The start of a football season usually comes with its fair share of jitters and hype, but BHP’s opener? It was less of a beginning and more of a prelude to something seismic. Picture this: a fuse burning down to a stick of dynamite, but instead of a bang, it’s the crack of cleats tearing up the turf, setting off shockwaves that reverberated throughout the bleachers. That’s what Marquise Henderson brought to the table on opening night. This wasn’t just a game—it was a spectacle, the one where everyone in the stands knew they were witnessing the start of something special. And trust me, they were right.
The night started with a tip of the hat to the past—a tribute to the 2004 State Championship team. A championship team passing the torch - that’s some poetic foreshadowing if I’ve ever seen it. Then, because BHP knows how to kick things off in style, we had parachutists descending from the sky like it was mission impossible Honea Path edition. You’ve got to love a team that goes all in on the drama. But the real fireworks? Those came courtesy of Mr. Henderson.
Let’s talk about Marquise for a second. This guy isn’t just fast; he’s the kind of fast that makes you question the laws of physics. Blink, and he’s already in the end zone. Blink twice, and he’s there again. Henderson didn’t just add this game to his highlight reel—he might as well have directed and produced the whole thing. By the time the dust settled, Broome’s defense looked like they’d been caught in a Category 5 hurricane, and Henderson was the eye of the storm.
Now, Broome deserves a nod. They came out swinging, and on the first play, they dropped a 44-yard trick play on BHP. For a second, it looked like we had a game on our hands. But BHP’s defense wasn’t interested in theatrics. They slammed the door so hard that Broome managed just two more first downs in the entire first half. By halftime, Broome’s offense was reduced to a whisper—55 total yards after that initial play. Fifty-five. And as if to add insult to injury, they ended up with -11 rushing yards in the first quarter. Yes, you read that right.
But let’s circle back to Henderson because a performance like his deserves more than a footnote. Eight touches. That’s it. And what did he do with them? He piled up 259 all-purpose yards and dropped four touchdowns like it was nothing. This wasn’t football; it was a clinic. By halftime, BHP was up 38-7, and you could practically hear the collective sigh from Broome’s sideline. They were up against something they couldn’t stop—a runaway freight train in cleats.
Now, let’s be clear—this game wasn’t perfect. There were penalties and some gaps in the second-half rushing defense that need tightening. But make no mistake: this was a statement. Dominance, pure and simple. And if this is just the opening act, then the rest of the upstate better brace themselves. These Bears are coming, and they’re hungry.
Next week, the show hits the road as BHP rolls into Greer to face the Yellow Jackets. The million-dollar question: Can they keep this runaway train rolling at full speed? If I were a betting man, I’d put my money on a resounding yes.
The 2024 season might still be shaking off its preseason dust, but for the BHP Bears, Week 2 already carries anticipation. It’s like being first in line at the theme park, and instead of warming up on the carousel, the Bears are diving headfirst into the high-speed coaster. Next stop? A road trip to face the Greer Yellow Jackets—a team BHP knows well, like an old rival you’ve sparred with one too many times. Eleven clashes, with the Bears holding a tenuous 6-5 advantage. But the last time these two matched up, Greer waltzed away with the win in 2021, a stark reminder that yesterday’s glory doesn’t earn you today’s bragging rights.
The Bears are rolling into this matchup on the back of a season opener that didn’t just add a notch to the win column—it was a full-blown declaration. Think of it as the high school football equivalent of dropping the mic after a killer verse. Meanwhile, Greer is coming off a Week 1 that can only be described as a nightmare—a 43-0 defeat at the hands of Boiling Springs. That’s not just a loss; that’s a soul-searching kind of beatdown. But don’t let that scoreline fool you into thinking Greer’s going to lie down. If you’re writing them off after one bad night, then you haven’t been paying attention. This is a team with the tenacity of Rocky Balboa—sure, they might get knocked down, but just last year, they took a few early season punches, only to sweep through region play undefeated, grabbing the top seed in Region 2-AAAA. They’re not just wanting to crash the Bears’ party—they’re looking to flip the script on their season.
For BHP, the game plan is as straightforward as it gets: foot on the gas and don’t ease up. Start fast, start strong, and make Greer sweat from the first whistle. Greer’s secondary got exposed last week like the secret twist on a reality show, and it’ll be intriguing to see if the Bears stick to their classic ground-and-pound philosophy or if they opt to turn this into a high-flying affair, airing it out and daring Greer to keep up.
Defensively, BHP needs to tighten the bolts. They were mostly rock solid against Broome, but there were a few lapses—three plays over 30 yards, to be exact. If the Bears can seal those up and bring the same relentless energy that had Broome seeing shadows, this contest could be done and dusted by halftime.
So, what’s the forecast for Friday night? Another thrilling chapter in what’s shaping up to be an unforgettable season for the Bears. If they can capture even a fraction of last week’s magic, they won’t just leave Greer with a win—they’ll return with the kind of momentum that transforms good teams into great ones. My prediction? Bears fans, you’re coming back home with a shiny 2-0 record.
Score: BHP 14 -- Greer 21
BHP's 2021 vs Greer Stats Offensive:
Team Rushing: 53 rushes for 163 yards
Team Passing: 5 / 14 / 1 for 158 yards and 2 TDs
Team Total: 67 plays for 321 and 2 TDs
Rushing Leader: #8 Marquise Henderson - 10 rushes for 56 yards
Passing Leader: #7 AJ Pendleton - 5 / 14 / 1 for 158 yards and 2 TDs
Receiving Leaders: #15 Nevada Billups - 4 receptions for 143 yards and 2 TDs
Greer's 2021 vs BHP Stats Offensive: Team Rushing: 30 Rushes for 156 yards and 3 TDs
Team Passing: 8 / 19 / 1 for 116 yards
Team Total: 49 plays for 272 yards and 3 TDs
Rushing Leader: #28 - 9 rushes for 71 yards
Passing Leader: #17 Hollis Crosby - 8 / 19 / 1 for 116 yards
Receiving Leaders: #8 Chase Byrd - 3 receptions for 54 yards
The season is off to a roaring start, and the Bears, well, they're doing exactly what we thought they would—showing everyone why they’re the top dog in this fight. But let's be clear: rankings don’t win championships; grit does. Game one was a showcase, a statement that the Bears aren’t here to play—they’re here to conquer.
Now, as they pack their bags and hit the road, there's no room for complacency. This week’s challenge isn’t just about keeping that pristine record; it’s about sending a message. With each snap, the Bears aren’t just looking for a win—they’re hunting for dominance, making sure that every opponent knows they’re up against a force of nature. The unbeaten streak? That’s just a side effect of what happens when you play with a chip on your shoulder and the talent to back it up.
Prediction: BHP 49 - Greer 14
We want to see all of you Bear fans head out and support the Bears by making the trip up to Greer this Friday. But if you can't, 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.
Exceeding Sports is a solutions company dedicated to elevating high school athletic programs through strategic consulting services and innovative application development. With a focus on culture cultivation, program strategy, and data-driven decision making, ExSp provides the tools and expertise needed to foster successful, impactful sports programs, creating a positive and enriching environment for student athletes.
Learn More
Comments