Bertini steps down as Benton football head coach

Benton High School football will be in search of a new head coach, as Corey Bertini announced he's stepping down and will take a job in the Kansas City area.

The former Missouri Western quarterback took over the team prior to the 2023 season, after the Cardinals went 3-7 the year before. It wasn't smooth sailing for the program, as Benton went 4-16 overall in his two seasons. 

The team defeated Northeast Kansas City and Chillicothe last season, but lost to Cameron in the district tournament in 2024.

The announcement of Bertini's departure comes roughly one month after former Benton girl's basketball head coach Chris Michaels decided to step down from after five seasons and multiple Class 4 state championship game appearances. As of Tuesday, the school has not announced the hiring of a new girls basketball head coach, leaving vacancies there and in the football program to fill.