2023 Round 4 Bear Tracks

Bear Fans, how does it feel to be reading this on the day before Thanksgiving? For me, I didn’t think I could get this jacked up for a game, but the stars have aligned for this one. Them Bears took care of business 27-24 over the Clinton, and that brings us to the biggest game of the year - BHP vs Daniel! I cannot wait!

Let's rewind to last Friday. Picture this: a stadium so packed, you'd think Taylor herself was playing halftime. The atmosphere? Electric. The Bears and Red Devils turned the intensity dial way past ten. It was a gridiron battle royale, and boy, did it deliver!

From the get-go, BHP's defense was like the '04 Bears – ferocious. They forced Clinton to cough up the ball faster than a cat with a hairball. And then – BAM! – Marquise Henderson sprints 40 yards for a touchdown on the first play. The crowd went bananas; I thought the stands were going to collapse!

The Bears struck first, but Clinton wasn't going down without a fight. They tied it up, and BHP threw an interception. Classic back-and-forth action. Clinton grabbed the lead, but our Bears clawed back with a field goal before the half.

Coming into the second half, and BHP's offense was smoother than a jazz solo, capping a drive with Henderson's dazzling 32-yard touchdown. Clinton kept pace, but the Bears' defense held strong, holding them to a field goal. We're all tied up going into the final quarter.

Then, in true Hollywood fashion, the Bears took the lead with a field goal. But the real drama unfolded when Jakyri Anderson made a play that'll be talked about for years – a sky-high interception, running it back 60 yards, sending the crowd into a frenzy.

Clinton tried to rally, but BHP's defense was the immovable object to their unstoppable force. The Bears secured the win, and I gotta say, it was a victory for the ages. This game had everything – drama, heart, and a showcase of raw talent.

Now, let's talk about the energy in that stadium – it was off the charts! The Bears were like a well-oiled machine, firing on all cylinders: offense, defense, special teams – you name it.

But hey, as much as I'd love to keep reminiscing, just like the Bears, we've got to move on. Next up: Daniel. If you thought this game was epic, just wait. The stage is set, the script is written, and it's time for the Bears to show the state what they're made of. Get ready, folks, because this is where history is made!

Shout Outs:


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

Marquise Henderson: The guy's like a Swiss Army knife, but instead of a corkscrew and a tiny pair of scissors, he's got grit and athleticism. The buzz outside of BHP? "Can Henderson carry the load when needed?" And just like a clutch three-pointer at the buzzer, he answers big time. On a night when BHP was leaning, Marquise did what Marquise does best. But let's not sugarcoat it – those 31 rushes weren't a walk in the park. They were more like a sprint through a minefield. Tough yards, tougher player.

The Linebacker Core: These guys are playing like they've got cheat codes enabled. Omri Jackson, Jakyri Anderson, Tye Kelly – these names should be on trading cards with stats like total tackles and hurries that are through the roof. BHP has seen its fair share of linebacker legends, but this squad? They're making sure they are in that historical conversation.

Coach Blackston and the Coaching Staff: Last but definitely not least, let's talk about the magicians behind the curtain - Coach Blackston and his crew. Their performance this season? It's like watching Spielberg direct a high school play - just a whole other level of excellence. The defensive squad, which some had questions about at the start of the season, has turned into this impenetrable fortress. The offense? Even more impressive. BHP punting just once in the playoffs is like seeing a unicorn at a petting zoo. And on Friday, personally, I saw at least 5 rushes that were a shoestring away from being a take it to the house moment for the Bears. And when push came to shove, they stuck to their guns, or should I say, they pounded the rock - classic BHP style. And Coach Blackston - if there was a Mount Rushmore for BHP coaches, he'd be Washington, Lincoln, and Roosevelt rolled into one. His bold moves on 4th down, his trust in the kicking game, and his overall leadership? That's not just coaching; that's artistry.

Week 14 Preview


It's showdown time, and not just any showdown – we're talking the kind of epic battle that makes the history books jealous. BHP squaring off against Daniel, a rivalry that goes back over half a century. And this time, it's not just for bragging rights or region championships; we're talking a ticket to the State Championship, baby! Both teams are rolling in undefeated, like two titans ready to clash in a battle of the ages. This game? It's more than just a game – it's a chance to etch their names in the history books as the Upperstate Champion. Talk about high stakes and adrenaline!

Picture this: Daniel and BHP, the only two undefeated gladiators in the 3A. It's like watching two heavyweight boxers, both with perfect records, dancing in the ring. Daniel's been steamrolling over teams like a freight train, outscoring their opponents by a whopping 491 points. That's not just winning; that's domination with a capital D.

Let's rewind a bit. Over the last six seasons, Daniel's been just as dominant, with an impressive 71-4 record. They've bagged two state titles and have been a staple in the upper state championship. But hey, this is football, where past glories don't guarantee future wins.

Now, let's talk about the Lions’ offense. Daniel has a playbook as balanced as a gymnast on a high beam. Their rush-pass yardage is almost identical, which is about as rare as a perfect game in baseball. Leading the charge is their QB, Kolton Chapman, a maestro in cleats, who's been slinging the pigskin for 2,135 yards with an eye-popping 44 TDs and just 2 INTs. It's like watching a precision air strike.

And don't get me started on their ground game. BHP's got a three-headed monster in their backfield, but Daniel's isn't far behind. Kari Bennett is leading the charge with 1,296 rushing yards and 25 TDs. Tony Shaw and Lee Turnipseed (who is also the backup QB, by the way) are racking up yards like they're going out of style. This trio's like the Three Musketeers of the gridiron, but instead of fighting with swords, they rack up yards.

