Bennington Football Prepares for Class A Opener After Final Scrimmage

3–4 minutes

By Marisa Dawson, Photos by Jeff Douglas & Marisa Dawson

A football team in blue uniforms lines up at the scrimmage line during a game, with players preparing for the snap.

The Bennington football team is putting the finishing touches on its preparation for the start of the regular season after recently taking part in Friday’s scrimmage ahead of this Thursday night’s opener against Elkhorn North.

The Badgers will open the season Thursday evening against Elkhorn North at Elkhorn High School, marking the beginning of their first season competing in Class A.

Head coach Kam Lenhart said the team showed progress from its first scrimmage, particularly in its aggression on defense and execution on offense.

A football player in a blue jersey jumps to catch a flying ball while another player in a white jersey attempts to defend.
Chase Ladenburger (32) attempts to block a pass to Declan Smith (88).

“Overall, I was pleased to see our progress from our first scrimmage to this one. I thought we looked more aggressive on defense, and offensively had cleaned up some of the scheme we have been working on,” Lenhart said.

While the team still has areas to improve, Lenhart said the effort displayed by the players was one of the most encouraging aspects of the scrimmage.

“I thought on both sides of the ball, our guys gave us great effort,” he said. “While they may not have been perfect, they flew around and gave themselves a chance to be successful every play.”

A football player prepares to kick a ball while another player kneels to hold it, with teammates in blue jerseys watching from the sidelines.
Kaleb Tysor (13) lines up a field goal kick for Jake Crawford (86).

That effort will be important as Bennington prepares to face an Elkhorn North team that will provide an early test. Elkhorn North also made the transition to Class A this year. Lenhart said the Badgers still need to clean up several concepts on both sides of the ball and continue improving their conditioning.

“Starting with a great opponent like Elkhorn North, it is important we get these cleaned up so that when the time comes, we are in the right position to make a play,” Lenhart said. “Lastly, we need to continue to get in better shape. We want to be able to pull away from teams in the second half.”

A high school football player wearing a blue jersey with the number 12 prepares to throw a football, while another player in a blue jersey with the number 55 blocks. The players are on a green football field with bleachers in the background.

The scrimmage also gave the coaching staff an opportunity to evaluate individual performances. Lenhart pointed to quarterback Ty Bouaphakeo (pictured above) as one offensive player who stood out, particularly with his decision-making and ability to create opportunities.

Because quarterbacks cannot be tackled during a scrimmage, Lenhart noted that the format does not provide a complete picture of what a quarterback can do. Still, he said Bouaphakeo made strong reads and used his feet effectively.

On defense, Lenhart was particularly impressed with the aggressiveness of Bennington’s defensive line, a group he believes could play a major role this season.

A football player in blue and white gear is tackled by multiple opponents on the field, with additional players in the background observing the play.
Defense players Trent Dierks (91), Emery Goolsby (98), and Nathan Pitzl (28) tackle Offense player Will Gutz (20).

The Badgers also enter the season with a significant amount of returning experience, something Lenhart sees as an advantage when the team faces difficult situations during games.

“Anytime you have experience, you have an advantage for when those big moments happen because they’ve been there before,” Lenhart said.

Now, with the opener just days away, the focus is on refinement rather than adding anything new. Bennington plans to concentrate on specific offensive and defensive concepts that need to be cleaned up before Thursday.

Football player in blue uniform running with the ball on a green field during a game.
Jacob Workman (25) makes a move to get past defender Mason Thiele (0).

“Nothing new is going in,” Lenhart said.

Instead, the goal is to have the Badgers playing confidently and cohesively when they take the field against Elkhorn North.

“When Thursday night comes, I want to see our guys fly around on the field, being the most physical players they can, and playing together at every moment,” Lenhart said.

A football player wearing a blue jersey with the number 9 runs on the field, while teammates in white jerseys watch in the background.
Lane Molacek runs the ball down the field after catching the kick-off.
A football player in blue attempts to catch a pass while two defenders in white try to block him during a game on a grassy field.
A young male football player in a blue jersey with 'Badgers' written on it throws a football on a field during a game.
A football player in a blue and white uniform is running with the ball while being pursued by another player on a grassy field. More players in the background are positioned on the field.
A high school football player wearing a blue jersey with the number 15 runs on a grassy field during practice.

Photos from prior week’s scrimmage by Jeff Douglas:

A high school football practice scene with players in blue and white uniforms, one player is being tackled as they run with the ball, surrounded by teammates and opponents on a grass field.
A football coach discusses strategy with a group of players during practice on a grassy field.
A young football player in a blue and white jersey runs with a football, evading a defender during practice on a grassy field.
A high school football player in a white jersey scrambles with a football in hand as two defenders in blue jerseys pursue him during practice on a grass field.
A youth football player in a blue helmet throws a football while other players in blue jerseys are positioned nearby on a grassy field.
A football player makes an athletic catch while another player attempts a tackle during practice on a field.
A football player wearing a helmet and jersey jumps to catch a football during practice on a sports field.
A football player in a blue helmet tackles a player in a white jersey, during a practice session on a grassy field. Other players in the background are watching.
A young male football player in a white jersey and blue helmet running with a football on a green turf field during practice.
A group of football players in blue helmets gathered in a huddle on the practice field, with a coach giving instructions.

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