2024 Week 1 Bear Tracks

Bear Fans, the wait is finally over. Game week is upon us and the Bears are poised to kick off what could be the most anticipated season in BHP history. There’s a palpable buzz in the air, the kind that only comes when expectations and reality clash on the gridiron.

Why is this season so highly anticipated? The answer lies in how last season ended—and in the faces of those who return to the field. The Bears stormed through the season with a 13-1 record, charging all the way to the Upperstate Championship for only the third time in the program's history. But then came Daniel—Daniel, with a heartbreaking twist that left every Bear Fan gasping for breath, a collective gut punch that we’re not speaking of. But this season, this team, they’re back with a score to settle. The sting of last season’s end hasn’t faded; it’s only sharpened their focus.

This year’s squad is stacked with 25 seniors and 16 returning starters. That’s not just experience—that’s the kind of battle-hardened leadership that turns a good team into a great one. But with experience comes expectation and with expectation comes pressure.

BHP is sitting at #1 in the AAA preseason rankings, but you know as well as I do that rankings don’t win championships. The reclassification has turned the narrative into a “Championship or bust” situation and I believe this team is more than ready for the challenge. Expectations are high, sure, but the thrill comes in watching this team write their story, one chapter, one game at a time.

So here we are: Week 1—Chapter 1.



Week 1 Preview



The Bears will open the 2024 season against the Broome Centurions from Spartanburg County. Last season, Broome put together a solid 9-3 campaign, finishing second in Region 3-AAA before bowing out to Clinton in the second round of the playoffs with a 38-7 loss.

Broome’s offense last year was driven by a dynamic duo—senior quarterback Kamajay Brackett-Brannon and sophomore running back Jaylen McGill. Together, they racked up over 2,700 rushing yards and found the end zone 30 times. But here’s the catch—both players are gone. Brackett-Brannon graduated and McGill has taken his talents to the newly minted Mountain View Prep.

Despite those losses, Broome is still hanging tough at #8 in the preseason rankings. The big question for them is this: How do they replace not just their top two offensive weapons, but also Shrine Bowl offensive tackle Steven O’Dell? Will they stick to their spread run attack, or will they try to air it out and push the ball downfield?

On defense, Broome brings back their top tackler, Tyqwon Booker, and their top pass defender, Tre Suber. But let’s be honest, Bear Fans—it’s hard to imagine they’ll be able to slow down BHP’s high-octane offense.

And speaking of the Bears, we’ve talked at length about the returning players, but there’s nothing like seeing them in action, seeing how another year of development has transformed them into star athletes ready to make their mark.

One more highlight for this Friday night’s game: the 2004 State Championship team will be honored on the field. It’s been 20 years since BHP claimed its first and only state football title. Could this be one of those cosmic alignments, where one era passes the torch to another, and a new championship run begins?



Previous Matchup: 2013 Playoffs Round 2

 

Score: BHP 42 -- Broome 12

2023 BHP Stats Offensive:
Team Rushing: 563 rushes for 4,213 yards (7.48 yards per rush) and 64 TDs
Team Passing: 108/163/7 for 1,585 (9.72 yards per pass) and 22 passing TDs
Team Total: 726 plays for 5,798 yards and 86 TDs

Rushing Leader: #3 Marquise Henderson - 207 rushes for 2,336 yards and 37 rushing TDs
Passing Leader: #7 Noah Thomas - 108 / 163 / 7 for 1,585 and 22 passing TDs
Receiving Leaders: #6 Qua Alexander - 63 receptions for 881 yards and 8 TDs


2023 BHP Stats Defensive:
Opponent Team Rushing: 419 rushes for 1,736 yards (4.14 yards per rush) and 21 TDs
Opponent Team Passing: 195 / 361 / 16 for 2,275 (6.3 yards per pass ) and 15 TDs
Opponent Team Total: 780 plays for 4,011 yards and 36 TDs

Tackles Leader: #18 Tye Kelly - 46 solo, 31 assists, 13 TFLs, and 318 defensive points
Pass Defense Leader: #5 Tajeh Watson-Martin - 12 pass breakups, 7 INTs, and 1 TD
Sack Leader: #2 Omri Jackson - 5 sacks, 9 TFLs, and 22 QB hurries.



Quick Stats





Wrap Up



Bear Fans, the moment is here. A new season, brimming with hype and expectation. But this hype isn’t just hot air—it’s grounded in talent, in preparation, and in the sheer potential of this team. Friday night is more than just a game; it’s a statement, a showcase of what this team can do. And I, for one, can’t wait to see it unfold.

And remember, "You Can’t Win Them All If You Don’t Win the First One!"

Prediction: BHP 45 - Broome 21

Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook and X. 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.

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