Barkley Beck led Madison Bobcats to playoff success in senior season

REXBURG — The Madison High School football finished its regular season with a 7-1, followed by a Round 1 playoff victory over Capital High School, thanks in no small part to senior standout Barkley Beck.

Known for his versatility, Beck contributed significantly on both sides of the ball, playing running back, wide receiver and defensive back. He even played quarterback for a good portion of the Bobcats’ victory at Minico.

The multi-talented athlete was a crucial part of Madison’s success, showcasing his ability to adapt and excel wherever he was needed.

“Our season’s going really well,” Beck said before the Bobcats were eliminated from the playoffs following a 22-16 loss at Eagle High School. “We’ve got great team chemistry, and we’re all playing together.”

Beck’s experience and familiarity with his teammates date back to his sophomore year, when about a dozen players, including himself, began playing varsity. Over the past couple of seasons, this core group has developed a strong bond, which Beck believes is a key factor in the team’s success.

“We’ve been starting together since sophomore year,” he said. “We just learned to play well together, and now we’re comfortable at the varsity level.”

Not a Captain, but Still a Leader

Despite not holding an official captain’s title, Beck embraces his role as a leader on the field. Each year, his responsibilities have shifted. But this season, his focus has been on stepping up defensively.

“I’m not the vocal leader, but I try to be a leader through my actions on the field,” he said. “I step up and make plays when it matters.”

Coach Chandler Rhoads knows what he’s got in Beck, and has knows his team has benefitted from his experience in multiple ways.

“He has started for me every year since I’ve been head coach,” Rhoads said. “He’s a really, really tough competitor. He plays multiple positions for us, really productive on both sides of the ball. He just provides a toughness and a leadership that’s important to our team. He’s a kid that loves to play, never misses practice, never misses offseason workouts, always working on his body. He really does a good job of leading by example.”

Balancing Football and Academics

Beck, who carries a 3.3 GPA, makes sure to balance his academic responsibilities with his dedication to football.

“Grades are good this year,” he shared, noting the effort he puts in to maintain both his performance in the classroom and on the field.

Looking Ahead to the Next Level

The dream doesn’t end with high school football for Beck. He hopes to receive scholarship offers to continue playing at the collegiate level.

“That’s the goal,” he said confidently. “I just want four more years of football because I love it.”

Beck’s passion for the game started young, playing flag football at the age of five and transitioning to tackle football by third grade.

“It’s always been my escape,” he said. “It’s just what I love to do every day.”

Off the Field: A Passion for Pickleball

When he’s not making plays on the gridiron, Beck can often be found on the pickleball court. His commitment to the sport is evident — playing from 7 to 10 p.m. after football practice at the field house.

“I love to stay active,” he said. “Pickleball is just something I do for fun, and I play in tournaments with my cousin.”

The duo even traveled to Arizona last year and plans to compete in tournaments in Boise and Utah this season.