2024 Grab Bag

Alright, folks, we’re just three weeks away from the start of the season, and it’s time for my annual “less than serious” posts. Think of this as our pre-season stretching routine, a grab bag of topics to get us hyped up and ready. It's the blog equivalent of the junk drawer where you find a little bit of everything. So sit back, relax, and let’s have some fun with a few things that have been on my mind.

Topic #1 - The Bear Walk

One of the best gameday operations decisions that has been implemented at BHP in a long while is the Bear Walk! I love it. With the team starting at the indoor training room, coming through a tunnel of fans, and making their way onto the field, it is a tradition that should last as long as we have BHP football.

But you know me, I can’t just leave it as is. It’s time to crank it up a notch. Atmosphere is everything, and the current Bear Walk needs a soundtrack. Here are my suggestions:

Just like always, we are not going the easy way with any of the classics. No “Enter Sandman”, or “Crazy Train” we want to make this unique.

Chris Stapleton - White Horse

Alright, first on the suggestion list is Chris Stapleton’s "White Horse." If you haven’t given this one a listen yet, you’re missing out on an absolute gem. The way this song builds up is nothing short of epic. It starts off slow but crescendos into a high-energy anthem that just screams Friday night. And let’s be honest, there’s something about blasting this tune while tearing down those country roads with the windows down. It's got that perfect vibe for a country school like BHP.

Now, there’s one thing we need to add for this song to hit just right: the intro. "White Horse" starts off a bit slow, but remember what went down at our last home game of the season? The stadium was packed, lights beeming, and it was time for the Bears to make their entrance. Matt Wurtz grabbed the mic, fired up the Bear fans, and introduced the team with the kind of intensity that made the whole place buzz. That kind of entrance? It’s non-negotiable. We need that electric intro no matter what song we pick.

Avicii - Levels

If you've been around for my preseason tomfoolery, you know I'm a sucker for dance music and remixes. So, let's talk about "Levels." Just hit play on the track below and imagine this: the opening notes hit, the mic crackles to life, and a voice booms, “Bear Fans, It’sssssss Tiiiiiimmmeeee for BHP Football!” Then "Levels" drops those beats, and suddenly, it's a full-blown party at BHP.

Fortune Son - Moonlight Remix

We’re pulling out all the stops with this one, folks. Imagine blending classic rock with that high-energy EDM vibe. It’s like the ultimate movie soundtrack, right? What better way to kick off the game than with a remix like this? It’s pure adrenaline, setting the perfect tone for what’s about to go down on the field.

Johnny Cash - God's Gonna Cut You Down

Alright, imagine this: The Bears are making their way down the hill, single file, onto the field. And then, right on cue, Johnny Cash's deep, haunting voice starts booming over the loudspeakers, singing "God's Gonna Cut You Down." It's dark, it's ominous, and it sets the perfect tone. You can just feel the intimidation washing over the other team. I mean, who wouldn't be a little rattled by that? The Bears aren't just arriving; they're making a statement.

Carl Orff - O Fortuna ~ Carmina Burana

Epic grandeur more your style? Try this one.

Immigrant Song by Led Zeppelin

Classic hard rock? Ahhh Ahhhhh Aaaahhh (cue Robert Plant’s voice here). This isn’t just any rock—this is the hard rock rhythm that hits you right in the soul. Now, picture this: the entire crowd, thousands of fans, all doing that iconic Ah Ha bit together. It’s like a wave of pure rock energy crashing over you. Special vocals? You bet. It’s like Plant himself is summoning the rock gods right on the 50-yard line. Pure magic.



Honorable Mentions:

Tag Team - Whoop There It Is
Ramones - Blitzkrieg Bop
Journey - Don't Stop Believin
Alan Parsons Project - Sirius
Wale - Nike Boots
DMX - Party Up
Big Tymers - Still Fly
Steppenwolf - Born To Be Wild


Next year, let's talk about getting a real bear! But for now, those are my suggestions. What songs do you think would make for an epic entrance for the Bears?

Topic #2 - Realignment

With the new season come some big changes in South Carolina high school classifications and regions. I won't dive into the nitty-gritty of multipliers or offer my take on who belongs where. Instead, I want to share my excitement for the reclassification. Unfortunately, for the next couple of seasons at least, we won't have the traditional AAA powerhouses. Teams like Daniel, Wren, Seneca, Greer, and Camden have all moved up to AAAA. Even some previous AAA teams have shifted to AA, like Clinton and Chester.

The notable teams moving into the AAA ranks include Christ Church, Southside Christian, St. Joseph’s, Mountain View Prep, and a few from the lower part of the state.

Along with the reclassification, the regions have been rearranged as well. This season, BHP will play against Crescent, Pendleton, Walhalla, and West-Oak. This gives BHP a great opportunity to face new teams (BHP hasn't played Crescent since 1993 and West-Oak since 2015). Plus, it creates new matchups in the playoffs.

As a result of teams moving in and out of classifications, BHP undoubtedly should be viewed as the top team in AAA. Stay tuned for more on this in future posts.

Topic #3 - Senior Class Opportunity

Here’s one that slipped under my radar until recently. After doing some digging, I discovered that this senior class has a shot at making even more history at BHP. Right now, the senior classes of 2000, 2004, and 2006 share the record for the most wins in a four-year period with 41 victories. This year’s senior class has racked up 27 wins so far, and with a perfect season, they could hit 42 and claim the record outright.

But wait, there's more! They also have the chance to be the only class under Coach Blackston to win back-to-back Region Championships and to be the first ever to achieve three consecutive 10-win seasons in school history. Talk about rewriting the record books! I knew this class was special, but these accomplishments take them to a whole new level.

We’ll dive deeper into these records as the season unfolds, but keep an eye on this class—they’re not just special; they’re extraordinary.

Topic #4 - Motivation

Alright, gather 'round, BHP fans, because I've got a couple of motivational gems for you. With the new classifications, our Bears should be seen as the top dogs—or rather, top Bears—in AAA. Sure, folks will put a target on BHP's back, but we can't let that faze us. The Bears need to stay the hunter, not the hunted. Check out this video from Kirby Smart, the head coach of UGA. Anytime Kirby says “Georgia,” “University of Georgia,” or “The Bulldogs,” just swap in “BHP,” “Belton Honea Path High School,” or “The Bears.” Trust me, it'll fire you up.



Now, a quick shoutout to Michael Lombardi’s football insights. In the podcast episode below, starting around the 17-minute mark, he talks about the Giants battling against the Disease of Me. This concept, coined by Pat Riley, highlights how focusing on personal glory can undermine a team. Remember, championships are won by teams, not individuals. The Bears need to keep this in mind and always put the team first.



Lastly, I don’t have any inside scoop on the team, but what I do know is that this team has everything it takes to achieve greatness. Every Bear fan is behind them, cheering them on. We can’t wait to see them on the field soon. Let's go, Bears!

This season is looking incredibly promising for the Bears, but as we all know, the real battles aren’t won off the field. When game time hits, the Bears will have to step up and lay it all on the line.

So, what are your thoughts on the upcoming season? Got a favorite Bear Walk song? And how do you feel about the realignment? We’re all ears for your takes on everything BHP football as we gear up for the season.