A 1-4 start last fall was too much for Bethel-Tate overcome in its pursuit for the playoffs. The Tigers return all but six seniors from a year ago including 10 starters on offense and seven on defense that are back in the fold. “Our team feels like they left a lot on the table from last season and feel like they have a lot to prove in 2025,” head coach Jeff Essig states. With a chip on its shoulder and a schedule that includes eight opponents that had losing records in 2024, Bethel-Tate is well positioned to get back to the postseason for the fourth time in the last six seasons.
Division IV, Region 16
2024 RECORD: 5-5, 1-4 SBAAC National
HEAD COACH: Jeff Essig (60-34 at Bethel-Tate, nine years; 60-34 overall)
HONOR ROLL
Landen Schultian, Sr, WR/DB – With all the great players in Region 16 Schultian flies under the radar but make no bones about it, he has earned the right to be mentioned as one of the region’s elite. As a junior, Schultian caught 47 balls for 792 yards, had nine touchdown receptions and amassed 1,139 all-purpose yards on his way to being named OPSMA Division IV Honorable Mention All-Ohio and SBAAC National Offensive Player of the Year. Defensively he recorded 35 tackles, had a sack, 3.0 tackles for losses and three interceptions including a pick-six. Schultian has 101 career receptions for 1,296 yards with 10 touchdown catches.
Jaden Mersman, Sr, RB/WR/DB – One of the Tigers top playmakers. Mersman was named OPSMA Division IV Second Team All-Southwest District (DB) as a junior after recording 21 tackles and four interceptions. On offense, Mersman reeled in 34 receptions for 413 yards and found the end zone three times (two rec, one rush).
Eli Welch, Sr, OL/DL – The leader of the Tigers linemen who is back for his fourth year as a starter. Welch was named OPSMA Division IV Honorable Mention All-Southwest District as a junior. He also became a factor on defense last fall with 26 tackles, 4.0 sacks, 5.0 tackles for losses and two fumble recoveries.
Jax Pryor, Sr, QB/LB/K – With a year under his belt as the starting quarterback and the confidence of being a Second Team All-SBAAC National performer last fall, Pryor should thrive as a senior. He threw for 1,461 yards, ran for 182 yards with 14 passing touchdowns and one rushing score in 2024.
Landen Collins, Jr, DE/DB – Had a breakout junior campaign earning Second Team All-SBAAC National accolades. Collins was in on 56 tackles, had 5.0 sacks and a fumble recovery.
Parker Harvey, So, OL/DT – The future looks bright for young Harvey. He was named Honorable Mention All-SBAAC National after recording 36 tackles and 5.0 sacks as a freshman.
NEWCOMERS
The coaching staff is looking for big things out of sophomore QB/DB Logan Halcomb and senior DE/LB Tristen Gerde. Halcomb played in four varsity games as a freshman and threw his first touchdown pass against Wyoming and ran for his first touchdown versus East Clinton. Gerde, who saw action in five contests as a junior and was on the receiving end of Halcomb’s scoring strike. It was his first varsity touchdown and reception..
PLAYOFF HISTORY
(five appearances, 4-5) – 2023, 2021, 2020, 2017, 2015
2025 SCHEDULE
Fri – 08/22/25 – NEW RICHMOND (5-6 in 2024) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 08/29/25 – at Dayton Christian (4-6) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 09/05/25 – at North College Hill (3-6) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 09/12/25 – at Goshen (2-8) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 09/19/25 – BATAVIA (8-3) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 09/26/25 – NORWOOD (0-10) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 10/03/25 – at East Clinton (1-9) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 10/10/25 – CLERMONT NORTHEASTERN (3-7) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 10/17/25 – at Blanchester (4-6) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 10/24/25 – WILLIAMSBURG (9-2) – 7:00 PM
