Marceline’s Stacked Senior Class Eager to Even Bell Game Series With Brookfield

Brookfield hosts Marceline for the 86th Bell Game Friday night on KRES. Both the Bulldogs and Tigers enter 1-0 with narrow week one victories. Brookfield boasts back-to-back wins in the historic rivalry after a 42-7 triumph in Marceline last season. Tigers head coach Mark Ross returns 22 starters and a senior-heavy squad.

Ross’ Tigers responded to last year’s Bell Game loss with nine straight wins and a district championship. But Marceline needed to escape Scotland County 19-18 with a last-minute drive in the opener. Ross eyes a more crisp week two performance.

Marceline defeated Brookfield three straight years before consecutive losses. The Bulldogs are also coming off a hard-fought win as they beat Trenton 18-12 in overtime. The win was the first coaching victory for new Brookfield head coach Cory Luke. He says the key this week has been keeping the players focused on the game itself.

Brookfield’s defense has limited Marceline to single digits on the scoreboard in the last three editions of the Bell Game. Luke discusses the defensive keys against Marceline in this year’s contest.

Pregame coverage of the 86th Bell Game begins at 6:35 on KRES and centralmoinfo.com with Eric Duick and Colin Schowe on the call.