Bold Predictions 2024

Hey, Bear fans! We’re officially in that magical part of the preseason when I dust off the ol’ crystal ball, channel my inner Nostradamus, and start making bold predictions for the upcoming season. So, let’s dim the lights, fire up that fog machine, and dive headfirst into the unknown as I drop some daring, possibly prophetic, takes for this year.

And before you start calling me crazy, let’s just agree that this is audaciously bold!

Tajeh Watson-Martin breaks the school record with 10 INTs and 25 Pass Breakups

Let’s talk Tajeh Watson-Martin—yeah, the guy whose name you should already know if you’ve been paying any attention to the Bears. As a freshman, Tajeh wasn’t just good—he was a revelation. We’re talking 7 interceptions, 12 pass breakups. Those numbers alone would put him in the conversation as a defensive standout, but let’s be real, Tajeh isn’t here to settle for just being in the conversation. He’s been grinding all offseason, hitting the weights, fine-tuning his skills, and getting his mind right for what could be a breakout season of epic proportions (we see that grind on twitter).

Now, it’s not just about Tajeh leveling up; it’s about the whole squad around him. The Bears have stacked up their defensive line, and this is where things get interesting. In football, the secondary’s success is often a direct result of the pressure the D-line can put on the quarterback. The more heat the front line brings, the more errant throws we’ll see from opposing QBs. And guess who’s going to be there to capitalize on those mistakes? Yep, Tajeh Watson-Martin. The way this defense is shaping up, Tajeh is going to be in the perfect position to rack up those picks and pass breakups. This defensive synergy could be the secret sauce that propels Tajeh into record-breaking territory.

But here’s the kicker—Tajeh’s not just a product of a great defense; this kid’s got skills. He’s the kind of corner that leaves wide receivers stranded on a proverbial island. Picture it: Opposing QB drops back, sees Tajeh glued to his top receiver, and thinks, “I’m gonna test this guy.” That’s when Tajeh pounces. And with more targets coming his way, the stage is set for some serious game-changing plays—plays that could rewrite the record books.

If Tajeh hits these lofty milestones, we’re not just talking about him setting single-season records; we’re talking about him becoming the all-time leader in both interceptions and pass breakups at BHP. Yeah, it’s a tall order, but if there’s anyone who can pull it off, it’s Tajeh Watson-Martin. This season, all eyes are going to be on him as he chases down history.

The defense gets 30 takeaways

After last week’s post, you probably sensed it—I’m sky-high on this season’s defense. And why shouldn’t I be? This unit isn't just built to frustrate opponents; it’s designed to dominate, plain and simple. But here’s the kicker: I believe they’re not only going to shut teams down but also generate takeaways at an absolutely elite rate. I’m not just throwing out hyperbole when I say this defense could hit a whopping 30 takeaways this season. That’s right—30! And I’m about to show you how it all comes together.

Let’s start by revisiting the 10 turnovers we talked about with Tajeh Watson-Martin in the previous prediction. But hold onto your hats, because we’re about to dive deeper into how the rest of this defensive juggernaut is going to chip in.

First up, Tye Kelly. This guy’s impact? It’s nearly impossible to measure. But let’s give it a shot anyway. Tye’s ability to drop into coverage and then suddenly explode like a bolt of lightning when he sniffs an opportunity—it's nothing short of spectacular. Picture this: the quarterback thinks he’s safe for just a split second, only to realize Tye’s bearing down on him at warp speed. That kind of quick-twitch reaction is going to lead to a lot of forced fumbles this season. Opposing players won’t even know what hit them before the ball’s popping out. I’m calling it now: Tye’s forcing 7 fumbles this season, recovering 4 of them, and let’s toss in 2 interceptions for good measure. Tye Kelly is going to be the kind of game-changer that opposing offenses have nightmares about.

Next on the list? Marquise Henderson. This guy is going to spend some time on defesnse too. Locking down the opposite side of the field from Tajeh Watson-Martin, and with two elite corners, the passing lanes are going to look like rush-hour traffic—clogged and frustrating. But here’s what makes Marquise a special breed: his versatility. He’s got the athleticism and football IQ to drop into coverage, anticipate what’s coming, and adjust on the fly. One moment, he’s sticking to his man like glue; the next, he’s abandoning his assignment to jump a route or blitz off the edge. His background as a running back? That’s going to pay off in spades because he knows exactly how to strip the ball from unsuspecting carriers. I’m betting Marquise will notch 4 interceptions and 3 fumble recoveries. His instinct and timing are going to be a huge problem for opposing offenses.

