4-1, Overall 6-3
Toledo St. John's is a giant question mark in my eyes, I seen them scrimmage with southview and Anthony Wayne and were not impressive either time, however they do have plenty of D1 talent so who knows.