As they prepare for their final season in Class 1A, the Bethlehem Eagles have their sights set on the ultimate prize.
And what better way to depart one classification for another if they can reach that level during their final season competing in the smallest class.
Because the school’s enrollment has grown by leaps and bounds within the past five years, Bethlehem’s football program is on the move as the Eagles will bump up to 2A following the 2026 season.
Third-year head coach Tim Mattingly would like to see his team make some loud noise before the switch happens.
“We want to be in the hunt for a district championship and make a deep run in the playoffs,” Mattingly said. “We have to continue to make steady improvement. We will have to improve defensively, especially with our tackling.”
Having 10 starters back on offense and nine on defense will go a long way in helping Bethlehem chase its goals.
Returning offensive starters are senior quarterback Jack Bradley, senior running back Jalen Del Valle, senior tight end Thomas Mudd, senior slot receiver Evan Arms, senior wide receiver Cam Drake, senior linemen Grand Robinson and Nolan Clark, junior linemen Ryan Ice and Oliver Filiatreau and sophomore wide receiver Michael Crigler.
Returning defensive starters are Robinson and Clark at defensive end, Ice at defensive tackle, Mudd, Del Valle and Bradley at linebacker, and Arms, Drake and junior Austin Kuntz at defensive back.
That gives Mattingly and his coaching staff more than enough to build around this season, but the Eagles also have several new faces that provide them some depth all over the field.
Newcomers include senior wide receiver/defensive back Nate Hedgespeth, senior two-way lineman Thomas Strange, junior wide receiver/linebacker Brady Matherly, junior tight end/linebacker Noah Lanz and junior tight end/defensive end Dax Humes.
“These players bring some much needed depth on both sides of the ball,” Mattingly said. “All these players have good size and athletic ability, which will help give our starters some breaks throughout the season.”
Put it all together, and Mattingly feels this could be one of Bethlehem’s best seasons.
The Eagles would love nothing more than to make a deep postseason run before making the jump to take on bigger teams next season, and that would be a good way to start their new venture in a new class.
“I want to take this season one game at a time and just let these guys play together and enjoy the ride,” Mattingly said. “We are really excited and optimistic for a great season.”
After a solid summer and preseason, Mattingly and his squad are ready for what comes next.
The Eagles want to use this season as a springboard into 2027 and beyond, building on the already solid foundation the program has had for years.
“Practice has gone well so far,” Mattingly said. “Our players have worked hard. We have a strong team chemistry, and good senior leadership. I feel we are on schedule for where we need to be at this point. Every preseason is crucial to a team’s success. We still have work to do but I feel like we will get there.”