2024 Round 3 Bear Tracks

October is for pretenders and November is for contenders, but December is for Champions!

Maybe it’s the creeping chill of November nights, the early sunsets that dim our collective energy, or the mounting tension of a season narrowing to its peak—but the wait for Friday nights feels endless. Monday mornings stretch into eternity, Tuesday is a second Monday in disguise, and the climb to 7:30 p.m. Friday feels more like scaling Everest without oxygen than counting down days. But as sluggish as last week’s Friday arrived, the contest between BHP and Palmetto was over before you could blink.

And what a blink it was!

BHP didn’t just beat Palmetto—they dismantled them with cold, methodical precision, leaving no room for doubt. Palmetto took the opening kickoff, managed a fleeting glimmer of hope with a 35-yard pass on third-and-eight, and then… well, that was it. That single play accounted for half their first-half first downs. The Mustangs punted, and BHP, stationed deep at their own 1-yard line, began a 99-yard procession that would define the night. Five plays later, BHP was on the board, and the scoreboard operator was in for a busy half.

By halftime, the Bears had amassed a 40-0 lead, outgaining their opponent 384 yards to a meager 86. Palmetto was outclassed at every turn, and their frustrations boiled over in the only way they could—penalties. Four personal fouls later (and a smattering of offsetting infractions for good measure), it was clear this was not Palmetto’s night. BHP, by contrast, was disciplined, poised, and in complete control—earning just one personal foul penalty, a testament to their composure amidst the chaos.

Offensively, the Bears continue to look downright unstoppable, a rolling freight train with no brakes and plenty of passengers. Stack the box to stop Marquise Henderson, and you’ll find Tajeh Watson-Martin ten yards behind your last defender, grinning with the ball in his hands. Sit back in coverage to defend the deep ball? Marquise hits the open field with the force of a wrecking ball and the grace of a ballroom dancer. And then there are the quiet contributors: MJ Earle, James Moore, and Ryan Lee, whose play makes for a defensive coordinator’s nightmare. Oh, and let’s not forget quarterback Noah Thomas, who has a habit of turning would-be sacks into eight-yard gains, keeping defenses honest and the chains moving. But it all starts up front, doesn’t it? The offensive line, the unsung heroes of any powerhouse offense, have been near-flawless in paving the way for this juggernaut.

Defensively, BHP was equally impressive. Palmetto, a team reliant on its ground game and the improvisational skills of its quarterback, was reduced to rubble. They managed just 48 rushing yards all game, with only 27 coming in the first half. Yes, there will always be murmurs about the pass defense, especially after surrendering 411 yards over the past two weeks. But context is everything—those yards came mostly on big plays, 20-yard bursts that looked flashy but rarely finished the job. Only one of the 20-yard passes went for a touchdown, and BHP’s defense, as is their signature, bent without breaking. It’s a team that thrives on forcing offenses to make one more play—and more often than not, that’s one play too many.

For those keeping track, last Friday marked the 59th meeting between these two teams. BHP now owns 52 of those matchups, a lopsided rivalry if there ever was one. The Bears did what they’ve always done to Palmetto: beat them soundly and leave no doubt about who rules the Rivalry of the Bridge.

But this week, the stakes climb higher. Another county rival awaits, one with the grit and talent to pose the biggest test of the season. And while the anticipation of another Friday night feels like an eternity away, one thing is clear: this BHP team is ready for whatever comes next.



Round 3 Preview



The Bears now set their sights squarely on the Powdersville Patriots, another Anderson County rival standing in their way. This marks the second consecutive week BHP faces a local foe and the third straight matchup against a Region 2 team.

Powdersville enters the fray with a 9-3 record, undefeated in region play, and a story arc straight out of Hollywood. They opened the season with a trio of gut-wrenching losses—Seneca (35-34), Abbeville (53-43), and Wren (34-7)—only to morph into an unstoppable force. Since then, they’ve rattled off wins like a team possessed: Pendleton, Broome, Christ Church, Palmetto, Carolina Academy, St. Joseph’s, Southside Christian, Broome again, and finally Woodruff. The turnaround is eerily reminiscent of that team from Columbia—three losses early, but now arguably the hottest squad still standing.

Since their rocky start, Powdersville has sharpened into one of the most balanced teams in 3A, blending offensive firepower with defensive precision. The Patriots are led by two North-South All-Star selections, Elijah Huggins on offense and Joshaun Knuckles on defense.

