BELLBROOK, Ohio — Bellbrook is in the midst of its best season in school history. But that accomplishment hasn’t been made without overcoming extreme hardship.
The Golden Eagles are 11-2, and headed to the OHSAA Division III Region 12 Final against Badin Friday night in Trotwood.
“It’s the first time winning 11 games in a season,” Bellbrook High School Head Coach Jeff Jenkins said. “We’ve been to the playoffs the last couple of years, and so we’re enjoying it. We’re having a great time.”
Jenkins’ Golden Eagles have done a lot more than just win. They’ve done so in the face of great adversity.
On Nov. 4, sophomore quarterback Luke Benetis and his father, Assistant Head Coach Jim Benetis, lost their home in a house fire, one day before their second round playoff game against Wapakoneta.
“I do remember just going outside and seeing my whole house just up in flames, and then going back in to get everyone out, and going back in to get a dog out,” Luke said.
Jim said the family is lucky that Luke woke up at the right time.
“I don’t know if we would have woke up, me and my wife. I’m hoping to think we might of, but I don’t know,” Jim said. “Because the fire after it started it pretty much burned down pretty quick. So luckily like I said he came in and saved the day.”
The Benetis family lost mostly all of their possessions in the fire, including their cars. But the fire wasn’t going to stop Luke from playing the next day.
“That night I told them I’m gonna play,” Luke said. “Because really I don’t have much. All I have is my guys with the football team. And then I know we can go out and keep this thing going.”
Not only did the Eagles win against Wapakoneta, but they also beat Tippecanoe last week.
“It’s been a hell of a ride for us because it’s the farthest we’ve ever been,” Jim said.
Since the fire, the community has rallied together, helping to support the Benetis family — offering cars to use or a place to stay.
“The community support is just incredible, and the support from the football team, you can see it in the way they act sometimes,” Jim said. “So it’s been incredible. The nice thing about football is it gives you the chance to not think about the house and stuff.”
Luke, Jim and all the Golden Eagles hope to keep winning to reach their ultimate goal.
“Hopefully, we get this regional win and be the first regional team at Bellbrook,” Luke said. “It would just be truly historic.”