Bethel Christian holds first football practice of season
Bethel Christian started preparing for the 2019 season Monday and is hoping to win its second state championship since revising the program in 2016. Photo by Laieke Abebe / Neuse News
By Junious Smith III
Bethel Christian Academy has unfinished business in 2019.
The Trojans have experienced everything since restoring the football program three seasons ago, winning a state championship in its inaugural year of 2016, falling to 1-8 in 2017 and bouncing back in 2018. BCA finished 4-4 and went up 20-0 in the NCISAA semifinals before falling to the eventual champions, Northeast Academy, 30-26 on the road.
BCA coach Brick Crowder said the team had just one senior last year — albeit an important player in Cody Dunk — and there’s plenty of anticipation for this season.
“I’m proud of the guys and effort showed last year,” Crowder said. “We’re returning a lot from last year’s football team, so (we’re) really excited about getting the 2019 campaign started.”
Connor Williams, who is slated to play quarterback and linebacker this year, did well on both sides of the ball in 2018. Williams threw for 11 touchdowns with only two interceptions, rushed for 247 yards and three touchdowns offensively, while defensively he led the team in tackles (45), interceptions (three), forced fumbles (two) and had all three of the team’s defensive touchdowns.
“I think we’ll have a great year,” Williams said. “Everyone’s gotten a year older, we’ve gotten better working with each other and we all want a ring.”
Rodney Warren finished second on the team in tackles with 44, but also found his niche in the running game late last year, going for 125 yards in the NCISAA semifinals.
“This year should be big because we’ve got just about everyone coming back on defense,” Warren said. “We should have a better grasp of the game, and we’ll be trying to get the ball back to our offense.”
Defensive back Tyler Eubanks was third on the team in tackles last year with 42 and led the Trojans in fumble recoveries with six. Eubanks looks to factor a little more offensively as a running back and said the summer has been beneficial for everyone.
“We’ve gotten faster and stronger this summer, and a lot of the guys have been out here three times a week,” Eubanks said. “We’re trying to do our part to make it happen.”
As Bethel Christian prepares for 2019, Crowder said the team is ready to flourish.
“Expectations at Bethel are high this year,” Crowder said. “This particular team has a lot of experience on it — these guys have been in some battles here with our football program. They’ve been to the mountaintop and been to the valley, and last year they almost squeaked into the state championship game. I think they’re ready to get after it this year.”
