2023 Round 3 Bear Tracks

Oh my, oh my, Bear fans! The Bears kept their season rolling with a massive victory over the Pendleton Bulldogs. Now, all eyes are on the upcoming clash with the Clinton Red Devils as they head to the Bear Den this Friday in a rematch of the matchup that ended the Bears’ season last year.

Before we dive into this week's preview, let's dissect how the Bears managed to take down one of the top offenses in South Carolina.

Pendleton entered the game having scored under 40 points only once all season. However, by the end of the night, our Bears had held the Bulldog offense under 40 points, allowing them to gain less than 325 total yards for only the second time this season. The final score: a resounding 44-28 win propelling us into the third round.

In the words of Josh Pate from the Late Kick show, "We talk about winners first." And let's talk about these Bears. In a season where victory has often come effortlessly to BHP, it was truly inspiring to witness how they respond when adversity comes knocking. Most teams would crumble after losing both their top two running backs in the first quarter, but not these Bears. BHP turned to Justin Lathon to shoulder the load, and he did so admirably—30 carries, 177 yards, and 4 TDs. The entire offense took it upon themselves to rise to the occasion, pummeling the Bulldogs throughout the game. It's hard to overstate just how impressive this was, as teams rarely manage to win without their two best players. The Bears, however, never missed a beat. Moreover, for the second consecutive week, BHP did not punt; every drive concluded with points on the board.

While I began by praising the offense, the defense was equally instrumental in this win. Pendleton, coming into the game, had scored fewer than 40 points only once all season and had racked up over 325 total yards in almost every game. BHP altered that narrative. Let's begin with the defensive line, where BHP managed an astounding 18 hurries and three sacks. Omri Jackson led the charge with an incredible seven hurries, setting a new BHP record, while ExZavier Burns contributed three hurries and two sacks. Moving to the secondary, the defensive backs effectively shut down the Pendleton receivers, limiting their yards after catch (YAC). YAC is a trademark of the Bulldog offense, but BHP allowed only three passes to go for more than 20 yards.

This game served as a litmus test for the Bears, challenging them in ways they hadn't been tested all season. They needed this trial, and the outcome should infuse them with immense confidence as they prepare to face the Clinton Red Devils this week.

Shout Outs:


Every game there are a few guys that just...stand out. Here are my notables from the Pendleton matchup:

Justin Lathon: Justin’s performance was nothing short of extraordinary. In the past decade, I’ve seen some jaw-dropping individual displays on that field, like Anthony White's 409 rushing yards and RJ Ellis's 354-yard rushing game. Marquise Henderson has also given us numerous unforgettable moments. But what Justin achieved, considering his starting role as a defensive end might just top them all in my book.

On a night when our team desperately needed a hero, Justin didn't just shoulder the load; he practically carried the entire team on his back. And let's not forget what he did when he finally got a chance to shine on defense late in the game - one sack and two hurries in the last drive of the game. This performance is etched in BHP history as one of the gutsiest ever, and it fills your heart with pride to be a Bear.

Judson Thomas: Judson deserves a special mention as well. His role as the anchor of our offensive line is pivotal. He consistently delivers perfect snaps and sets the physical tone for the offense. Once the season wraps up, we'll take a deeper dive into the incredible work done by our entire offensive line this year.

Jakyri Anderson: Let's not overlook the rising star, Jakyri Anderson. As a young underclassman, he's not just playing; he's dominating. Leading the team with seven solo tackles, two hurries, and a pass breakup against a team like Pendleton is no small feat. Jakyri played one of his best games this season when the Bears needed it most.

BHP’s Secondary: Now, onto the secondary. Holding the Pendleton offense, which had racked up two consecutive 400+ yard passing games, was a testament to the strength of the defense. While Tajeh Watson-Martin and Ty Kelly often grab the headlines, it's crucial to recognize that this group operates as a cohesive unit. Jett Jones, Ri Barnette, Norikus Cowan, Colby Bates, and others contributed their part. I want to tip my cap to this entire squad for their outstanding performance.


