Bedford Kicking Mules 2020 Preview

By Frank Vajcner

It’s a new era in Temperance, Michigan, as John Phillips takes over as head football coach of the Bedford Kicking Mules. Phillips previously was an assistant at Bedford, and spent last season as the offensive line coach at Ida. 21 letter winners return for the Mules.

Head Coach: John Phillips (first season)

Assistants: Jay Lake, Chris Wilhelm, Geoff Skibinski, Corey Scheuer, James O’Brien, DJ Lutz,

Robert Peace, Dylan Szegedi, Matthew Phillips, Randy Krupp, Rick Schoch, Randy Boisselle, Robbie Peace

Strength & Conditioning: Doug Allard, Nick Amos, Holden Tincher, Jake Curtis

Offense: What’s new is old for the Mules, as they return to the triple option attack, which they were successful with for the majority of the previous decade. Phillips has two senior QBs to choose from in Luke Carver and Brady Henderson, the latter of which started last year. Senior FB Logan Hullibarger returns to the offensive backfield, and will likely be joined by juniors Gabe Johnson, Tyler Conrad, and Randy Boiselle. All of whom will have big shoes to fill after the graduation of record-setting RB Christian Brown.

At SE, senior Kyle Scoble and junior Chase Cingle are the names to watch. The Mules will have a solid pair of senior TEs in TJ DeStatte and Connor Ullery. Senior Joel Rand will be a name to watch on the offensive line.

Defense: While Phillips mentioned that there is experience at every position, he highlighted the following players: Rand, DeStatte, and Ullery on the defensive line; Hullibarger, Johnson, and Boiselle at linebacker; along with Carver, Conrad, and Scoble at defensive back.

Special teams should also be a strength for the Mules with junior Degan Garcia coming off of a strong season at kicker. Garcia was named FNV All-Blog at kicker in 2019.

Coach’s Outlook: Even with the limitations, our players have shown up and worked hard this summer. They have rolled with every change without issue. This is one of the fastest and most focused groups we have coached. Our coaching staff is excited to see them play. No matter what happens, we cannot thank the school district, the community, and the parents enough for all of their support as we go through the season.

FNV Outlook: The final three games for the Mules (@ Saline, Monroe, Woodhaven) will ultimately show what they are made of. If Phillips and company can at least win two of the three, they could be a team that goes on a run into November.