Now, let’s talk about the big boys up front: Justin Lathon, Kamerion Gleen, Kylan Dixon, and Ty Rainey. These guys don’t get the headlines, but they create absolute mayhem in the trenches. Last week, I mentioned Kamerion and Kylan are poised to make serious strides this season. One of the ways they’re going to do it? Takeaways. Now, I’m not saying these linemen are going to be snagging picks, but their ability to disrupt the backfield with those strong, active hands is going to lead to a lot of fumbles. When you’re constantly living in the backfield, bad things happen—for the offense, that is. I’m confident this group is going to recover at least 6 fumbles, and honestly, I wouldn’t be shocked if they top that.

Finally, we’ve got the ball-hawks in the secondary: Norikus Cowan and Colby Bates. These safeties? They’re the real deal. They’ve got the talent and awareness to capitalize on every mistake the opposing QB makes. With the front seven bringing the heat, Norikus and Colby are going to be in perfect position to pick off some hurried throws. I’m penciling in a combined 5 interceptions for these two. Their ability to read the play and react on a dime? That’s going to put them in the right spot at the right time, more often than not.

So, there it is—a bold prediction, not just 30 takeaways but 34 takeaways for this defense, and we haven’t even scratched the surface with contributions from other key players like Jakyri Anderson, Ty Parnell, Patrick Sloan, and Jamiah Galbreath. This season, the BHP Bears’ defense isn’t just about stopping the other guys—it’s about taking the ball away and giving the offense even more opportunity to score. This kind of defensive play? It’s going to make the Bears a force to be reckoned with all season long.

Marquise Henderson gets to 6,000 career rushing yards and 2,000 receiving yards

Alright, let’s talk about Marquise Henderson—we all know how impressive he is rushing, but the thing about him is how dynamic he can be all over the field. We’re not just witnessing a great high school player; we’re watching a legend in the making. Marquise is only 379 rushing yards away from breaking the career rushing record at BHP (record: 4,942 rushing yards). Think about that. One of the last milestones he hasn’t hit yet, and when he does, he’ll cement his legacy as one of the all-time greats at BHP. But here’s the thing—why stop there?

We’re talking about a guy who, if BHP decided to hand him the ball 20-30 times a game, could absolutely blow up record books. You want eye-popping numbers? You got it. But there’s more to Marquise than just ground-and-pound. This dude’s got agility that’ll leave you dizzy and speed that makes defenders look like they’re running in quicksand. Get him out in the open field with just one or two guys to beat, and I’m betting on Marquise every single time. He’s a mismatch waiting to happen. And the Bears have a golden opportunity here—if they get creative and start using him in new ways, the sky’s the limit.

Now, let’s take a second to really appreciate where Marquise is right now and where he’s headed. The guy’s already racked up 4,564 career rushing yards with a ridiculous 10.64 yards per carry. Do you know how insane that is? At this pace, give him 12 rushes a game, and we’re talking about him crossing the 1,500-yard mark early in the playoffs. That would push him over 6,000 career rushing yards—territory that only a handful of high school players have ever reached. And it’s not just about the sheer volume; it’s how he does it. Every time he touches the ball, it’s a symphony of power, speed, and vision. Watching him run is like watching poetry in motion. And here’s the best part—he’s not even close to being done.

But let’s not sleep on his receiving game. This guy isn’t just a one-trick pony. Marquise has already pulled in 482 receiving yards on just 28 receptions—averaging a cool 17.21 yards per catch. Now, imagine he starts catching 8 balls a game. Do the math, and you’re looking at a guy who could easily top 1,600 receiving yards by the second round of the playoffs. Combine that with his rushing prowess, and you’re staring at one of the most versatile, dangerous players not just in BHP history, but in the entire state of South Carolina.

When—yes, when—Marquise pulls this off, he’s not just going to be the greatest player BHP has ever seen. He’s going to be in the conversation for one of the greatest players in South Carolina high school football history, period. And that’s without even getting into the touchdown records he’s about to shatter. Week after week, as he finds the end zone, records are going to fall. We’re on the verge of witnessing something truly special here.

