The 2022-2023 school year has started, which means high school football is back and the Bettendorf Bulldogs are excited about the new season. After coming off two disappointing seasons, the Bulldogs look to bounce back and get back to their winning ways.

     “The overall attitude of the team has been great. Last season has been our motivation and we strive to not have a repeat of that,” said Aiden Maurer, a senior linebacker. 

     Maurer led the team in total tackles (63) last year and looks to add to those stats this year.

     Mauer went on to point out the areas of improvement in order to avoid a repeat of last season.

      “Big points made by coaches have been to iron out the mental mistakes. We need to learn every tiny detail of all our reads and plays.” Said Maurer.

     The team has also hit weight room this past offseason, and Isaiah Martinez, a senior running back, believes this can play a key role in a successful season for the team.

      “The energy in the weight room and during practice is a lot better than it has been in the last two years. We have some great senior leaders stepping up and leading this team,” said Martinez, who rushed for 413 yards with 5 touchdowns in his junior campaign. 

     Martinez continued to say that the team has looked sharp in the preseason, with new formations they hope will spark an explosive offense and a fast defense. 

     Starting quarterback Charlie Zimmerman has been taking the snaps and hopes to use his sophomore experience to lead the team to an impressive record.

     “I have a lot of confidence in Charlie Zimmerman as our quarterback. He has good football IQ, a good arm, and can run the ball well,” Martinez said.

     The Bulldogs have lots of speed in the wideout positions with sophomore Wrigley Mathys, junior, and 6-foot-6 target, Caden Wilkins and senior Elijah Mendoza. On the interior, the Bulldogs return a strong offensive line that includes seniors Connor Giesecke, Xavier Hamilton, David Miller and Ethan Rodgers. 

     On the other side of the ball, the Bulldogs have strong defensive threats in free safety Spencer Del Vecchio and returning defensive linemen Xavier Hamilton and John Powell. 

     “Our expectations as a team is to go out and win every game,” said Maurer, and the Bulldogs are looking to exceed those expectations.