Monroe Jefferson Bears 2022 Team Preview

In year one of the Tipton era, head coach Eric Tipton takes over a Bear squad, coming off a 3-6 campaign in 2021. Assistant coaches include: Jason Tipton, Michael Thibault, Cole Jennings, Greg Tackett, Jason Brooks, Derek Freidline.

Returning Letter Winners: 13

Returning starters: Nathan Masserant OL/LB, Kam Woiderski OL/LB, Seth Minney WR/LB, Malachi Pribyl WR/LB, Caden Pridemore RB/LB, Myles Tackett DB, Gabe Hall DL, Andrew Labeau TE.

Martre Pearson WR/LB is expected to be a big time contributor on both sides of the ball.

Coach Tipton called out Minney, Pribyl, Pridemore, Pearson, and Tackett as being dangerous weapons and the heart and soul his team. Their leadership will be leaned upon throughout the season.

Coaches thought on the League: “Riverview, SMCC, and Milan are the usual suspects of teams to look out for. But the league is a grinder, no easy weeks.”

FNV Outlook: It’s hard to know what to expect in year one of a new regime. However, Tipton has been in the trenches with the Royal Blue and Gold for sometime now. That being said, I expect the Bears to stay on the upward trajectory started last year. Jefferson crossed the 20 ppg plateau in 2020, something they have done only one other time since 2010. Look for a strong LB core to lead a defense which returns 7 starters. I look for Jefferson to flirt with the playoffs this year. 4 wins gives them an outside chance. Week one vs Onsted is huge. Bears must come out ready to go.