Bear Track Season Wrap-up Part 1

Heartbreaking. That's the word, the only one that could muscle its way into my brain on that somber ride home Friday night. And even now, almost a week out, it's still holding court in my thoughts. That's the thing about sports, right? It's this wild, unpredictable ride - we sign up for the euphoric highs, but man, we also get sucker-punched by those gut-wrenching lows. Friday night? Classic example. The Bears, they nailed it – they ran the gamut from those mountaintop moments to that soul-crushing defeat. In this post, I'm diving into the nitty-gritty of last week’s Upper State Championship game. We'll break down the plays, the pivotal moments, and yeah, we'll pay homage to this record-smashing season the Bears have had. Because even in the heartbreak, there's a story worth telling.

Game Review

The stage was set, and the anticipation was off the charts. School had been out since Wednesday, thanks to Thanksgiving and Black Friday, so this game couldn't come soon enough. Let me tell you, Bear Fans were absolutely pumped. I got to the stadium almost two hours before kickoff, and there were already lines of Bear Fans waiting to get into the stands. By the time kickoff rolled around, the away side was packed with thousands of Bear fans.

But what everyone came to witness was none other than Them Bears. And boy, did they deliver. The game kicked off with Daniel getting the ball first, and our Bear defense wasted no time flexing their muscles. They forced the Lions into a quick 5-play drive that ended with a punt. BHP, on the other hand, methodically moved the ball down the field and struck first with a 29-yard field goal. The Bears then forced a 3-and-out and took over once more, looking to drive the ball and put more points on the board. And they did just that, capping off the drive with a 19-yard rushing touchdown courtesy of Marquise Henderson. The Bears jumped ahead 10-0 just minutes into the 2nd quarter, and the B-H-P chant was ringing loud and clear.

But this was an upper-state final, and the Lions weren't about to back down. They received the ensuing kickoff and, after seven plays, managed to score and narrow the Bear lead. On BHP's next drive, things got intense as they set up for a crucial 4th and 1, but the Daniel defense came up big, stopping BHP just short. With a short field to work with, Daniel capitalized, going 42 yards to snatch the lead for the first time in the game, making it 14-10.

The 2nd quarter shootout continued with a vengeance. On BHP's next possession, Marquise Henderson broke loose for a 43-yard touchdown, putting the Bears back on top. Like a heavyweight title bout, Daniel struck back with an 84-yard drive of their own, regaining the lead at 21-17. That's how the scoreboard read at halftime.

Both teams made solid halftime adjustments after a wild 2nd quarter that saw a total of 35 points scored. BHP got the ball first in the 3rd quarter, but disaster struck on the very first play when the Bear rusher fumbled, handing the ball to Daniel near midfield. Eight plays later, Colby Bates intercepted a Lion pass, giving the ball back to the Bears. The game settled into a back-and-forth struggle, with no scoring until the final two minutes of the 3rd quarter.

With just two minutes left in the 3rd quarter, Daniel's Tory Shaw powered his way into the end zone with a 5-yard rushing touchdown, extending the Daniel lead to 28-17 heading into the 4th quarter. With their backs against the wall, the Bears rallied, marching 54 yards and scoring on the first play of the final quarter, cutting the deficit to 28-23.

BHP and Daniel exchanged punts, setting the stage for the last 4 minutes and 29 seconds to determine a champion. BHP punted to Daniel, and the Lions took over on the 31-yard line, just 69 yards away from sealing a Lion win. Three plays later, Omri Jackson pulled off a play that will be etched in BHP history. On 3rd and 18, Daniel's Kolton Chapman dropped back, looking to throw deep, but Jackson beat the tackle around the edge, swatted the ball away, and recovered the fumble all in one fluid motion. It was a game-changing play that set the Bears up for the potential game-winning drive.

And there it was, 1st and 10 with only 30 yards between BHP and a score that could put them ahead for good. After a gutsy 4th and 1 conversion, Noah Thomas executed a quick jet sweep pass to Marquise Henderson, who took it down to the 2-yard line. This was the moment every Bear fan had been waiting for. You know, we’ve witnessed some unforgettable plays as a longtime Bear fans: The OT TD that Shouldn't Have Been in 1998 against Union, The Double Block Kick in 2004 against Seneca, The Dropped Faked FG in 2014 against South Pointe, The Drive against Greenville in 2018, The Interception against Wren in 2021. But what unfolded next would overshadow them all.

With less than 90 seconds left in the game, the Bears had 1st and goal at the two-yard line. The snap was made, and in the blink of an eye, the handoff went awry, and the ball slipped out, hitting the ground. In an instant, a Daniel defender pounced on the loose ball, crushing the Bear's hopes of moving forward. Daniel ran out the clock and secured their spot in the State Championship game against Camden. The way I started this post is the only way I can describe the feeling—heartbreaking.

It's tough for me to write this, knowing that nothing I say can ease the sting of this loss, but I do want to share one quick thought. First, this team made this community incredibly proud. Their on-field performance, whether at home or away, represented Belton and Honea Path at an unparalleled level. The excellence they displayed, their remarkable talent, and their workmanlike mentality gave these two towns something to admire.

