Bears Football Gets Ready for the New Season

Cambridge football is officially back.

After accumulating a 6-5 record during last year’s campaign, the team has its eyes set on surpassing last season’s accomplishments in the 2017-2018 season.

“We know our kids play extremely hard for us. We are always outsized, but we always compete,” said Head Football Coach Craig Bennett in an email regarding last year’s biggest takeaways.

“Last year was no different, and it was our first time in school history to make the playoffs, so that was a big step in our program,” Bennett said in that same email. 

The team has six returning offensive starters and five returning defensive starters from last year’s team. They were the first time in the program’s history the team was able to experience the playoffs.

With senior quarterback Hogan Dykes and senior running back Matt McCree pairing together in the backfield, the Bears look poised to improve upon last year’s performance.

Throughout the offseason, the team underwent an extreme amount of preparation to make sure they were ready for the season.

The team began offseason practice in January and ran until the end of summer, with the players practicing four days a week from 6:30 to 9:30 as opposed to the usual 5 to 7 practice time.

“We are coming along each and every day. We get a little better and a little more prepared every day,” said Bennett about how the team has prepared for the upcoming season.

Cambridge will play a total of 10 games in the regular season against opponents in the AAAAAA region, as well as out of region opponents like Milton and Creekview.

“Honestly, just to see our players’ hard work pay off. They have earned it,” said Bennett when asked about what most excited him about the upcoming season.

On Aug. 25, the team played its first regular season game at Creekview. The Bears played a tough, hard-fought game, but ended up losing to Creekview 41-28.

Quarterback Hogan Dykes passed for 249 yards and four touchdowns, with wide receiver Ridge Polk hauling in 194 yards and three touchdowns on offense.

“Expect a changeup of game plans being made through the game and after every win or loss,” said Assistant Coach Miles Martin, who is in charge of the team’s defense.

The defense returns three senior linebackers with a wealth of experience, who are ready to make plays and step up during the season.

“The identity of our defense is to play fast and physical and play for your brother next to you,” said Martin.

The Cambridge faithful appears to have many differing opinions on how the season will go.

“This team does not yet have an identity. A record of 3-7 would not surprise me.” said freshman Will Hart.

Hart believes the team does not have an established play style at this time of the season.

Some had a more positive outlook on the season.

“The team has a great offense, and I could see them with a record of 6-4,” said freshman Kaine Dudley.