Berean Academy Football: Offseason Report
Offseason Focus
This offseason, Berean Academy Football has prioritized all-around development—both on and off the field. Coach Hampton emphasizes a focus on raising football IQ through film study, as well as developing explosiveness, speed, and quickness. Off the field, the team has set a clear academic goal: to maintain a team GPA of 3.0 or higher.
Special Offseason Events
To stay sharp and build mental toughness, Berean will participate in multiple passing league tournaments and big man challenges over the summer. “We want to compete against bigger schools so our players experience adversity early,” Coach Hampton says, highlighting the team's commitment to growth through competition.
Notable Additions & Departures
As Berean Academy enters its fourth year as a football program, the team has now matured alongside its original group of athletes. That development sets the stage for a breakout senior campaign from quarterback Isaac Merrill, who is on pace to break several school and Arizona state records.
The team also returns a veteran offensive line, led by:
Carlos Aponte
Ayden Kemery
Isaac Hively
Zacceus Banks
Their experience and cohesion will be key to Berean’s success in the trenches.
Players to Watch
Isaac Merrill (QB, Senior): Poised for a record-setting season, Merrill is the engine of the Berean offense.
Mason Meske (Defense): A three-year impact player, Meske leads the team in career interceptions and sacks. This offseason, he’s focused on improving his aggressiveness at the point of contact and continuing to be a disruptive force on defense.
Weight Lifting & Fitness
The weight room has seen increased competition and energy, thanks in part to a motivated freshman class stepping up early. Their presence has added to the team’s overall intensity, and the summer will be a key time for those younger athletes to develop and challenge for playing time.
Nutrition & Hydration
Hydration is a core pillar of the team’s wellness approach. Players are required to carry water bottles throughout the school day, ensuring consistent hydration—a critical factor for peak performance in the Arizona heat.
Coaching Perspective
The coaching staff at Berean Academy is a tight-knit group, consisting of family members and close friends who share a unified vision. This offseason, the staff is implementing:
Faster offensive packages
More dynamic and efficient play designs
Daily film study to find areas of improvement and stay ahead of opponents
“Our goal is to move faster and stay fundamentally sound,” says Coach Hampton.
Fan Engagement & Community Impact
Berean’s football program is deeply rooted in community involvement. The team:
Hosts youth football camps
Volunteers at major community events
Assists with setup, takedown, and public introductions for speakers
Emphasizes being role models for younger generations
Their visibility and service have made Berean players standout ambassadors for their school and program.
Biggest Challenges Ahead
Having reached the state championship the past two seasons, Berean Academy is driven by one goal: getting back and finishing the job. The greatest challenge will be avoiding complacency and maintaining their blue-collar mentality. The message is clear: finish every tackle, every run, every drive, and every game with aggression and grit.
Summary:
With strong senior leadership, a cohesive coaching staff, rising young talent, and a relentless offseason mindset, Berean Academy Football is set to make another deep playoff run. The program’s growth over the past four years is a testament to its foundation of discipline, family, and purpose—on and off the field.
: Poised for a record-setting season, Merrill is the engine of the Berean offense.
Mason Meske (Defense): A three-year impact player, Meske leads the team in career interceptions and sacks. This offseason, he’s focused on improving his aggressiveness at the point of contact and continuing to be a disruptive force on defense.
Weight Lifting & Fitness
The weight room has seen increased competition and energy, thanks in part to a motivated freshman class stepping up early. Their presence has added to the team’s overall intensity, and the summer will be a key time for those younger athletes to develop and challenge for playing time.
Nutrition & Hydration
Hydration is a core pillar of the team’s wellness approach. Players are required to carry water bottles throughout the school day, ensuring consistent hydration—a critical factor for peak performance in the Arizona heat.
Coaching Perspective
The coaching staff at Berean Academy is a tight-knit group, consisting of family members and close friends who share a unified vision. This offseason, the staff is implementing:
Faster offensive packages
More dynamic and efficient play designs
Daily film study to find areas of improvement and stay ahead of opponents
“Our goal is to move faster and stay fundamentally sound,” says Coach Hampton.
Fan Engagement & Community Impact
Berean’s football program is deeply rooted in community involvement. The team:
Hosts youth football camps
Volunteers at major community events
Assists with setup, takedown, and public introductions for speakers
Emphasizes being role models for younger generations
Their visibility and service have made Berean players standout ambassadors for their school and program.
Biggest Challenges Ahead
Having reached the state championship the past two seasons, Berean Academy is driven by one goal: getting back and finishing the job. The greatest challenge will be avoiding complacency and maintaining their blue-collar mentality. The message is clear: finish every tackle, every run, every drive, and every game with aggression and grit.
Summary:
With strong senior leadership, a cohesive coaching staff, rising young talent, and a relentless offseason mindset, Berean Academy Football is set to make another deep playoff run. The program’s growth over the past four years is a testament to its foundation of discipline, family, and purpose—on and off the field.)
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