I could go on listing outstanding performances from this game, as there were many. This team is continually showcasing its immense talent as they gain more experience on the field. It's an exciting time to be a part of the Bears' journey.

Week 13 Preview


Here we go, folks—a showdown that's been on the horizon since the end of last season, and this year, it's even more monumental. BHP is gearing up to host the formidable Clinton Red Devils in just the seventh Elite 8 playoff clash in the history of BHP football.

Clinton strides into this contest as the Region 4 champions, boasting an impressive 10-2 overall record. Their lone setbacks came against Chapman (22-21) and South Aiken (41-30), while they've showcased their dominance with victories over Batesburg-Leesville (50-28), Laurens (49-7), Newberry (42-7), Aiken (63-6), Union County (51-28), Woodruff (36-20), Chester (14-6), Emerald (51-13), Palmetto (42-18), and Broome (38-7). Now, this schedule echoes BHP's in many respects. Sure, they've taken care of business against some lesser teams, but it's their significant wins that have made them stand out.

In my book, three key elements make Clinton the toughest challenge BHP has faced all season. First and foremost, it's the explosiveness of Clinton's offense. We witnessed it last year when these two squads squared off, and this season, it's no different. Clinton has racked up 375 or more total yards in all but the Chester and Emerald games. Even in their loss to Chapman, they notched an impressive 468 total yards. Their emphasis is on the ground game, averaging 240 rushing yards per contest, but that rushing attack sets up big plays through the air. In fact, in 9 out of 12 games, they've ripped off plays of 40 yards or more (BHP has managed this feat in all but 2 games this season). The conductor of this offensive orchestra is none other than the Red Devil QB, Tushawan Richardson. As of the Broome game, he'd passed for over 1,300 yards with 22 TDs, also leading the team in rushing with 647 yards and 4 rushing TDs. What's equally remarkable is how they distribute the ball—Clinton boasts 8 rushers with over 100 yards on the ground this season.

The second aspect that makes this team a formidable adversary is their defense. Some teams across the state are renowned for specific strengths. For Clinton, it's their storied football history and their defense. They've held opponents to just 1 TD in 5 games this season. And that defense is a well-rounded unit. They've recorded a whopping 64 tackles for loss (TFLs) this season, with 10 TFLs in both the Chester and Newberry contests. They're also skilled at creating turnovers, amassing 10 interceptions and 13 fumble recoveries before their clash with Broome, with 3 of those takeaways resulting in touchdowns. Kadon Crawford and Brett Young are the linchpins of this defense. Crawford has posted 51 total tackles, 17 TFLs, and 8 hurries, complemented by Young's 62 total tackles, 14 TFLs, 10 hurries, 5 sacks, and 2 interceptions. This defense may have graduated a lot of talent from last year, but it hasn't lost its edge and reloaded this season.

Last but not least, Clinton has a knack for making special plays. It might sound vague and hard to quantify or prepare for, but teams like Clinton always seem to be in the right place at the right time. This often shines through in their special teams. Clinton has blocked three punts (two against Chester) and one field goal this year. Let's not forget the 94-yard kickoff return from last season's encounter between these two teams, a game-changing moment. Great teams have a way of making these game-altering plays, and Clinton is undoubtedly a great team. The Bears will need an extraordinary performance to secure the win.

So, what's the formula for a BHP victory? BHP is evolving week after week, and that evolution must continue. Yes, they need to establish their running game and impose their will, but what makes this Bear team nearly unstoppable is their cohesive team play. Their ability to control the clock, extend drives, and finish with points not only serves their offense but also sets them up for defensive dominance. In the game against Pendleton, BHP had three drives, two of them in the first half, lasting five or more minutes. That kind of ball control puts tremendous pressure on opposing offenses, making them jittery and giving a well-rested defense a chance to shine.

