2022 Team Previews: Bennington

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Team Overview:</span></strong> Bennington celebrated a season for the ages in 2021 with a dominant season from wire-to-wire, capping it off with the Class B state championship. Now that the confetti has settled it is time to look at the incoming season which will require a lot of new faces at several positions. Replacing a 3,000-yard, 40+ touchdown runningback, a 1,000-yard receiver, and all five starters at offensive line will be a tough task, but the Bennington machine slooks to continue churning. They will return starting QB, [player_tooltip player_id='217057' first='Trey' last='Bird'] who will have some impressive weapons at his disposal. [player_tooltip player_id='239876' first='Isaac' last='Conner'] and [player_tooltip player_id='239882' first='Owen' last='Douglas'] are two very good two-way players that will likely step up at receiver. RB [player_tooltip player_id='227551' first='Nick' last='Colvert'] will be a terror as an all-purpose back. Defensively, the Badgers return some good pieces at all levels. [player_tooltip player_id='330902' first='Ethan' last='Nguyen'] and [player_tooltip player_id='330916' first='Weston' last='Heinemann'] should step up in the trenches after promising junior campaigns. [player_tooltip player_id='330901' first='Alex' last='Foltz'] and [player_tooltip player_id='239878' first='Jaxson' last='Andrews'] are returning linebackers with experience from last year's squad, along with junior DB [player_tooltip player_id='245883' first='Gunnar' last='Lym'] who had a standout season. [player_tooltip player_id='398261' first='Lennox' last='Hughes'] and [player_tooltip player_id='226967' first='Vaughn' last='Anderson'] will provide the Badger's two great specialists. The Badgers will have some growing pains, but expecting them to not be in the thick of the action in November would be foolish. This is a team with a high ceiling if the pieces come together.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Head Coach:</span></strong> Kam Lenhart</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">2021 Record:</span></strong> 13-0 (Class B State Champions)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">2022 Team Schedule:</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Week 1 - Skutt Catholic</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Week 2 - @ Plattsmouth</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Week 3 - York</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Week 4 - @ Pius X</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Week 5 - Elkhorn</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Week 6 - @ Blair</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Week 7 - Omaha Westview</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Week 8 - @ Elkhorn North</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Week 9 - @ Mount Michael Benedictine</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Players to Watch:</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='217057' first='Trey' last='Bird'] (2023) | QB | 6'1" 175 lbs</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/14908081/Trey-Bird" target="_blank">Hudl</a> | <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://twitter.com/TreyBird9" target="_blank">Twitter</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It's not very often that a QB that has a season like Trey did last year, ends up as one of the "unheralded" players of the team. Yet, with all the talent around him, Trey's specatular season went somewhat under the radar despite having 2,181 passing yards (63% completion), 24 touchdowns to 3 ints, 331 rushing yards, and 5 rushing touchdowns. This year, Trey and the passing attack could be the bread and butter of a revamped offense. Even with all the new pieces, expect Trey to remain calm and unfazed as he showed time and time again last year. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"id":"block_62fb047c3953a","name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/14908081/61dfa9e25b3cfe043c70351b' width='640′ height='360′ frameborder='0′ allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003ernrn","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"align":"","mode":"preview"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='227551' first='Nick' last='Colvert'] (2023) | RB | 5'8" 150 lb</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/13651538/Nick-Colvert" target="_blank">Hudl</a> | <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://twitter.com/colvertnick" target="_blank">Twitter</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Colvert was another unheralded player from last year's championship squad. RB [player_tooltip player_id='227551' first='Nick' last='Colvert'] is a versatile player who is the returning leader in both rushing and receiving yards. Nick rushed for 404 yards on a 7.7 average per carry to go with 6 rushing touchdowns, he also had 20 receptions for 364 receiving yards and a touchdown. This could be Nick's breakout season as he will now be toting the majority of the carries while also being a threat in the passing game. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"id":"block_62fb04953953b","name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/13651538/61ad69d4dfd8d903e02678bb' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"align":"","mode":"preview"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='245883' first='Gunnar' last='Lym'] (2024) | DB | 6'0" 160 lbs</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/17241544/Gunnar-Lym" target="_blank">Hudl</a> | <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://twitter.com/gunnarlym2" target="_blank">Twitter</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Junior safety [player_tooltip player_id='245883' first='Gunnar' last='Lym'] had himself a sneaky good season last year. Lym was able to carve out 60 tackles and 3 interceptions and really helped round out a very talented secondary. Gunnar will now be a veteran in the secondary with great varsity experience. He brings with him a mean, physical streak that loves to lay the wood when he gets the chance to. Gunnar is already looking like one of the top DBs in his class, but a strong junior year could solidify that status and even bring in some offers.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"id":"block_62fb04a43953c","name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/17241544/61fca5303dea83165c405032' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"align":"","mode":"preview"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='330902' first='Ethan' last='Nguyen'] (2023) | DL | 6'4" 230 lbs</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/13652505/Ethan-Nguyen" target="_blank">Hudl</a> | <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://twitter.com/ethan_nguyen10" target="_blank">Twitter</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Watch out for DE [player_tooltip player_id='330902' first='Ethan' last='Nguyen'] this season! He was a player that really started to breakout last year and should continue that momentum into his senior year. Nguyen finished the year with 32 tackles, 6 tackles for loss, a sack, an interception, and 2 fumble recoveries. He was a monster at sniffing out the run and can drop his anchor to set the edge and close of the run game. What should leave offensive linemen so unsettled about battling Ethan, is his speed and quickness for someone his size. At 6'4" 230 lbs, Nguyen is still very athletic and can blow past blockers. Stock-riser candidate!