Alex Eisen/MDN Bishop Ryan senior quarterback Ben Bohl (3) stands in the backfield waiting for a snap in a Class A football game played earlier this season against New Town at Herb Parker Stadium.

Ben Bohl had a major decision to make.

It’s hard to picture Bohl not being in pads and a helmet, as the senior quarterback was a playmaker for the Bishop Ryan Lions football team and one of the most lethal offensive weapons in Class A football this season. But, in the summer of 2016, the soon-to-be sophomore almost hung up his cleats for good.

Bohl, a dual-sport athlete who is also a key contributor on the Ryan basketball team, was concerned that the physicality of football could jeopardize his flourishing career on the hardwood.

Bohl joined the football team with hopes of playing quarterback. But, in the rare instances when he got on the field early into his high school career, he was either put in as a free safety or tasked with being the long snapper.

So, with playing time not adding up and the ever-present risk of injury looming, Bohl was at his breaking point.

“I didn’t know if I could do it anymore,” Bohl said. “I remember in the summer, I was telling myself, ‘I’m not playing football. I’m not playing football.’ I was dead set on not playing.”

After some convincing from his father, his coaches and his teammates, Bohl returned to the Lions football team for his sophomore season. Not much seemed to have changed, though, as he quickly found himself competing for playing time once again.

It wasn’t until Oct. 7, 2016, when Bohl’s patience finally got rewarded. The Lions’ starting quarterback at the time, senior Eli Stewart, was forced to miss some time with an injury, which gave Bohl a golden opportunity to step up for his team and play quarterback.

The then-sophomore took advantage, leading Ryan to a pair of victories against Westhope/Newburg/Glenburn and Bottineau by an average win margin of 44 points per game.

“I always wanted to play quarterback,” Bohl said. “I’ve always liked just slinging the ball, so when I got my shot I made the most of it. It’s just been a fun ride since then.”

That ride consists of a 15-4 record since Bohl became the full-time starter his junior season, with two trips to the Class A football playoffs and the 2018 regular season Region 3 title. It’s been a journey where the 6-foot-2, 175-pound senior has evolved his game, making him a true dual-threat quarterback.

“Last year, I think he’d get a little rattled too quickly and just run,” Ryan football head coach Roger Coleman said. “But, this year he’s staying in the pocket and throwing. He’s trusting his offensive line more, and he’s got enough of an arm to throw it 60 yards or so on the dot.”

In addition to strengthening his game, Bohl strengthened his relationship with his teammates. He became one of the undoubted leaders for the Lions, and that chemistry within the group was the foundation for their success.

“I love playing with these guys,” Bohl said. “It’s built a lot of friendships, and I think I spend more time with them then my own family sometimes, so they really are a part of my family at this point.”

Bohl’s high school football career came to an abrupt end on Saturday when Ryan lost to Beulah, 33-14, in the opening round of the Class A football playoffs.

The early out was a bitter finish considering the Lions went undefeated in the regular season and had aspirations to win the program’s first state championship since 1999.

But, for a player who almost walked away from the sport two seasons ago, Bohl will still look back on his time with the Ryan football team knowing he gave the program everything he had.

“I fell in love with the game,” Bohl said. “I know I would have regretted it if I didn’t play because I really enjoyed playing with this team and seeing where the program has gone. I don’t really know what my life would have been like if I didn’t stick with it.”

Sports Spotlight is a weekly feature profiling interesting people affiliated with sports in the region. We welcome suggestions from our readers. Email the sports department at sports@minotdailynews.com.