Grab Bag

We're smack dab in the middle of that weird no man’s land. BHP is still tackling preseason foes while some of the South Carolina squads are already kicking off their seasons. The Bears just finished off a scrimmage and jamboree last week, and now they're heading up the road to York this Thursday to put a bow on their preseason. And speaking of wrapping things up, it's about that time to close out our preseason blogging blitz with a fresh little number I’m gonna call: "The Grab Bag".

Yeah, you heard me right. We're going a tad rogue on this one. Picture this post as your church’s potluck dinner: a wild mix of everything from Ms. Thelma's fried chicken to someone’s gross deviled eggs. But trust me, there's gonna be some good eatin’ in here, and make sure you get some of that German Chocolate Cake at the end! Just like in the potluck line, some things we'll breeze past, while other bits will fill our plate. And hey, if you guys end up vibing with it, "The Grab Bag" might just make a surprise comeback later in the season.

Alright, no more stalling. Crack those knuckles, kick off those shoes, and get comfortable, let’s chow down in this Bear Football smorgasbord.

Returning Bears


Okay, so we've name-dropped a few of these returning juggernauts in my past ramblings this preseason. But now we want to acknowledge all of the returning Bears from last season’s team. These are the very guys that make me think, "Could this team go the distance? Could they really pull a '04 Bears on us?" I mean, it’s about time, right? Now that the season's getting its motor running, it's only fair we roll out the red carpet for all of the returning Bears making their way back.



Here's the thing: I'm all-in on this team. I'm talking Power Right - Quise To The House kind of "all-in." And guess who’s carrying the Herculean weight of my lofty expectations? Yep, this very group. It’s not just the experience under their belts that has me amped. It’s that, plus their sheer raw talent. But, my friends, we’re nearing that crossroads moment. That moment where potential meets turf. That talent and grit need to show up, not just in stats but in Ws. If I was a betting man I would be betting on these Bears.

Scrimmage and Jamboree Results


I mean, can we talk about actual football? Finally, after what felt like an eternity of waiting, we saw the Bears – not facing a scout team, but other squads. Sure, these aren't the games that'll decide any championships or legacy, but they do give that exhilarating first look.

The Bears jumped into action in a 5-team scrimmage on a balmy Tuesday followed by the Hartwell Gridiron Classic Jamboree last Friday. Let's dive in!

So, the scrimmage: I've watched a lot of football in my day, and yet this setup was kinda refreshing. BHP, Abbeville, Greenwood, Seneca, and Woodmont – all got work in on the same field (although BHP did not face Abbeville). Two sets of scrimmages going on at the same time. Kinda reminded me of 7-on-7 matches but with linemen. Props to whoever thought of this format. Allowing two full scrimmages to happen on one field? Now that's what I call optimized work time.

First up, Woodmont. Alright, so BHP allowed a long TD pass (after a couple of Bears collided going for the ball), but then it was pure vintage BHP. 40 yards in 3 plays culminating in a Marquise Henderson touchdown. That's what we’ve come to expect. The offense just kept firing, with both Henderson and Justin Lathon putting points up like it's a video game.

Greenwood was next on the dance card. They were met with an iron-clad defense, ending their first drive with a fumble. Henderson did what he always does, zipped 40 yards for another highlight-reel TD. Overall, Greenwood only scored one time against the Bears while BHP scored three total TDs against the Eagles.

The last scrimmage matchup was against Seneca. Enter Shaheem Robbs. A blend of brute force and agility, Robbs was the star of this show, accompanied by another Henderson's routine TD. On the defense, the Bears got two interceptions, complementing the offense like a vintage Tyson one-two punch. BHP scored a total of three TDs offensively while the Bobcats scored just one.

The scrimmage ended in a goal-to-go practice. Aside from a couple of blunders to start, it was pretty much the BHP show. The Bears scored nearly at will. The scrimmage was like watching a 90s sports montage and I didn't want it to end. Fantastic stuff, but always room for improvement.

Now on to the Hartwell Gridiron Classic against Washington Wilkes. The Bears traveled to Westside and looked to set the tone early. A couple of short runs set up a 25-yard pass from Noah Thomas to Que Alexander. Sounds like a pairing we could get used to. Sure, they had a hiccup with the field goal attempt (two consecutive false starts moved them out of field goal range), but the next drive? BHP magic! Henderson's 36-yard TD run was poetry in motion. Washington Wilkes tried, but the Bears’ defense held its own like a fortress on a hill. BHP ended the jamboree up 24-0 after a half of play.

But look, I'm a realist (laughter from the back). The Bears have some work to do before facing Westside in Week 1. Like any team going through the preseason, it's all about ironing out the wrinkles before showtime.

