2023 Week 1 Bear Tracks

Greetings and Salutations, Bear Fans!

It's finally here: real BHP football. And we're lucky enough to start with a game that is as big as it gets for non-conference matchups. I know, I know, waiting until Friday is like telling little Timmy he has to finish his Fruit Loops before he can unwrap that PlayStation 5 on Christmas morning. The anticipation is killing me!

Let's rewind a bit. Before we revel in Week 1's splendor, let's stroll down recent memory lane: the preseason. BHP took their talents to York last week where they snagged a 30-21 win, but here's the kicker: York's offense managed just one TD against BHP’s first-string defense. As for their other scores? One came courtesy of an 89-yard kickoff return TD. And then, out of nowhere, a 47-yard screen pass nearly found pay dirt, stopping just a yard shy with mere minutes left in the game. But at halftime, the stats were glaring: BHP's 244 total yards dwarfed York's 89, with a halftime score of 24-7 in BHP's favor. So, while it wasn't absolutely dominating, there were some dominant moments in there.

Finishing up the preseason, BHP didn't just win on the scoreboard but also got better as a team. The offseason played its part, allowing the team to gauge their mettle against foes and figuring out which chess pieces go where. But now the games count and it is time to take it up another notch.

So, buckle up, fellow Bear fans. Game 1 is upon us! And if there's one thing I’m excited about it is some of those top-tier Bear moments that this season has in store for us.

Week 1 Preview


We've made it to starting line! After sweating it out far from the limelight, it's time for the Bears to shine bright under those Friday night lights. Week 1? More like Week Fun! And our Bears get to dance with the Westside Rams in BHP's own backyard. Talk about home-field advantage.

Now, let's talk about the Rams for a sec. The buzz around town says that Westside is supposed to be the next big thing. They're sitting pretty at #7 in the SC Media 4A poll – not too shabby. With a handful of players flashing those D1 offers, the real showstopper is their QB, Cutter Woods. The guy’s got coaches from App State, Virginia Tech, and Virginia tripping over each other. But hey, it doesn't stop there. I mean, I’ve seen my share of wide receiver groups, but Westside's? Could be top-tier, led by speed demon Jimmar Boston. Fastest guy on the turf? Maybe. And remember last season's dynamic duo of Joshua Williams and Jameson Wilson? They're back. We might be reminiscing last year’s grind-it-out slugfest, but my gut says Westside might take it to the skies this time around.

Oh, and there’s a new guy calling the shots for the Rams – Brian Lane. If my trusty memory isn't failing me (and c'mon, when does it?), Lane was at the helm for the Woodruff Wolverines back in 2012. A game that went down in the BHP annals with a jaw-dropping 63-56 scoreline (BHP came out on top and still holds the record for most combined points in BHP history). A defensive masterclass? Maybe not. But entertainment? Off the charts.

Let’s dip into recent history between these two teams. We're talking hairline differences. Just 5 points across the last two clashes (19-17 last year, and a nail-biting 23-20 in 2021). And who could forget Peter Bertoni's last-second heroics in 2021? I sure can’t.

Turning our sights to the Bears – I won't lie, I've got a soft spot for 'em. But to come out on top against Westside’s high-octane attack, the Bears need to be on their A-game. Go toe-to-toe, stride-for-stride. But, we’ve seen the Bears play this card before, using offense as their best defense. Their run game? Like poetry in motion. The question on my mind: how many of the team will pull double-duty, playing both offense and defense? Hey, it worked for Powdersville last season.

Here's my X-factor – the BHP faithful. The 12th man. There's no love lost between these teams, and the decibels from the stands could tip the scales. Yeah, it'll be hot, but a little hydration never hurt anyone. Grab a cold drink from the concession, get loud, and let's make this a Friday night to remember.

Alright, Bears. Let's see what you've got. Game on.

2022 Game Stats (Last Matchup)


Score: BHP 19 -- Westside 17

BHP Yardage:


Team Rushing: 41 rushes for 332 yards and 3 TDs
Team Passing: 2/6/1 for 9 yards
Team Total: 47 plays for 341 yards and 3 TDs

Rushing Leader: #3 Marquise Henderson - 17 rushes for 204 yards 2 TDs
Passing Leader: #7 AJ Pendleton - 2/6/1 for 9 yards
Receiving Leaders: #3 Marquise Henderson - 1 reception for 6 yards

Westside Team Yardage:


Team Rushing: 37 rushes for 145 yards and 1 TD
Team Passing: 13/24/1 for 176 yards
Team Total: 61 plays for 321 yards and 1 offensive TD

Rushing Leader: #25 Hunter Puckett - 19 rushes for 102 yards and 1 TD
Passing Leader: #12 Cutter Woods - 13/24/1 for 176 yards
Receiving Leaders: #5 Josh Williams - 3 receptions for 73 yards


Quick Stats

 



Conclusion


If you're looking for the marquee matchup to circle on your calendar for Friday Night, it’s got to be BHP squaring off against Westside. I mean, c'mon! While a loss isn't a death sentence for either team’s season, snagging that W right out of the gate? It's like scoring that first TD – it sets a momentum that just might roll all the way.

Ever heard of that saying, "You Can’t Win Them All If You Don’t Win The First One”? Sounds like something my Uncle Tony would blurt out at the Labor Day picnic, but there's some truth to it. The opener can set the narrative. It’s the sports version of a first impression.

So, here's my hot take: BHP 31 - Westside 24. That's right, I said it!

By the way, 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.

And for all you BHP fanatics out there, I better be hearing this chant booming from the stands all night: “HOW BOUT THEM BEARS!!!!” Let’s go!

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