Here at Bear Stats we try our best to limit pointing out the negatives when it comes the the Bears as a team and more importantly the individuals. We will continue to avoid referencing individual players based on play that is detrimental to the team. However, we cannot overlook the play of the team as a whole. The performance Friday night was the most embarrassing loss in the last decade for the Bears.
The lack of intensity, no visible leadership on either side of the ball, inability to be creative, and just a non-existent killer instinct led the Bears to lose their opening region game. We are 6 games into the season and these traits have been evident all season, but came to the forefront and culminated in a loss to Walhalla on Friday night. All of this makes this team so frustrating to watch.
Week 6 Review
Since the loss against T.L. Hanna, BHP has been on a downward trajectory with their on field play and it culminated with a 33-22 loss against Walhalla. Walhalla jumped out to a quick 14-0 lead with two interceptions returned for touchdowns. From that point on, BHP was trying to play catch up and never found a rhythm. BHP scored and converted the 2pt conversion to cut their deficit to 8, but was unable to limit the Walhalla offense, who drove for the game icing field goal.
Coming into the game, there were more questions about the quality of Walhalla’s opponents and after the game those questions quickly turned to how good the Bears actually are.
Week 6 Quick Stats
- Since 2014 BHP has had 9 games where they had more turnovers than offensive TDs. BHP is 0-9 in those games.
- In games that BHP has lost this season, BHP is averaging 133 yards per game while averaging 267 per game in games they won.
- Since 2004 BHP is 75-22 (77.3%) in home games while 55-23 (70.5%) in away games.
- BHP has been outscored in the 1st quarter of games 48-28 this season.
- BHP is perfect on kicks this season, 21-21 PATs and 2-2 Field Goals.
- RJ Ellis turned in the 37th two rushing touchdown in a game performance for the Bears since 2014. * This was the first this season (BHP had 7 last season).
- BHP has given up 310 more yards rushing than they have gained.
- BHP is allowing 66% more rushing yards per game than last season.
- There have only been 9 teams to beat BHP at home in a regular season game since 2004 (Berea, Clinton, Daniel (3 times), Greenville (2 times), Laurens, Palmetto, T.L. Hanna, Westside (2 times), Walhalla).
- Since 2004 BHP is 25-6 coming off a loss in the regular season. The last time BHP had back to back losses was in 2011.
- 45.9% of BHP’s plays against Walhalla were on schedule plays (success rate). BHP held Walhalla to 30.5% on schedule plays.
Week 7 Preview
BHP faces long-time Anderson county rival Palmetto this week. Both teams opened region play with a loss and realistically the loser could, for all intensive purposes, be eliminated from playoff contention.
Although the downside of losing is great, BHP still has the ability to win the region, but the road has no room for error and will need some help from Walhalla’s opponents. Palmetto will also be extremely motivated for the game against BHP. After BHP’s debacle Friday night, Palmetto can smell blood in the water and they will be looking to beat their rival for the first time since 2008.
2017 BHP vs Palmetto
Score: BHP 28 - Palmetto 21
BHP Stats
Total Yards: 61 plays for 333 yards and 4 total TDs
Rushing Yards: 44 rushes for 185 yards and 3 TDs
Passing Yards: 10/17/0 for 148 yards and 1 TD
BHP Individual Leaders
Rushing: RJ Ellis - 15 rushes for 101 yards and 1 TD
Passing: Camden Bratcher - 10/17/0 for 148 yards and 1 TD
Receiving: Zy Scott - 3 receptions for 50 yards
Palmetto Stats
Total Yards: 46 plays for 225 yards and 2 TDs
Rushing Yards: 19 rushes for 83 yards and 1 TD
Passing Yards: 12/27/0 for 142 yards and 1 TD
Palmetto Individual Leaders
Rushing: Braylon Peterson - 11 rushes for 37 yards
Passing: Watson Harbert - 13/27/0 for 142 yards and 1 TD
Receiving: Jay Lagroon - 5 receptions for 57 yards
Conclusion
The best thing about this week is that the Bears have the opportunity to play again. This Friday does not only give the team a chance for redemption, it is also a rivalry game. BHP has not lost to Palmetto since 2008. BHP has to get back on track to salvage their season. Yes, we are being very bleek, but in the words of Mike Lombardi (former Browns General Manager) BHP has to learn how to not lose before they can learn how to win.
We haven’t been close to any of our predictions and because of that we will give two; one if BHP plays up to their talent and one if they play like the did against Walhalla. If they play to their potential we see BHP winning 35-14 and if they play like they did last Friday night we see BHP losing 24-21. Who knows.
Nevertheless, this will be a great game and we should all support the team by showing up at Palmetto for the game. But if you cannot make it, be sure to follow us on @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).
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