Second, this team was an absolute joy to watch. From the offense that could strike from anywhere on the field to a defense that embodied BHP's physicality and passion, it was a pleasure to follow and be a part of this journey. I hope I speak for all of Bear Country when I say this: We are immensely proud of this team, and the best is yet to come. HOW BOUT THEM BEARS!!!

Season Highlights

This season, folks, was nothing short of special – one for the history books, I dare say. We witnessed some downright exceptional moments and performances that left us in awe. So, let's run through the top 10 moments and performances from this unforgettable season. And remember, these aren't ranked; they're all equally spectacular.



BHP vs Westside: Let’s start where this year kicked off, with a win over Westside to open the season. This was way back when the weather was hot and the nights didn't get dark until after 9 pm. This was also the opening game for these two top teams. This game gave us all a preview of what this team could do. 62 rushes for 432 yards and 6 TDs, and 197 of those yards and 3 of those TDs came from Marquise Henderson. Along with Henderson’s huge start, we got to see a break-out performance from Tye Kelly. Tye had 4 solo tackles and a sack that set the tone for the game and season. Oh, and who can forget the debut of the Bear Roar on 3rd down!

Peter Bertoni’s Record-Setting Season: Peter Bertoni deserves a standing ovation for his record-breaking season. He's the guy who redefined the kicking game for BHP. His growth throughout the season was nothing short of remarkable. Peter's ability to kick off with power, sending the ball deep into the end zone, nearly eliminated any hope of a return for the opponents. Let's compare the stats: last season, 81 kickoffs with a 45.2 average and 9 touchbacks; this season, a staggering 118 kickoffs, a 48.8 average, and a mind-blowing 25 touchbacks. But that's not all – Peter also set a season record for the number of made field goals and PATs. His unwavering consistency was a pillar of strength for the Bears this season.

Noah Thomas’ connection with Qua Alexander and Tay Paul: Before we dive into the rushing game, let's talk about the aerial magic Noah Thomas brought to the field. Going into the season, our wide receiver core had a mere 9 combined receptions at BHP. But when Noah connected with Qua Alexander or Tay Paul, magic happened. These connections were like lightning strikes, resulting in explosive plays. Picture this: a catch of the year against Powdersville on 3rd and 14, a jaw-dropping 51-yard pass from Noah to Tay that set us up for a pivotal score. Or the 74-yard TD pass to Qua against Woodruff, showcasing Qua's blazing speed. And let's not forget the show they put on against Walhalla, with Qua racking up 159 receiving yards and 2 TDs, while Tay contributed 99 receiving yards with 2 TDs. Qua ended the season with the 3rd most receptions in a single season at BHP, and Noah broke into the top 10 for season passing yards. With 30 of the 108 completions going for more than 20 yards, this trio brought an electrifying dimension to the offense.

BHP vs Wren: The Region Championship game was the stuff of legends, a showdown that had been years in the making. After a hard-fought win against Powdersville, it became apparent that the region championship was bound to come down to this epic clash. Combine that with BHP's undefeated season and the stakes couldn't have been higher. Many questions loomed over this team – could the defense stand firm against a formidable offense? Would the team stay sharp after facing three less challenging opponents? Well, those questions were emphatically answered that night. It turned out to be the best defensive performance of the season, marked by 2 pick-sixes and holding Wren to a mere 167 rushing yards after they had run for over 400 yards the previous week. And let's not forget the trademark Marquise Henderson magic, delivering over 200 yards and 3 TDs, with Shaheem adding 90+ yards and a touchdown. The result? The first region title since 2018, a night etched in the annals of BHP history.

Marquise Henderson’s 301-yard performance: Now, let's talk about Marquise Henderson's superhuman performance. Singling out a single Henderson performance is akin to picking the juiciest T-Bone steak. But this one, in particular, was a jaw-dropper. By the end of the third quarter against Woodruff, Marquise had racked up a staggering 301 rushing yards on just 14 carries, notching 5 rushing TDs. The numbers are almost surreal – 21.5 yards per carry, a touchdown every three rushes. Even two of those 5 rushing TDs were for only 1 yard, a testament to his extraordinary skills. He became just the 4th BHP rusher to achieve the 300-yard mark in a game. And if that wasn't enough, he nearly outdid himself the very next game, rushing for 211 yards on just 7 carries, with 2 more TDs. What Marquise and this offense accomplished this season was nothing short of otherworldly.

Undefeated regular season: Hold onto your hats, folks, because this regular season was pure domination, a chapter in BHP history that will be remembered for years to come. BHP averaged a staggering 52.5 points per game while allowing a mere 18.3 during the regular season. But wait, there's more to the story – BHP outscored our opponents 329 to 92 in the first half of games. That's right, on average, the Bears were winning by more than three touchdowns going into halftime. The last time we witnessed an undefeated regular season was way back in 2010, in Coach Blackston's first year as head coach. To top it off, this marked only the 4th undefeated regular season in school history. The domination was real.

