TEMPERANCE, Mich. — Bedford overview:
2023 Record: 4-5 (Missed Playoffs)
Head Coach: John Phillips (5th year)
2024 Schedule:
WEEK 1 8/30 vs. Canton
WEEK 2 9/6 @ Skyline*
WEEK 3 9/13 vs. Dexter*
WEEK 4 9/20 vs. Pioneer*
WEEK 5 9/27 @ Lincoln*
WEEK 6 10/4 @ Saline*
WEEK 7 10/10 @ Huron*
WEEK 8 10/18 vs. Monroe*
WEEK 9 10/25 @ St. Francis (OH)
*Denotes Southeastern Conference Red Division game
The Kicking Mules are tasked with having to rebound from a losing season for the first time since 2015. That also marks the last occurrence in which Bedford failed to make the playoffs.
"Last year, we didn't have a good season but we learned from our mistakes," senior Drew Logsdon said. "We know what we're doing now and it's just about giving our best effort to the best of our abilities."
A big reason for the drop in success had to do with inexperience and replacing 22 seniors. Following a campaign that did result in four wins, the program now possesses confidence in what they return.
"Some of the youth that we had last year will be gone," head coach John Phillips said. "Kids had to mature after being put in following injuries and things like that. So I'm looking forward to growth."
He's been a part of the Bedford football program for 28 years overall.
The knowledge and camaraderie gained during last year's growing pains now aim to bold well for this group in 2024. Bedford will prepare to set that tone on Friday, Aug. 30 when they host its season opener against Canton, a team they lost to 35-17 in week one last season.
"I'm just excited to see us perform better than we did last year," senior Lucas Gerber said. "We had a lot of young kids, they didn't know what to expect and I know they were nervous going out there for the first time. Now, this year it's going to be just another day for them hopefully out there."