Moreover, BHP's efficiency is a standout feature. Coach Blackston's unwavering faith in the offensive line and running backs has been a game-changer. He's put them on the field for 4th downs to secure first downs, and BHP has gone for it 23 times, converting 19 of those attempts. However, here's the kicker: of the 4 failed conversions, 3 were punts where BHP encountered issues with the snap and the punter had to try and run. So, throughout the season, BHP has only faltered on one 4th down conversion (this was with the 2nd/3rd string against Southside). They need to carry that confidence and willingness to take risks into the game against Clinton.

Lastly, it's all about the mental game. Focus is paramount at this stage. The playoffs demand your absolute best effort, and it's easy for distractions to creep in. There's no room to look ahead, worry about individual awards, or make any slip-ups. In the world of football, the only thing that matters this week is the clash against Clinton. The Bears have displayed mental strength thus far, and now they must combat any signs of mental fatigue. Staying locked in, unwavering in their focus on the ultimate goal, will pay off in the end. I believe this team is built to excel in just that way.

Make no mistake, this is unquestionably the toughest test BHP has encountered this year. Clinton's defense is in a league of its own, perhaps the best in 3A. But the Bears are no slouches either. We're all familiar with Coach Blackston's mantras, and they all hold true this week. For now, we rely on the timeless principle: "Tough People Win!"

2022 Game Stats (Last Matchup)


Score: BHP 13 -- Clinton 28

BHP Stats:


Team Rushing: 42 rushes for 193 yards and 1 TD
Team Passing: 8/14/0 for 124 yards and 1 TD
Team Total: 56 plays for 317 yards and 2 TDs

Rushing Leader: #3 Marquise Henderson - 12 rushes for 112 yards and 1 TD
Passing Leader: #7 AJ Pendleton - 7/13/0 for 121 yards and 1 TD
Receiving Leader: #4 Eli Strickland - 4 receptions for 103 yards and 1 TD
Defensive Leader: #9 Andrew Dickerson - 5 first hits, 4 solos, 4 assists and 26 defensive points

Clinton Stats:


Team Rushing: 35 rushes for 242 yards and 2 TDs
Team Passing: 2/5/0 for 78 yards and 1 TD
Team Total: 40 rushes for 320 yards and 3 Offensive TDs

Rushing Leader: #24 Jayden Robinson - 5 rushes for 98 yards and 1 TD.
Passing Leader: #12 Bryce Young - 2/5/0 for 78 yards and 1 TD
Receiving Leader: #2 Justin Copeland - 1 receptions for 75 yards and 1 TD


Quick Stats

 



Wrap Up


We're down to the Elite Eight in the 3A division, folks, and guess who's still in the mix? Yep, you got it, BHP is right there in the thick of it. But you know what that means – we're talking about the cream of the crop, the top dogs in the state, and BHP is ready to show 'em why they are considered one of the best. It's time to make amends for last season's heartbreaker against Clinton and keep that perfect season rollin' as we gear up for the final showdown on the Bears’ home turf.

I'm calling it right now, folks – BHP is gonna keep the momentum going this week, no doubt about it.

Pre diction: BHP 35 - Clinton 21

Now , I'm not here to plead or beg. This is where true Bear Fans step up and represent. We're not asking, we're telling you – be there, be loud, and let's create an atmosphere that sends shockwaves through the opposition and the state. I'm talking about packing those home stands so tight that you can barely squeeze in another. Stand two or three deep around that fence, and when it's 3rd down, get on your feet and show your Bear pride.

Wea ther? Who cares about the weather! Rain or cold, it doesn't matter. This is it, folks. The last chance this year to catch the Bears at home. Let's fill those stands, crank up the volume, and send our team off to the Upperstate game with a deafening roar from our incredible home crowd. It's time to raise the level, Bear Fans – let's make this one for the books!

Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook and Twitter. Stay in the loop, folks. Because Friday, we will be dropping the GameDay Graphic and will be live Tweeting stats and highlights during the game.

One for the road, “How Bout Them Bears”

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