BHP finished a rocky non-conference schedule with a win over Seneca last Friday night. The Bears were able to make it through a tough slate of games with only one blemish on their record. However, the actual play on the field still looks like a work in progress. But even with the inconsistencies, BHP has seemed to find a new high power offensive identity to lean on. BHP will look to draw on the tough game experiences they have banked so far and turn those into positive gains on the field for the rest of the season.
Week 5 Review
Although the outcome of the matchup with Seneca was what the Bears were hoping for, the actual play left a lot to be desired. Leaving the game last Friday, a heavy feeling of disappointment lingered. During and immediately following the game, it felt like we witnessed the worst half or maybe even full game that BHP had played all year. After further exploration, a few positives can be taken from the performance, even with the inconsistent play.
The first, BHP only gave up 10 points. This was to a team that a week before scored 44 points on Region 1 rival Palmetto. Coming into the game BHP was giving up an average of 26 points per game. Along with the score, the Bears’ defense allowed a season low in total yards and rushing yards and the second lowest passing total. BHP also caused the most turnovers in a game this season against Seneca.
The second positive is that BHP was able to pass for more than 200 yards for the 4th time this season. Last season BHP only had two games with 200 or more yards passing. Along with that, BHP had no turnovers and the most completions in a game all year.
Week 5 Quick Stats
- The 17 completions against Seneca is a tie for the most completions in a game since 2014.
- BHP’s Camden Bratcher has passed for 200 or more yards 6 times in his career. BHP has only had 8 games with a passer with 200 or more yards since 2014.
- Since 2014 BHP has incurred 100 or more penalty yards 13 times, with 3 coming this season.
- BHP’s Xavier Nance needs 26 receptions to take over the most career receptions record at BHP.
- BHP’s Braylon Oliver is averaging 31 yards per catch and has 5 TDs in 10 receptions.
- Since 2014 BHP has had a 100 yard receiver in a game 7 times, with 3 coming this season.
- With the win over Seneca, Coach Blackston brings his BHP career record to 80-23 (a 77.8% winning percentage), only 9 wins away from taking over most all time at BHP.
- Since 2014, in games where BHP has scored less than 30 points in a game, they have a record of 10-12.
- This season BHP is averaging 23% less rushes, 22% less rushing yards, and 35% less rushing TDs per game than in 2017.
- BHP is averaging 50 offensive plays per game, while their opponents are averaging 65 plays per game.
- Since 2014, BHP has had 11 games where they ran 51 or fewer plays. In those games BHP is 10-1 (the only loss coming this season to T.L. Hanna).
- 42% of BHP’s total points have come in the 2nd quarter of games this season.
- BHP has only allowed 6 plays to gain 30 or more yards against them this season (5 of the 6 came against T.L. Hanna). BHP has gained fifteen 30 or more yards plays this season.
- BHP has not scored a rushing TD in the 3rd quarter this season.
Week 6 Preview
With half of the season behind them, the Bears look to turn their attention to games that can win them a region championship. With the previous five games being only a tune up for the upcoming matchups, BHP will look to take their first step towards a region title as they welcome Walhalla Friday night.
BHP has not faced Walhalla since 2015. In that matchup BHP handed the Razorbacks a 54-0 loss. A lot has changed in the foothills and a new era has begun for Walhalla, which has culminated this year. Walhalla boasts an undefeated 5-0 record with an average margin of victory of over 40 points (2nd most points scored in all 4-A this season). BHP will look to slow down a powerful offense and score on a defense that has given up only 41 total points. Walhalla will be looking to make a statement against their toughest opponent of the year.
BHP Stats Through 5 Games
Total Yards: 254 plays for 1,869 yards and 19 TDs
Rushing Yards: 145 rushes for 682 yards and 7 TDs
Passing Yards: 66/109/2 for 1,187 yards and 12 TDs
Individual Leaders
Rushing: Jaquez Dixon - 58 rushes for 332 yards and 3 TDs
Passing: Camden Bratcher - 66/109/2 for 1,187 yards and 12 TDs
Receiving: Xavier Nance - 27 catches for 394 yards and 2 TDs
BHP Opponents Stats Through 5 Games
Total Yards: 323 plays for 1,744 yards and 15 TDs
Rushing Yards: 197 rushes for 1,059 yards and 10 TDs
Passing Yards: 66/126/4 for 685 yards and 5 TDs
Conclusion
We have made it to the time of the season where the games actually count toward a championship. BHP will look to take a step toward that title Friday night against Walhalla, but the Razorbacks will have that and more on their mind when they travel to take on the Bears.
BHP will have to bounce back and play up to their talent level to win against Walhalla. We have the Bears taking the win 31-24 in a hard fought match up.
Nevertheless, this will be a great game and we should all support the team by showing up at BHP for the game. But if you cannot make it, be sure to follow us on Twitter @bhp_bears for live updates.
Let us know if you agree or disagree with our prediction in the comments below or on our social media pages (@bhp_bears or /howboutthembears).