Athletes of the Week: Chase Plummer & Jeffrey Waite

By: Lindsay Campbell  |  September 26, 2025

It takes one person to make a team good, but it takes two people to make a team special, and that is the role Chase Plummer and Jeffrey Waite play for the Bellwood-Antis football team.

Over the past 5 games, running back/offensive linebacker Chase Plummer and safety/wide receiver Jeffrey Waite have combined for 11 receptions, 453 yards, and 65 tackles.

Against Tyrone last week in the Backyard Brawl, they also had some big takeaways. Waite recovered a fumble on the opening kick to set up a B-A touchdown and later ended a drive with a pick. Plummer intercepted a pass in the first quarter and returned it 28 yards for a touchdown.

They said preparation was the key to their success.

“Mentally, I was always determined to beat the Eagles after losing to them my freshman year, and missing the game last year due to injury,” Plummer said. “Physically, I took care of myself every day after practices, and I made sure I hustled every day.”

Waite added, “I watched a lot of film, and made sure I had a good week at practice.”

Individually, both of these players excel in their own ways, which shows on the field.

At the end of the first quarter on Friday night against the Eagles, Chase had his pick 6 with 30 seconds to go.

“I think the pick definitely demotivated Tyrone, especially after they had a fumble recovery on us just a few plays earlier. It set the tone for the rest of the game,” he said.

Waite’s interceptions happened in the middle of the third quarter.

“The atmosphere was surreal. The stadium pulse was through the roof, and I think it solidified the thoughts about us winning,” Waite said.

Head coach Nick Lovrich has always had nothing but good things to say about these two young players.

“Jeffrey and Chase have been playing very good football this season,” Coach Lovrich said. “It is nice that Chase is getting healthy and making the plays we thought he could make. Jeffrey has been a ball hawk and has done a great job coming up and making plays from the safety spot.”

After B-A lost some key players from last year, Waite has taken on a stronger role than last year, adapting to the changes being made within the team.

“I have gotten faster and stronger,” he said. “Bradyn Partner, who is our quarterback, and I worked on our passing during the offseason, which definitely helps a lot.”

Plummer suffered an ACL injury during the first game of the 2024 football, dampening his hopes of having an outstanding sophomore year. He was asked about his comeback and how being able to play football again helped him gain back his confidence.

”I feel very accomplished because of how hard I have worked to be back playing the sport I love after an injury like that,” he said. “It gives me something to play for other than my team. I am very grateful, and I am determined to do greater things throughout this year.”

As a team, their goals are to win a District championship and to compete for a state title. Personally, they both have different aspirations.

“I hope to have around five picks by the end of the season,” Jeffrey said. Chase added, “My goal is to rush for 1,000 yards and have over 100 tackles.”

At the season’s midpoint, with B-A 3-2, Plummer has 319 yards on the ground with 41 tackles, while Waite has a pair of intercepitons.

As the season continues on, these two remain to be key parts for the Blue Devils football team.

B-A will travel up the mountain to face the Philipsburg-Osceola Mountaineers on Friday, September 26.