Bellaire Big Reds: 2024 High School Football Preview

It’s a new area in Bellaire. The spirit, pride, and tradition of nearly a century of football were on full display as the community had their first look at Nelson Field under the lights.

Now, as exciting as that evening was, this team hopes to bring the home-town fans something even more special.

The Bigs Reds are deep at the skill positions, which allows Coach Mark Bonar to switch things up on offense this year.

We think we have good speed and great athletes, and we want to use them. We don’t want to be one-dimensional. In the past, we have been pretty much an “I” straight-ahead team. Now, we want to go inside and outside, and we think we can do that.”

Mark Bonar, Bellaire Head Football Coach

Bellaire has a strong tradition of talented quarterbacks, and now sophomore Micheal Dippel looks to add his name to the list.

He has a cannon for an arm, and coach Bonar says he’s been impressive in camp.

He’ll have plenty of quality targets to choose from, including Luke Heatherington. He moves from quarterback to wide receiver and will be used in a number of situations this year.

Another top target will be senior wide receiver Maurice Webb, who put up impressive numbers last year. He’s big, fast, and, as you can see here, quite athletic.

And yes, there is another Pettigrew on this year’s quad. Speedster RaeKon Pettigrew saw valuable time as a freshman last year.

Three-year starter Grahm Campbell will line up at the tight end, and Quinton Scott could also see time at receiver.

The Big Reds look to have a strong run game as well, with senior Brayden Beckett at running back.

We want to develop guys into great players. We have some guys that are going to be really good players, but I think they could be great players. So we are going to develop them though the season.”

Mark Bonar. Bellaire Head Football Coach

The Big Reds are solid up front as well. The line is quick and physical, with Jayden Powell at tackle.

Senior Brody Holt is solid at the other tackle position. He also plays defensive end, and when he’s not on the field, Brody is involved with as many as three area volunteer fire departments.

Case Rejonis will also see time at guard.

Coach Bonar says the key to the season will be keeping these guys healthy since the line lacks depth.

We have to keep them healthy ourselves.”

Mark Bonar, Bellaire Head Football Coach

On defense, they will look to take advantage of their athleticism, with their main strength being at linebacker.

Some new opponents on the schedule include a team from Canada and Brownsville, PA.

They open the season under the lights at Nelson Field when the host Buckeye Local.

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