Bethlehem Academy's Derrick Sando will be an important contributor in 2022. (File photo/southernminn.com)

Bethlehem Academy's Derrick Sando will be an important contributor in 2022. (File photo/southernminn.com)

Head coach: Jim Beckmann, fourth year as head coach, 12th year overall

Assistant coaches: Kyle McAvoy, third year; Jamie Kotek, sixth year; Scott Halvorson, sixth year; Ross Carlson third year; Al Twaites, third year, Chandler Ruehmann, second year

Charlie King, senior co-captain, a four-year starter at TE and 3-year starter on defense. Charlie is big fast and has great hands. Derrick Sando, junior co-captain, will move into a full-time role at running back this year after show casing his blazing speed on special teams and in a backup role last season. Elliot Viland, junior co-captain, will start his second season at QB, he has exceptional speed and a great arm, making him a dual threat.

Noah Ardolf, senior co-captain and Michael Crone, junior, return to provide stability and experience to both sides of the ball. Oliver Linnemann, junior, and Willie Potter, junior, and Bo Bokman, sophomore, are guys have that have been working hard in the off-season and are looking to make an impact this year.

The Cardinals finished the 2021 season 7-3 with a #19 Class A QRF ranking losing in the second round of the 1A section. This was the best season for a BA football team since the 2017-18 team went 7-4 and qualified for state.

The team looks to build on the success of the 2021 season and make it to the state tournament by improving each week. The goal is to complete the regular season undefeated.

Bethlehem Academy plays in section 1A which has power house teams such as Rushford-Peterson and Fillmore-Central who battled for the Section Championship last season. (Rushford-Peterson made it to the semifinals of the state playoffs in 2021). There will be no easy games for the Cardinals this year, as there are multiple teams that will challenge for the District and Section titles. Kenyon Wanamingo and Randolph both have great football programs and it is anticipated they will be in the hunt for a title as well.

With only six seniors on this year’s team, there is plenty of opportunity for juniors and underclassmen to step in and make get some playing time at the varsity level.

Reach sports reporter Stephen McDaniel at 507-444-2375. Follow him on Twitter  @OPP__Sports. ©Copyright 2022 APG Media of Southern Minnesota. All rights reserved.

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