Bedford is back in the playoffs for a fourth consecutive season, and first time under first-year head coach Mike Vicars. Their reward? The defending Division 3 state champions and perennial power in Detroit King. The Crusaders are in the playoffs for the 11th straight season, and 28th time in school history. The Mules are in for the tenth time in school history. This is the second meeting between the schools, as King won the first meeting 21-7 in the Regional round of the 2016 Playoffs.
Bedford (6-3, 4-1 SEC Red)
The Mules automatically qualified at 6-3 and had to go through five teams that qualified for the playoffs. Their Wing-T offense, which averages 33.4 points per game, is headlined by senior RB Christian Brown (1697 rushing yards, 26 touchdowns). Other names to watch on offense for Bedford are QB Brady Henderson, RB Logan Hullibarger, RB Mitchell Dunson, and RB Joey Nagle.
Defensively, the Mules allow 22.8 points per game, and are headlined by LBs Dominic Ybarra, Cage Dye, and Jake Ehlert, as well as DBs Dunson and Luke Carver. The Mules also have a reliable kicker in Degan Garcia (41-43 PAT, 1-1 FG)
Detroit King (7-2, 3-0 DPSL Division 2)
The Crusaders, coached by Ty Spencer, won the DPSL with a 27-6 win over Detroit Denby in the Prep Bowl. King is loaded with talent, headlined by freshman QB Dante Moore, who has drawn plenty of Division I interest. RB Peny Boone (committed to Maryland) and WRs Marshawn Lee, Rashawn Williams, and Trae’vion Meadows. Defensively, the Crusaders are led by Boone at MLB, in addition to DLs Deondre Buford, Marquel Bell-Nelson, and Brandon Honorable; LBs Willie Blakes and Danero Harris; and DBs Jaylen Reed, Rishad Hence, and Antoine Evans.
FNV Thoughts: This was an extremely tough draw for the Kicking Mules although this isn’t a vintage MLK team. To win this game Bedford’s defense will have to play it’s best game of the season and have the offense win the time of possession battle.