Huggins, the Patriots’ electric slot receiver, is the kind of player you don’t so much tackle as try to contain, like water slipping through fingers. At 5’6”, he might not be intimidating in stature, but his quickness and agility make him a nightmare matchup. He’s a triple threat—short routes, open-field returns, and those heart-stopping kickoff touchdowns that swing momentum in an instant. BHP’s linebackers and safeties will need to match his speed and discipline to neutralize him.

Knuckles, meanwhile, is the quarterback of Powdersville’s defense, reading plays from his safety spot like a poker player scanning tells at the table. When he intercepts a pass, he doesn’t just end a drive—he threatens to score himself, turning defense into offense in a blink.

Offensively, Powdersville thrives on versatility. Quarterback Keagan Reid commands a modern, multi-dimensional attack that can stretch defenses to their breaking point. The Patriots’ screen game is practically a masterclass, with quick throws to the perimeter, tunnel screens, and running back screens that can go the distance. The linemen don’t just block—they sprint downfield with military precision. Then, just as defenses start creeping up to stop the short game, Reid uncorks a deep ball or pulls the trigger on an RPO that leaves defenders flailing.

Defensively, the Patriots deploy speed like a weapon. They’re not the biggest unit the Bears have faced, but they compensate with relentless pursuit and a knack for causing turnovers. In last week’s win over Woodruff, they forced two game-sealing turnovers in the 4th quarter, showcasing their knack for clutch moments.

For BHP, the formula remains the same: play to their standard, not the opponent’s. But this week, that standard must be nothing short of flawless. Offensively, the Bears have been a juggernaut, averaging over 400 yards and 50 points per game in the last six games. Tajeh Watson-Martin has emerged as a game-breaker, with 572 receiving yards and 9 touchdowns since the West Oak game. His knack for big plays—only nine receptions under 30 yards in that span—has added a dynamism to the offense that’s hard to defend.

Defensively, this will be the Bears’ stiffest test. Powdersville’s mix of screens, deep passes, and RPOs demands disciplined play on every snap. The defensive line must disrupt Reid’s rhythm, collapsing the pocket without overcommitting. The middle of the field, the Patriots’ bread and butter, must be controlled. Crossing routes, digs, and verticals will test the Bears’ safeties and linebackers. It’s chess, not checkers—and BHP must own the center of the board.

With fall break and Thanksgiving swirling in the background, distractions abound. But this team is different, driven by an exceptional senior class with redemption and history on their minds. The stakes are enormous, but so is the opportunity. The Bears know their standard, and now they must live up to it—one flawless play at a time.



Previous Matchup: 2023 Week 6



Score: BHP 56 -- Powdersville 28

2023 Week 6 BHP vs Powdersville Offensive Stats:
Team Rushing: 51 rushes for 285 yards and 6 TDs
Team Passing:7/8/0 for 142 yards and 1 TD
Team Total: 59 plays for 427 yards and 7 TDs

Rushing Leader: #3 Marquise Henderson - 26 rushes for 171 yards and 4 TDs
Passing Leader: #7 Noah Thomas - 7/8/0 for 142 yards and 1 TD
Receiving Leader: #6 Qua Alexander - 5 receptions for 54 yards
Defensive Leader: #5 Tajeh Watson-Martin - 6 solo, 1 assist, 1 INT, and 30 defensive points

2023 Week 6 Powdersville vs BHP Offensive Stats:
Team Rushing: 29 rushes for 164 yards and 4 TDs
Team Passing: 16/22/3 for 171 yards
Team Total: 51 plays for 335 yards and 4 TDs

Rushing Leader: #13 Elijah Huggins - 4 rushes for 74 yards and 2 TDs
Passing Leader: #16 Eli Hudgins - 13/18/3 for 115 yards
Receiving Leaders: #12 Landon Fowler - 3 receptions for 64 yards



Quick Stats





Bear Talk



This week I was able to connect with Shamad Lomax, the Bears’ defensive backs coach. Originally from Due West, Lomax honed his skills in Texas high school football before attending New Mexico State, where he started all four years and earned All Sun-Belt third-team honors as a senior.

Lomax’s mix of big-time Texas football and Division 1 experience makes him an invaluable asset to the Bears. His approach blends tactical precision with lessons learned on the field. Here are three questions to dive into the mind behind our defensive backs.