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"id":"block_62fb04b13953d","name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/13652505/61b171430c5e520a1c444c31' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"align":"","mode":"preview"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='239876' first='Isaac' last='Conner'] (2023) | WR | 6'2" 205 lbs</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/16411906/Isaac-Conner" target="_blank">Hudl</a> | <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://twitter.com/isaacconner7" target="_blank">Twitter</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Isaac is a player that we are really excited for this upcoming season after the flashes he showed last year. Conner is a big-bodied receiver with great range and body control when coming down with the catch. Conner didn't see a ton of targets come his way, but he still managed to rack up 325 receiving yards on 18 receptions and scored 4 times through the air. Those are numbers I'm expecting to see a huge spike in now that he will be stepping into the WR1 spot. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"id":"block_62fb04bd3953e","name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/16411906/616d61e7176beb0480cc2f36' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"align":"","mode":"preview"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='239878' first='Jaxson' last='Andrews'] (2023) | LB | 5'11" 170 lbs</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/13651545/Jaxson-Andrews" target="_blank">Hudl</a> | <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://twitter.com/AndrewsJaxson" target="_blank">Twitter</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Jaxson will be back wreaking havoc on offenses and terrorizing quarterbacks. Jaxson had a very productive season as a junior with 83 tackles, which was good for third on the team, and he added 3 tackles for loss, a sack, an interception, and forced fumble. Andrews plays the inside linebacker position very well, and does everything that is needed from him. He can step up and stuff the run or help out in pass coverage, Andrews was even a heavy hitter on special teams. The LB group should be solid with Jaxson back in the fold. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"id":"block_62fb04e139540","name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/13651545/61a299eb9a913b0bc46dfa96' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"align":"","mode":"preview"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='330901' first='Alex' last='Foltz'] (2023) | LB | 5'10" 210 lbs</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/13662355/Alex-Foltz" target="_blank">Hudl</a> | <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://twitter.com/AlexFoltz27" target="_blank">Twitter</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Coming back with Jaxson in the linebacker core, is [player_tooltip player_id='330901' first='Alex' last='Foltz'] who also started to raise some eyebrows last year. Foltz finished his junior season with 53 tackles and 2 tackles for loss as a part of a tough LB rotation. Alex is a bulkier LB, but still does a great job flying around the field. He has nice range and can cover sideline-to-sideline very well. Foltz is a bruiser when he makes tackles and even had a few plays where he flat-out stonewalled runningbacks in their tracks. This is going to be a punshing duo at the second level of the defense. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"id":"block_62fb04cb3953f","name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/13662355/61abf5fcd21b7f04f84446ab' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"align":"","mode":"preview"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">More Players to Watch:</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='239882' first='Owen' last='Douglas'] (2023) | WR/DB | 5'11" 150 lbs</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/13651540/Owen-Douglas" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hudl</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/owendouglas_01" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Twitter</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"id":"block_62fb04f539541","name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/13651540/617d3ef9f31dc909dc439f9a' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"align":"","mode":"preview"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='330916' first='Weston' last='Heinemann'] (2023) | OL/DL | 6'4" 200 lbs</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/15392471/Weston-Heinemann" target="_blank">Hudl</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/HeinemannWeston" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Twitter</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"id":"block_62fb050339542","name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/15392471/61aec36ee97a3a0bf0511916' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"align":"","mode":"preview"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='226967' first='Vaughn' last='Anderson'] (2032) | K | 5'9" 145 lbs</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/14874208/Vaughn-Anderson" target="_blank">Hudl</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/Vaughn71906371" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Twitter</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"id":"block_62fb050d39543","name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/14874208/6232046cab92ae174089e01d' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"align":"","mode":"preview"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='398261' first='Lennox' last='Hughes'] (2023) | P/K | 6'3" 185 lbs</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/14867181/Lennox-Hughes" target="_blank">Hudl</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/LennoxHughes1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Twitter</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"id":"block_62fb051939544","name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/14867181/619feb91bee1200af83724ef' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"align":"","mode":"preview"} /--> <!-- wp:separator {"className":"is-style-wide"} --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-wide"/> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Make sure to follow @PrepRedzoneNE on Twitter and Instagram to stay up to date with all your Nebraska prep recruiting news.</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->