How Bout Them Bears: The Championship Story Part 2

New Year, New Expectations

The team filed into the cinder block field house at halftime, the mood somber and tense. What followed was unlike anything they had experienced before. The coaches’ usual tirades were expected, but Coach Green’s entrance was different. With the lights off in the field house and the stadium lights casting his silhouette in the doorway, it seemed as if God himself came down to pour out his wrath. He flipped on the lights, paused, and looked at every one of us, just like he did so many times before.

Preseason

As the summer heat faded, it was time to trade conditioning drills and offseason camp for helmets, pads, and full practices, to turn practice fields into proving grounds. The first day of hitting was more than a rite of passage; it was the first step toward discovering what this team was truly made of. Depth charts were shuffled, unselfishness became the mantra, and every position was up for grabs. The coaching staff's puzzle-solving extended beyond playbooks and into the very lineup itself, with seasoned veterans and promising underclassmen vying for their place.

The 2004 season beginning was marked by changes on the depth chart, most notably in the running back position. Bryan Miller, who had rushed for nearly 1,400 yards in 2003, found himself shifting back to wide receiver and defensive back to make room for Chase Robinson, a talented junior transfer who had been ineligible the previous season. This move exemplified the team’s selfless spirit, with players willing to adapt for the greater good. Such shifts were not limited to the backfield; linemen switched sides of the ball, wide receivers became defensive backs, and versatility became the team's hallmark. The coaches cross-trained players, ensuring the best talent was on the field at all times, even if that meant playing offense, defense, and special teams.

Despite having over twenty seniors, the team relied on a few talented underclassmen. The few weeks of preseason practices, scrimmages, and jamborees were crucial in molding the starting squads into cohesive units. The first of these was when the Bears headed to Clinton for a preseason scrimmage against one of the top-ranked teams in the state, their first game-like environment since the humiliating loss to Union in 2003. The result, a 6-6 tie, mirrored the offensive frustration of the previous season and sparked tempers on the BHP sideline. The preseason offered the chance to iron out these issues before the games that counted but with this first on-field challenge, it was clear more needed to be done.

The Anderson County Jamboree provided a perfect platform for redemption. Hosting the jamboree allowed the Bears to face two opponents, Crescent and T.L. Hanna. The team quickly put their offensive woes behind them, dominating both opponents by multiple touchdowns. These victories weren’t just morale boosters; they were proof that the summer’s hard work was paying off, and that this team was ready for the challenges ahead.

With summer sessions and preseason behind them, this team was not yet burdened by the weight of legacy. Their focus was singular: win the opener. However, what lay ahead was an opportunity to cement a legacy, to carve their names into the annals of BHP history. The trials of the summer and the tests of the preseason had forged a team ready for battle, one game at a time. But the first one would be for revenge.

When The Games Started to Count

The Bears opened their season against Laurens, just as they had the last two seasons. Laurens, who had handed BHP a 10-0 defeat to start the 2003 season, was not just any opponent. They had spoiled BHP’s bid for an undefeated regular season the previous year and had beaten them in their last two matchups. To add another layer of intrigue, Laurens was now coached by Doug Painter, the very man who had left BHP and made way for Coach Green.

With storylines piling up and a mixture of excitement, nerves, and anticipation in the air, the 2004 team took the field with redemption on their minds. And redeem themselves they did. By halftime, the Bears had jumped out to a commanding 29-7 lead, ultimately rolling over Laurens. The game showcased everything that would define BHP's season: an unstoppable run game led by O’Bryan Clinkscales, who tallied 115 yards on 11 carries, and a perfectly efficient passing game with Clinkscales completing all six of his pass attempts for 79 yards.

Yet, the star of the show was BHP’s defense. They held Laurens to just 129 total yards, averaging a mere 2.8 yards per play. Despite the strong defensive performance in 2003, which allowed an average of just 9.8 points per game, this team was determined to bury the memory of the 33 points they had given up to Union in the previous season’s final game.

This game was different. The game plan remained the same: dominate on defense and score enough to control the clock with the running game. But from this first game, it was clear that this team had something special. Laurens’ Coach Painter himself admitted, “This is the best team we’ve played from BHP. They’ve got a good football team. They’re going to win a lot of games.” This sentiment was echoed by many coaches throughout the season.

The season started strong and redemption was served in some small order against Laurens. However, it was just the first game and all that was ahead of them were more teams looking to take them down.

