Bellbrook High School’s Golden Eagles opened their season with a 27-14 win over Tippecanoe, sealing the victory with the last two touchdowns of the game.
A Turnaround on the Field
Coach Jeff Jenkins, who took over the program last year, described the squad’s evolution from a loose collection of players to a tightly knit family, a shift he says was forged during intense preseason work.
Senior running back Jack Kosins was the offensive catalyst, breaking through with a 34‑yard rush and a short plunge into the end zone, each score helping the Eagles pull ahead.
The Eagles’ offensive line and defense tightened up, forcing Tippecanoe to punt on back‑to‑back drives and limiting the Red Devils’ chances to respond.
Tippecanoe’s junior running back Colston Artz was held to minimal yardage, a fact that did not escape the notice of Coach Matt Burgbacher, who admitted the Red Devils still have work to do before they can meet their own expectations.
A brief lightning delay early in the contest stalled both teams, and the first half was marked by sluggish starts before the Eagles found their rhythm.
The win also marked the latest chapter in the annual Bellbrook‑Tippecanoe rivalry, a matchup that has punctuated each team’s preseason schedule since 2021, highlighted by an 8‑yard touchdown run from senior quarterback Grant Diorio in the first quarter.
Looking ahead, both coaches emphasized that this early win is only a stepping stone, and the teams will need to carry the momentum into the weeks ahead if they hope to improve on last year’s 6‑5 finish for Bellbrook.