Marquise Henderson is writing his own chapter in the history books, and trust me—you’re going to want to be along for the ride.

BHP will matchup against 5 undefeated teams when they play

Alright, let’s dive into this prediction with the kind of enthusiasm that only a high-stakes football season can bring. BHP is staring down one of the toughest schedules they've had in years, and it’s going to be a wild ride. We’re talking about a season that could see up to five undefeated matchups—yes, five—where every game feels like it could be the turning point of the year. That is half the season. These aren’t just games; they’re showdowns, potential season-defining battles that’ll shape BHP’s destiny as one of the top teams in the state.

Let’s kick things off with Broome, the equivalent of that free space in Bingo (because it is week 1 everyone is undefeated), but with a twist. Broome’s no pushover—they’re ranked in the top 10 of AAA. This is the first game, and it’s the one that sets the tone. A strong showing here doesn’t just get BHP off on the right foot; it plants a flag. It tells the rest of the schedule, “We’re that team.” And trust me, everyone’s going to take notice.

Next up, Greer. Now, this one’s interesting. Greer’s got something to prove, especially after losing their star running back to JL Mann in the offseason. They’ve got a tough opening game against Boiling Springs, and if they pull off an upset there, it sets up an undefeated showdown with BHP. This could be a real statement game for both teams.

Now, let’s talk about the third game, which isn’t just a highlight for BHP—it’s one of the most anticipated matchups in the entire state. We’re talking Westside, the reigning AAAA state champs. This is the big one, the ultimate test for BHP. But here’s the thing—Westside’s got a brutal schedule leading up to this game. They start with Creekside out of Georgia, who were state runners-up last season, and then they face T.L. Hanna in what’s one of the most intense rivalries in the Upstate just a week before facing BHP. If Westside gets through these games without a scratch, the clash with BHP is going to be monumental. This isn’t just a game; it’s a battle for supremacy, and it’s going to echo far beyond the final whistle.

Now, let’s slow it down a bit and look at the next two matchups—both region games, and both absolutely critical. The region title is likely going to come down to BHP, Crescent, or Pendleton. And here’s where it gets tricky: both Crescent and Pendleton have relatively light schedules before facing BHP, making them unpredictable and dangerous.

First, there’s the Week 8 matchup with Crescent. If Crescent handles business in their early games, particularly against Sulda and Ninety-Six, they could roll into BHP undefeated on October 18th. An undefeated Crescent team adds a whole new layer of drama to this game. It’s not just about winning; it’s about who’s going to own the region. BHP will have to be on point because Crescent’s going to be gunning to prove they belong at the top.

Then there’s Pendleton in Week 9. They’ve got one big hurdle before facing BHP—a Week 4 game against Powdersville. If they clear that, we could be looking at another undefeated showdown. This game could be the decider for the region title. For BHP, it’s not just about keeping their own undefeated streak alive; it’s about locking down the top spot in the region and setting themselves up for a deep playoff run.

And let’s not forget about Chapman and Laurens. These teams are no joke, and the only reason they’re not pegged as potential undefeated matchups is because of how brutal their schedules are. BHP’s path is littered with challenges, and there’s zero room for error. But that’s what makes this season so exciting—it’s tough, it’s relentless, and it’s filled with opportunities for BHP to prove they’re one of the best in the state.

This season is going to be a rollercoaster, and BHP is right in the thick of it. Buckle up, because this ride is just getting started.

Undefeated State Champion

So here we are. Last week, I tossed out the question: Can the Bears go undefeated? I left you hanging without an answer. Well, here it is—YES THEY CAN! AND YES THEY WILL! And now, let’s break down how they will make it happen.

First, a quick disclaimer: This prediction is all mine, folks. The coaches, the team—they’re not talking about this, they are not looking ahead, not ranking opponents, none of that. This is just me, playing the role of football prophet.