As the Bears hosted Westside for their first home game, it quickly became clear that offensive consistency was going to be a challenge. The first half ended scoreless, a stark contrast to the previous week's offensive showcase. Yet, in true BHP fashion, the defense stepped up from start to finish. With just over five minutes left in the third quarter, Westside lined up to punt from their own 11-yard line. The Bears had sacked the quarterback on three consecutive plays, pushing them back 33 yards. The punt resulted in a safety, giving the Bears their first lead of the night at 2-0. This defensive dominance set the tone for the rest of the game, leading to a hard-fought 16-0 victory.

Despite the win, Coach Green and the team as a whole were not entirely satisfied. Reflecting on the pivotal safety, he remarked, “We needed that play to get us cranked up, but that was really a mistake on their part. If we are going to be a great team, we can’t wait on the other team to make a mistake. We have to go out and make the big plays.” His words underscored the need for the offense to seize control and not rely on solely on the defense. The Bears’ defense had shown its strength, but Green knew that for the team to achieve its goals, the offense would have to match that intensity.

The following game against the Palmetto Mustangs provided a much-needed boost for the Bears' offense. They came out strong, scoring on their first four possessions and putting the game out of reach early. The defense, maintaining its dominance, held Palmetto to just 123 total yards and did not allow a first down until the second half. BHP cruised to a 37-6 victory, with Palmetto’s only score coming on a 69-yard fumble return in the fourth quarter. This game showcased the potential of a balanced BHP team, capable of overpowering opponents with both their offense and defense.

However, the Bears’ journey was about to encounter a significant test. One of Coach Green’s scheduling philosophies was to challenge his team with tough opponents, preparing them for the rigors of region and postseason play. This philosophy was evident in their upcoming matchup against the Clinton Red Devils, one of the most storied programs in South Carolina history. Clinton, with its rich legacy of state championships and disciplined, physical style of play, represented a true benchmark for the Bears.

The game against Clinton was one of the biggest in the upstate that week, drawing considerable attention. Clinton sought revenge for the previous two seasons, having lost to the Bears 9-7 in 2003 and 14-0 in 2002. Known for their physical running game and staunch defense, Clinton had allowed only 29 total points in their first three games of the season. Their offensive leader, Chetyuane Reeder, had already rushed for 432 yards and seven touchdowns. This was set up to be a low-scoring, physical contest.

Halfway through the fourth quarter, Clinton held a 7-3 lead, courtesy of a 16-yard run by Reeder. It was the first time all season that BHP had trailed in a game, scrimmage, or jamboree. With 8:27 left on the clock, the Bears took possession on their own 44-yard line. Over six minutes and 66 yards later, they reclaimed the lead with a one-yard plunge by Ronnell Harper. The defense, a steadfast presence throughout the game, returned to the field with 2:09 remaining and forced a turnover on downs, sealing the victory for the Bears.

The Bears moved to 4-0 on the season, but the narrow win against Clinton revealed vulnerabilities. While the defense continued to impress, the offense’s struggles indicated that the team was still a work in progress. Coach Green’s emphasis on making their own big plays, rather than relying on opponents' mistakes, would be crucial as the season progressed.

As the Bears continued their journey, they faced opponents that offered opportunities to build confidence and refine their game. A dominant 34-0 win over Wren showcased the explosive potential of their offense, with three touchdowns coming from plays over 30 yards. The defense, ever-reliable, held Wren to just 108 total yards and forced four interceptions, three of which were snagged by junior Stephen Culbertson. This performance, though against a lesser opponent, served as a crucial confidence booster. The team displayed glimpses of what they could achieve when firing on all cylinders, even if the true test of their abilities had yet to come.

With a 5-0 record, the Bears traveled to Berea, Coach Green’s previous team. BHP emerged victorious with a 29-0 win, but Coach Green was not entirely pleased. He told Kayvon Pourmand from the Greenville News, “I thought we were very lackadaisical in the first half. Our focus and concentration weren’t there.” This sentiment highlighted the ever-present challenge of maintaining high standards and the looming pressure of an undefeated Daniel Lions opponent up next.

Heavyweight Bout for the Ages

The buildup to the Daniel game created the biggest regular-season atmosphere in BHP history. Both teams entered undefeated, with BHP ranked #3 and Daniel #5 in AAA. The stakes were high, with regional championship implications adding to the intensity. Daniel’s formidable offense, averaging over 300 rushing yards and 36.6 points per game, posed a stark contrast to BHP’s stingy defense, which had allowed only 14 total offensive points all season. BHP’s offensive tackle Barry Humphries captured the sentiment perfectly, telling the Anderson Independent, “There’s pressure to win because if you don’t, you know nobody’s probably going to beat Daniel. It’s the biggest game of our regular season.” This pressure was not just a narrative; it was felt deeply by everyone involved.