This week's game at York is a big one for the Bears. This will be the toughest opponent the Bears will face in the preseason. Will the Bears keep up their offensive masterclass? Will the defense stand tall? Time will tell, folks, but we will let you know later this week.

Fan Participation


You know, I can't help but flash back to those formative years, going to BHP games and playing in front of a packed stadium. Let me tell you something: I firmly believe BHP can be the crème de la crème of high school football atmospheres.

Bear Fans, I'm throwing down the gauntlet: I want us to own that reputation, every single home game. We're talking about some mammoth matchups this season, starting right out of the gate against an Anderson County foe Westside. My gut says this BHP team is one for the ages. So, let's make every visiting squad instantly regret stepping foot in our house. And you can be a part of that!

And hey, while we're talking challenges? Dive headfirst into the team's social media. Give those posts a thumbs up, and share those player highlights. In the age of likes, retweets, and TikTok dances, hitting that share button is the digital equivalent of painting your face and cheering from the stands (but its no substitute, please still come and cheer from the stands).

Now, let's get a little interactive. Ever wanted to be a part of a sports call-in radio? Here's your chance. Drop us your burning questions, your hot takes, or just let us know the pulse of the Bear Nation. We might not be going live on air, but we would love to add your voices to these posts. We're eager to hear what's brewing in those bear-driven minds of yours.

Bottom line: We've always known Bear Fans are top-tier. But let's make sure every team that rolls into town gets a firsthand lesson on why we're the gold standard. How Bout Them Bear Fans!

Coaching Staff


Oh, you know what? We've got a topic on deck that doesn’t see the spotlight nearly enough. We're diving into the sideline squad for the upcoming season, folks. Yep, these are the unsung heroes, the architects behind the scenes who orchestrate the plays and set the stage for those heart-pounding moments. I'm talking about the coaching staff, baby.

So, here's the deal - these guys, they're like the offensive linemen of the team's success. They take the hits, they put in the sweat, and they rarely get the glory. But today, we're gonna tip our hats to them because they deserve it. They're the puppeteers pulling the strings, and it's high time they got some recognition.

First and foremost, let's talk Coach Blackston. The guy's a legend in his own right already. He's stepping onto the field with more wins under his belt than any other coach in BHP history. We're talking 108 victories. This ain't his first rodeo, either - he's been holdin' down the fort at BHP for 14 seasons. Oh, and don't forget, he just notched his fourth season with double-digit wins last year. That's some serious experience. He’s also getting some state-wide recognition as he is one of the Shrine Bowl coaches for this upcoming season.

But wait, there's more. Down the coaching ladder, you’ve got your coordinators and Associate Head Coach. John Ballenger, he's the Associate Head Coach, and let me tell you, he's got his fingerprints all over this operation. Then we’ve got Jarad Jennings, the defensive mastermind, and Andrew Jenkins, the offensive maestro, tag-teaming as coordinators. These guys are the mad scientists, concocting the game plans that keep the Bears one step ahead of the other squads.

Now, hold onto your hats, because we're rollin' deep with the position coaches. We're talking Dalton McClain, Chris Rogers, Shamad Lomax, Cody Jordan, Chris Strickland, Josh Wade, Chris Donovan, Cody O'Brien, and Charlie Davis. These are the unsung leaders, the unsung MVPs, if you will. They're the ones molding those raw talents into gridiron gladiators, and let me tell you, it's an art form (please don't crush me if I missed someone).

Here's the kicker: these guys, they're allergic to the spotlight it seems. They're the champions of humility, deflecting credit like pros. They'll be the first to tell you it's all about the team, all about the players. But guess what? As the season curtain rises, it's time we shined that spotlight right back at them. They've earned it, they've sweat for it, and it's time they got a round of applause.

So there you have it, folks. The coaching staff - the architects, the strategists, the mentors. Let's give them a nod, a salute, a virtual standing ovation. They're the unsung heroes, the wizards behind the curtain, and as the season kicks off, let's make sure they know just how much we appreciate their grind.


"Boom! That's a wrap on our preseason coverage. I gotta be honest, this might be my personal highlight, solely because it means the actual game fireworks are about to ignite.

Did you have a hot take on this squad? Or maybe there's something quirky you're itching to see jazz up the gameday vibe? Or, heck, maybe you just want to shout from the rooftops, 'How 'Bout Them Bears!' Drop us a line in the comments or light up our social accounts (Facebook and X - Twitter).

The clock's ticking. Next week, It's showtime. We'll be rolling out our Week 1 Bear Tracks, dishing out a killer matchup graphic, and live posting game stats on Twitter. Subscribe and keep those notifications on – you're not gonna want to miss a single play of BHP Bear Football. Buckle up.

One more for the road. HOW BOUT THEM BEARS!

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