Justin Lathon vs Pendleton: Now, let's talk about the clutch performance that Justin Lathon delivered against Pendleton. In a twist of fate, Marquise and Shaheem went down with injuries, leaving Justin as the last man standing from our original three-headed running back stable. This was a playoff game, mind you. Any other team in the state losing their star running back AND their senior backup, who also boasts over 2,000 career yards, might have crumbled and lost hope. But not BHP. The team, and especially Justin, rose to the occasion when it mattered most. By the end of the game, Justin had amassed 30 carries for 177 yards and 4 TDs. But the story doesn't end there. After carrying the offensive load, Justin returned to his usual defensive end position, delivering 3 hurries and a sack on the last 2 drives of the game. Simply heroic.

The dominance of the offensive line: Let's take a moment to salute the unsung heroes of this unforgettable season – the offensive line. These warriors don't always get the glory, but they're the foundation upon which our success is built. These guys got down and dirty on every play, paving the way for others to shine. Here's a telling stat: out of 432 rushes in the first 3 quarters of games this season, only 24 went for negative yardage. Wrap your head around that – an average of 7.48 yards per rush and a staggering 300 rushing yards per game. Hats off to Oliver Marett, Judson Thomas, Brody Smith, Keylan Dixon, Keagan Mosher, Jamiah Galbreath, Eli Satterfield an honorary lineman, and Xavier Montalvo. These guys set the tone for the Bears and created a record-breaking offense that will be remembered for generations.

The revelation of the defensive stars: It's high time we shine the spotlight on the defense, folks. At the start of the season, most Bear fans were familiar with Omri Jackson, Norikus Cowan, and ExZavier Burns. These three indeed elevated their game to new heights this season, with Omri even earning a spot on the Shrine Bowl team. But what truly stood out was the emergence of the rest of the defensive squad. We've already talked about Tye Kelly, who became the standout on the Bear Defense, leading the team in Solo Tackles, Total Tackles, TFLs, and defensive points. Yet, there's more to the story. Jakyri Anderson, who may have been overshadowed playing alongside Omri and Tye, deserves recognition. He was tied with Tye Kelly for the most assisted tackles, ranked 3rd on the team for most defensive points, and clinched the game-winning pick-six against Clinton. And how about starting a freshman at cornerback? Tajeh Watson-Martin made the coaching staff look like geniuses. He led the team with 7 INTs and 12 pass breakups and was one of 5 defensive players to score this season. Now, let's talk about that D-line. One of the most overlooked aspects of this defense was its ability to control the run with just 4 down linemen. Alongside ExZavier Burns, BHP fielded a formidable lineup of Justin Lathon, Kylan Dixon, Kamarion Glenn, Jamiah Galbreath, and Ty Rainey. This group not only halted the run but also disrupted passes when needed. Lastly, let's give it up for the safeties – Jett Jones, Ri Barnette, and Colby Bates – who stepped up in a big way this season. Ri had a career game against Woodruff, where he recorded 12 total tackles, 2 sacks, 1 TFL, and 47 defensive points. Jett Jones left an indelible mark with a memorable 94-yard pick-six against Wren. And Colby Bates showcased his best games in the playoffs, with 2 pass breakups and an INT against Daniel, and 2 solo tackles, 2 TFLs, and a pass breakup against Clinton. These guys elevated the defense to special heights.

A 4,000-yard rushing season: We've saved the grand finale for the last point, folks. Last season, BHP set the school record with 3,388 total rushing yards. But this year, this team obliterated that record. BHP was just 160 yards shy of breaking it in the regular season alone. When you factor in the playoffs, this team amassed a staggering 4,213 total rushing yards, a mind-blowing 825 yards more than the previous record. The numbers alone are awe-inspiring, but let's not forget who made up those numbers. BHP boasted a 2,000+ yard rusher in Marquise Henderson. Shaheem Robbs wasn't far behind, with over 1,000 yards (1,129 to be precise). And Justin Lathon added to the spectacle with 573 rushing yards. We knew these three would carry the load, but the way they embraced that responsibility and literally ran with it was nothing short of amazing. Now, some might say that the bar is set so high that no future BHP team can surpass it. But here's the kicker – we have another season with Henderson, Lathon, and most of the offensive line. So, brace yourselves, because 5,000 yards might just be within reach.

Wrap Up

This season's wrap-up post may be coming a couple of weeks earlier than we would have wanted, but let me tell you, folks, this team has done something special. They've made us, the Bear Fans, as proud as ever. What a wild ride it's been, and it's been an absolute blast to witness. I urge you all to relish those high moments and get ready for what lies ahead. Remember, even those legendary 2004 State Champion seniors, they too had their share of playoff heartbreak back in their junior year. So, remember what Coach Blackston always says: “The Best Is Yet To Come!”.

Next week we will drop our last Bear Tracks post of the season where we give some shoutouts and list every record that was set this season. Make sure to check in with us for that post.

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One more for the road, “How Bout Them Bears”