Most weeks the BHP football team would be fed by the BHP booster club at the school’s cafeteria, however, once a season the Honea Path Civitans would sponsor and cook a meal for the team at their home location in Honea Path. This was always a treat, not saying the normal meal from the booster club was bad, but this was the equivalent of going from Mcdonald's to a catered dinner from the BBQ legend (and South Carolina native) Rodney Scott. That hour or so together allowed the team to relax and enjoy what was present, but they snapped out of that food daze as they watched Coach Green step back into the dining hall putting his phone away from just finishing up a call. As Coach Green addressed the team, his words left a lasting impression: “I hate that team, I hate that coach, and I especially hate his big nose.” It was a stark reminder of the rivalry’s intensity and the desire to win everyone on both sides of this game had.

The game itself did not disappoint. After an initial 77-yard drive culminating in a 34-yard touchdown run by Chase Robinson, both teams battled fiercely. The first score set a tone of determination and prowess, but it was clear that the game would be a defensive struggle. With 6:48 left in the game, Daniel scored to take a 7-6 lead. The Bears fumbled the ensuing kickoff, giving Daniel possession on the BHP 27-yard line. But the Bears’ defense, as they had all season, rose to the occasion, stopping Daniel on fourth down and giving the offense one last chance.

The offense took to the field, their last scoring drive nearly 40 game minutes in the past. Hope was now placed firmly on the shoulders of that side of the ball for the Bears. Before the team lined up, a couple of the linemen from the weak side approached Coach Blackston, the offensive line coach at the time. BHP’s strategy involved a strong side and a weak side setup, flipping linemen based on the ball’s location and formation. Led by Justin Kyle, the weak side tackle, and Chris Rogers, the center, they told Coach Blackston to run the ball to their side and trust them to lead the way. Blackston relayed the message to Coach Green and offensive coordinator Rafael Traynum.

On the first play of the drive, Chase Robinson broke off a 12-yard rush behind the weak-side linemen. The second play added another 10 yards, same side. Almost 90 seconds and 36 more yards later, BHP’s O’Bryan Clinkscales found Kyle Coleman wide open in the end zone for a 26-yard touchdown to take the lead. The noise that followed was unlike anything I had ever experienced. It wasn’t just a loud explosion; it was a tidal wave of sound moving through our bodies, and they felt it all the way back in Clemson. BHP tacked on a two-point conversion, regaining the lead 14-7.

With just two minutes left in the game, the Bears' defense took the field and shut the door on the Lions. BHP moved to 7-0 on the season, a testament to their resilience and stepping up when it counted.

Coach Green summed it up perfectly: “I really think the thing that won this football game tonight was not the offense or defense or the great physical abilities of our players. I think the thing that won this game tonight was our character.” This statement echoed the sentiment that had been building all season – that this team was about more than just athletic prowess; it was about heart, grit, and an unyielding belief in each other.

Yet, even with the triumph over Daniel, Coach Green kept his team grounded. He knew the challenge didn’t end there. Next up was Seneca, another formidable opponent seeking revenge.

The Bears hosted Seneca, a team that came in with a 5-2 record, their only losses being a non-region game against Daniel and a narrow defeat to Westside. The memory of last year’s tight victory over the Bobcats, sealed by blocking not one but two extra-point attempts (that game deserves its own oral history), still lingered. For Seneca, revenge was undoubtedly a motivating factor.

With 3:47 left in the first quarter, Seneca ran for an 18-yard touchdown, marking the first time BHP had conceded points in the first half all season. This early score put Seneca up 7-3, and from there, both defenses took control. The game remained a defensive stalemate until the final quarter. Just like in the previous game against Daniel, the Bears' defense made a crucial stop, setting the stage for the offense to seize the moment.

After a failed fourth down attempt by BHP, Seneca took over on their own 12-yard line. Three plays later, the Bears' defense forced a punt, flipping the pressure onto Seneca’s special teams. The intense pressure, both mental and physical from the Bears, caused the Seneca punter to shank the ball, resulting in only a 10-yard punt. Taking over on the 16-yard line, the Bears offense saw their opportunity.

Two plays after converting a third-and-six, BHP put their trust in quarterback O’Bryan Clinkscales. A fake handoff and a naked bootleg left Clinkscales with nothing but green grass between him and the end zone. Just like the previous week, the resulting touchdown sent a wave of sound crashing over the field. The Bears managed to eke out another close win, 10-7, improving to 8-0 on the season.

