Matt Geller
Sports Scene
High school football has drastically changed in the last 20 years. Very few players play on both sides of the ball so that they can spend more time honing their skills at one position. Thankfully for Lansing Sexton coach Dan Boggan, ‘very few’ doesn’t mean ‘none.’ Four-year starter and all-state running back Avonte Bell is a throwback to days past.
Bell led a stout Big Reds defense in tackles in 2013, and he also intercepted a pass and recovered a fumble as a middle linebacker. On offense, he rushed for a team-high 1,323 yards and 22 touchdowns as a junior, leading Sexton to the Division 4 state semifinal round.
Bell has a competitive edge when he plays the game. “I really don’t have a preference for either side of the ball,” he said. “If we are playing against a great defense, I want to run the ball. When we played Swan Valley and all-state tailback Alex Grace, I wanted to play linebacker. I just want to play wherever I can to help the team.”
Boggan expects big things from Bell during his senior season. “Avonte should have a big season for us. We have worked hard all summer with 7-on-7 drills and in the weight room. I believe this team is as good as any team in the state.”
Colleges are starting to take notice of Bell’s abilities. He currently has an offer to play at Western Michigan University next year. Ball State University, Bowling Green State University, University of Cincinnati, University of Indiana, and Michigan State University have all shown interest.
If the Big Reds are going to make a deep run in this years playoffs and capture a state title, Bell will need to have his fingerprints all over it.