Outside of Jeff Nelson’s office is a small sign that says “Be the hammer, not the nail.”  His Bethel Bruins did a home improvement project on the Peninsula District last season posting a 10-2 record. 

In the process, the Bruins made the playoffs for the first time since 1996 and lost to perennial power, Phoebus on a last second field goal. That 10 win season was only the 5th in the school’s 40 year history. 

Nelson did all of that in just his first season.  “We want to go out there and pound people”, he says.  In a district where the likes of Hampton’s Mike Smith and Phoebus’ Bill Dee have ruled for several years, Nelson’s Bruins could throw a monkey wrench into who has an edge. 

With the return of running back, Jontel Evans, Bethel brings plenty of experience back from a season ago and Nelson feels anything is possible.  “Everybody puts their britches on the same way.  We go out there and do what we do and that’s play well.” 

Many still think the Bruins will have problems cracking that glass ceiling in the district trying to get pass either the Crabbers or Phantoms.  That suits Nelson just fine.  “We haven’t proved anything.  We’re like coal miners.  We want to get our lunch bucket and go to work.”