The victory, hard-fought and narrow, underscored the Bears’ resilience and knack for finding a way to win, even when pushed to the brink. Each game, they proved that character and grit were as integral to their success as talent and strategy, but with these tight wins would they let their guard down.

The Turning Point

As week nine rolled around, the Bears found themselves on the cusp of securing the region title. Technically, losing the last two games could cost them the championship, but with Pickens and Woodmont combining for only seven total wins coming into the week, such an outcome seemed highly unlikely. This confidence, however, led to complacency. During Monday's practice, Coach Green was forced to cancel the practice and send the team off the field due to the team's lackluster attitude. He later told the Greenville News, “I've been a head football coach for 19 years, and I had never sent a team off the field. I sent them off the field, and then about three-fourths of them came back down the hill after I sent them off, and they wanted to continue with practice. So we sat down and we talked about the problems we were having, and it's nothing that we hadn't talked about all along. I just think they were a lot more receptive to the message then.”

The directive from the meeting was clear: the team needed to work, focus, and play harder than they had all season. And the division between offense and defense had to stop; they had to unite as one cohesive unit.

With the practice issue seemingly behind them, the Bears traveled to Pickens on a cold, rainy Friday night. However, it quickly became apparent that the underlying issues had not been fully resolved. Pickens took the opening drive 55 yards and converted a 22-yard field goal. On their next drive, they went 75 yards in 12 plays for a touchdown. For a team that had only given up seven total points in the first half of games all season, the cracks were starting to show. By halftime, BHP was down 13-0.

The old Pickens stadium, with its field seemingly set in a hole, provided a daunting atmosphere as the night dew and fog descended on the stadium. BHP filed into the cinder block field house at halftime, the mood somber and tense. What followed was unlike anything they had experienced before. The coaches’ usual tirades were expected, but Coach Green’s entrance was different. With the lights off in the field house and the stadium lights casting his silhouette in the doorway, it seemed as if God himself came down to pour out his wrath. He flipped on the lights, paused, and looked at every one of us, just like he did so many times before. This look was not just of anger, it was as if every fiber of his being was trying to implore every player to recognize the opportunity they were squandering. He simply presented that the outcome is solely in our hands, if we want to win we have to put everything behind us and dig deep to find something inside of us. This straightforward message had a profound impact, freeing each player to take ownership and responsibility for the game.

As the teams returned to the field for the second half, it seemed the unbeaten season was still slipping away. Neither team scored in the third quarter, but the Bears showed signs of life late in the third. On the fourth play of the fourth quarter, Chase Robinson capped off a BHP drive with a two-yard touchdown run, getting the Bears on the board trailing 13-6 after missing the extra point.

The defense, once again, was called upon to deliver. Before the Blue Flame’s drive started, O’Bryan Clinkscales went to Coach Williams and asked to play cornerback. Pickens’ quarterback RJ Webb was having success connecting with their top receiver Trey Singleton. Coach Williams put Clinkscales in and left him one-on-one with Pickens’ top threat. Five plays later the greatest play in BHP football history took place. Webb took his dropback and fired a pass toward the Pickens sideline, O’Byran stepped in front of the Blue Flame receiver and intercepted the ball. With a head of steam and BHP football prayers to propel him, he returned the interception 40 yards for a touchdown. The game was tied 13-13 and a new energy jolted through the away sideline.

The Bears' defense forced a punt on Pickens’ next drive, and the offense seized the momentum. Seven plays and 60 yards later, Robinson scored his second touchdown of the night, putting BHP up 19-13. The defense then sealed the victory with an interception on Pickens’ final drive.

In the post-game huddle on the wet and cold field, the team embraced a newfound confidence. It wasn’t about their performance that night but what they had discovered within themselves when pushed to the brink. They had tapped into a deeper level of character and resolve.

With the last week of regular season practice completed and the region championship secured, the Bears traveled to Woodmont. Unlike the week prior, BHP opened strong and never looked back. BHP led 27-0 at halftime and ended the night with a 34-6 victory, clinching the region championship and an undefeated regular season.



As the regular season ended, many things had changed. The weather had shifted from the sweltering heat of late summer to the cool, crisp nights of fall. Players had adapted to new positions, and a newfound confidence permeated the team. But one thing remained constant: the Bears were undefeated, and the target on their backs was bigger than ever.

The regular season came to an end with the Bears capturing their sixth region championship and third consecutive title, along with the second undefeated regular season in school history. Now, only four games stood between BHP and a shot at the State Championship. Each game would present its own unique challenges and riddles to solve. And this is where we will continue the championship story in the next installment.