Then, there's the receiving corps. Five guys with over 250 receiving yards each? Who do you focus on, when they all can make you pay? Graydon Nix, Sam Earle, Jason Bish, Christian Chancellor Jr, and Malakai Nix – this group's got more depth than a Tolstoy novel.

Shifting gears to defense, Daniel has given up a mere 146 points all season – that's 11.2 points per game. They've not given up a single TD in five games this season. The star of this iron curtain? Junior linebacker Spencer Conn. With 121 tackles, 12.5 TFLs, and 7 sacks, he's everywhere and makes plays all over the field. And with 11 INTs, this squad's snagging more balls than a baseball mitt. But here's the cherry on top: 6 defensive scores and 6 blocked kicks (5 punts and 1 FG).

And we can't forget Watson Young, their Shrine Bowl offensive lineman headed to App State. He's the kind of wall you want protecting your quarterback – as reliable as a sunrise.

What's BHP gotta do to clinch the W? It's simple: emulate what got them to the dance. We're talking in-your-face physicality. Last week against Clinton? That wasn't just a football game; it was a statement. And they need to crank that intensity up even more against Daniel. Trust me, Daniel hasn't seen a team that brings the thunder like BHP does.

But here's the kicker: BHP's gotta translate that raw power into game-breaking plays. This Bear squad isn't just about muscle; they're about those highlight-reel moments. They've got to hit the ground running, literally. Bulldoze through tacklers, then bam! Hit the jets and leave everyone in the dust. And it's not just the offense; the defense has to bring the heat too. We're talking punishing tackles that lead to panic throws and butter-finger fumbles. Turnovers, baby, they could be the game-changer.

Now, anyone who's been tracking the Bears knows the real action is in the trenches. BHP's frontline needs to step up big time. Dominate the Lion's D-line, and hopefully, it's going to be a long, miserable day for those Lions. The defensive strategy? Keep rolling with those four linemen. It's been working like a charm, stuffing the run and giving the linebackers the freedom to wreak havoc.

And let's not forget about keeping the pedal to the metal. Coach Blackston’s gutsy calls? Love 'em. Fourth down conversions, defensive blitzes – that's the kind of high-stakes poker that wins games. BHP needs to keep playing with that fearless edge, and it's going to pay off, mark my words.

And here's the juicy storyline: BHP vs. Daniel. This rivalry's got more history than most of the teams in the state. In this epic saga, no game has been more hyped than this one. Sure, Daniel's been riding high in the polls, but when push comes to shove, it’s all about what happens on the gridiron. One play at a time, folks. And for me, it can’t get here fast enough! Let's go, Bears! Bring the house down!

2021 Game Stats (Last Matchup)


Score: BHP 7 -- Daniel 35

BHP Stats:


Team Rushing: 43 rushes for 162 yards and 1 TD
Team Passing: 1/7/0 for 42 yards
Team Total: 50 plays for 204 yards and 1 TD

Rushing Leader: #7 AJ Pendleton - 21 rushes for 95 yards and 1 TD
Passing Leader: #7 AJ Pendleton - 1/7/0 for 42 yards
Receiving Leader: #4 Eli Strickland - 1 reception for 42 yards
Defensive Leader: #25 Jordan Johnson - 5 assists, 2 solos, 1 sack, and 25 defensive points

Daniel Stats:


Team Rushing: 19 rushes for 102 yards and 2 TDs
Team Passing: 24/36/0 for 306 yards and 3 TDs
Team Total: 55 plays for 408 yards and 5 TDs

Rushing Leader: #7 Chris Edge - 15 rushes for 92 yards and 2 TDs
Passing Leader: #16 Trent Pearman - 24/36/0 for 306 yards and 3 TDs
Receiving Leader: #15 Eli Merck - 7 receptions for 82 yards and 1 TD


Quick Stats

 



Wrap Up


Oh my oh my Bear Fans. I truly cannot come up with a description of how monumental this game is. All I have heard online is that this is the matchup everyone has wanted from the start of the season, and I can’t agree more.

From the days in Western 3A, BHP vs. Daniel was the showdown that would nearly always decide a region champion. But folks, we've never seen a championship battle quite like this one between these two. When that clock hits zero on Friday night, one team is gonna be crowned the Upper State Champion, and they'll punch their ticket to the State Championship. And for me, it's gonna be those Bears marching all the way to Orangeburg!

Prediction: BHP 35 - Daniel 28

Now, let me paint you a picture. Back in my junior year, we faced off against Daniel. I can't recall how we managed to score those two touchdowns (but we did, and we won 17-0), or if I even made a play that whole game. But what's etched in my memory forever is this: early in the game, we forced Daniel to go three and out. I turned to jog off the field, and BAM, it hit me like a freight train - a wave of sound, cheers, and love from the stands.

The away stands, folks, were packed to the brim with Red and Blue. But here's the kicker, not a single fan was sitting down. Nope, those fans were on their feet, losing their minds, and rallying behind us out on the field. That night, let me tell you, Bear fans outnumbered the Lions right there in Central. It was electric, it was unforgettable, and that's the kind of energy I'm asking you to bring to this team.

This Bear team will leave it all out on the field Friday. So let's give them the same energy right back. Let's turn that stadium in Central into the Bear's Den! We've got a date with destiny, and it's time to roar like never before.

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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