Q: There are a lot of nuances to playing defensive back: steps, hand placement, eye discipline, communication, and so forth. I know that you helped this group take a huge step in those aspects this offseason. What are some aspects that most overlook about playing defensive back and how were you able to help this current group form one of the most dominant defensive secondaries in the state?

Coach Lomax's Answer:
You're absolutely right, all these aspects play a huge role in being a defensive back, which we worked on all off-season. But, I think the mental aspect of being a great defensive back is the most overlooked. As a defensive back, you have to play with confidence and have a short-term memory. This group plays with tremendous confidence every Friday because of the way they prepare Monday-Thursday. This group has become students of the game, which has helped us take a step forward this year.

Q: Your group of defensive backs this season has made a huge leap on the field. From the guys out wide like Tajeh Watson-Martin, Marquise Henderson, and Norikus Cowan, and even the safeties like Colby Bates, and KJ Miles. What about this group has allowed BHP to limit passing teams to some extremely low numbers when they face BHP?

Coach Lomax's Answer:
This group of guys are very special and make my job as a coach so much easier. They're very coachable players, and they're always willing to work on their craft. This group is very competitive and willing to accept any challenge thrown their way and they play that way on Friday nights.

Q: You are also one of the track coaches at BHP. One thing that has been a calling card for BHP in the recent past and the current team is team speed. What aspects of track speed translate to football speed and how have you seen that in the defensive backs you have coached at BHP?

Coach Rogers’ Answer:
Running track definitely helps with your top-end speed which is a necessity for football. We've had a lot of our defensive backs run track over the past two years, such as Tajeh Watson-Martin, Dee Chester, Hayden Almers, Jacus Paul, and Marquise Henderson. That top-end speed has been shown numerous times this year on both sides of the ball. We've had a lot of explosive plays offensively and we've eliminated explosive plays defensively because of our speed in the back end.


Thank you, Coach Lomax, the knowledge you bring not only the on-field football knowledge but also how to prepare and develop like a D1 player can be seen in the players you coach on the field. Thanks again for giving us some insight!



Wrap Up



Thirteen weeks of BHP football. Let that sink in. In the 58-year history of BHP, only seven teams have pushed their season this far. This Friday, under those bright, unforgiving playoff lights, the 2024 Bears join that exclusive club as they lace up for game number 13. For most programs, practicing on Thanksgiving is a dream, a coveted sign you're in the hunt for a championship. This year, though, it’s not just a dream—it’s a statement. It’s not about resting on laurels; it’s about earning a seat at the Upperstate table. The stakes? Simple: win, and the journey continues; lose, and even that extra slice of pumpkin pie won’t make the weekend feel right.

I’ve said it all season, and I’ll say it again—this team is special. Friday is another chance for them to prove just how special. Them Big Bad Bears have rolled through opponents with the kind of grit and dominance that turns heads across the state. And come Friday night, they’ll show up with the same relentless energy, ready to march on.


Prediction: BHP 42 - Powdersville 21

Now, Bear fans, it’s time for some real talk. The attendance at these first two playoff games? Let’s call it what it is—disappointing. Look, BHP isn’t just another team scraping its way through the playoffs. This is the top-ranked team in the state. Over the last three years, they’ve gone 35-4. And yet, where’s the energy? Where’s the noise? Where’s the sea of Navy and Red in the stands, turning the Bear Den into the fortress it’s supposed to be?

Take a look at this image below, snapped during the 2004 Upperstate Championship against Clinton. The stands were packed. The energy was electric. That’s the standard. That’s the benchmark. And here’s the good news: Friday gives us one guaranteed last shot to meet it.

BHP vs Clinton 2004 Fans

So, show up early. Be loud. When it’s third down, roar like your lungs can’t hold back anymore. When the Bears cross the goal line, erupt like the stands themselves might crack open. Let Powdersville know they’re stepping into hostile territory. Energy is contagious, and if you bring it, this team will feel it—they’ll feed off it. And trust me, these Bears will reward you for it.

We want to see all of you Bear fans at BHP to support the Bears this Friday. But if you can't, don't forget to follow us on Facebook and X. Stay in the loop. Because Friday, we will be dropping the GameDay Graphic and will be live Tweeting stats and highlights during the game.

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