Now, as we’ve discussed before, this season’s schedule is one of the toughest in years. But when you really dive into it, the challenges might not be as insurmountable as some people think. The first two games—Broome and Greer—have a common theme: Both are missing their top dogs from last season, thanks to the transfer portal, I mean legitimate school transfers. Broome’s star, Jaylen McGill, is now balling out at Mountain View Prep, and Ladainian Martin from Greer has taken his talents to JL Mann. McGill was a beast, averaging 160 yards per game with 24 rushing TDs, and Martin racked up over 1,500 yards with 17 TDs last season. These two were the engines of their teams, and with them gone, Broome and Greer are left scrambling to fill those massive voids. Advantage, BHP. Bears start the season 2-0.

Next up, let’s bundle a few teams together: Palmetto, Walhalla, and West-Oak. Even though I think Palmetto and Walhalla will be improved over last season, they’re still not on BHP’s level. These should be easy wins later in the season. Bears cruising at 5-0.

Now, let’s talk about Laurens. In recent seasons, they might’ve been lumped in with that last group, but things are changing. They’ve got a new head coach—Greg Porter, the guy who turned Greenville High into a State Champion contender. Porter’s one of the top coaches in the state, and he’s going to get Laurens on the right track soon. But not this year. Not against BHP. Bears go 6-0.

The last non-conference game is against Chapman, one of South Carolina’s top programs over the last decade. Last season, Chapman went 10-2, but like Broome and Greer, they’re losing their top player—though this time it’s due to graduation, not a transfer. Coleman Gray, who averaged over 170 passing yards and 75 rushing yards per game, has moved on, leaving some big shoes to fill. Now, will BHP be limping into Week 6 after a tough early schedule? I say no. Bears at 7-0.

Let’s get into the meat of the region schedule. Two games stand out: Crescent and Pendleton. BHP hasn’t faced Crescent since the ’90s, but they’ve been making serious investments in their football program, as you can see from their shiny new facilities. They haven’t made much noise in the playoffs, but I’ve got a feeling Crescent will be undefeated when they clash with BHP. Crescent’s bringing back their QB and top-four rushers from last season, so this one won’t be a cakewalk. Pendleton, on the other hand, will also come into the game against BHP undefeated I predict, but they’ve got to replace some key pieces from last season—Luke Gray and Kory Jones, who were absolute studs. Gray threw for over 3,800 yards and was Anderson County’s Offensive Player of the Year, while Jones hauled in over 1,500 of those yards, with 114 of them coming against BHP last season. Different styles of play, but the result? Bears stay perfect at 9-0.

And now, let’s address the elephant in the room—or should I say the Ram? Week 4, BHP faces the reigning AAAA State Champs, the Westside Rams. BHP handed Westside their only loss last season, but this year’s Rams team has reloaded in a big way. Sure, they graduated some key players like Tank Boston and Josh Williams, but they’ve also benefited from the transfers coming into the program, picking up six senior transfers over the summer. Among them are Chamarryus Bomar and Armoni Weaver, two highly recruited defensive backs who also make plays on offense. Bomar and Weaver are ranked #9 and #8, respectively, in South Carolina’s 2025 class and are both committed to Appalachian State. This Westside team is stacked. To say this will be BHP’s toughest test is an understatement. Even if BHP makes it to the State Championship game, they won’t face a team more talented than Westside in Week 4. But here’s the thing—Westside had talent last year and the year before, and BHP still came out on top. Week 4? Bears win. BHP goes 10-0.

So there it is—an undefeated regular season for the second year in a row. But let’s be real, that’s just the ticket to the playoffs. This year’s playoff run will look a lot different, especially in the upstate, with traditional powers like Daniel, Clinton, Chester, and Greer no longer in the classification. BHP is coming into the season ranked #1 in AAA, and honestly, not many teams seem to have what it takes to knock them off. Down in the lower state, Dillon and Oceanside Collegiate look like the biggest threats. A deep playoff run—even a State Championship—is less of a bold prediction than an undefeated regular season.

So here’s my call—15-0. Undefeated from start to finish. Ranked #1 from start to finish. Three consecutive 10-win seasons, and BHP’s second state title. Whooo! There it is!

Alright, Bear fans, my prediction hat is off for now, but the season is just heating up! Whether the Bears hit these bold marks or not, one thing’s guaranteed: we’re in for a thrill ride every single week. And speaking of weeks, don’t miss next week’s Bear Tracks post. The season starts and so do our weekly Bear Tracks post with matchups and some details for every game.

One last preseason HOW BOUT THEM BEARS!