BHP opened the AAAA Round 1 playoffs hosting a familiar playoff foe, Union County. Going into the game BHP was 1-7 in games against Union or Union County with the only win coming in their State Championship march in 2004. By the end of the game BHP improved their record to 2-7. BHP opened their playoff run with the victory over Union County 24-21.
The win over Union County creates another familiar matchup with the top program in the state, South Pointe. BHP will be traveling to Rock Hill to face the top ranked AAAA team in the state in a matchup that is very reminiscent of the 2014 matchup.
Round 1 Review
After a regular season finale that came down to the last play of the game, BHP put on a cardiac encore. A defensive battle led to a 7-7 halftime stalemate. The second half was no different. However both teams started to get the ball moving in the 4th quarter. BHP scored to open the 4th quarter and take the 21-14 lead. BHP then scored their last points with 7 minutes left in the game, a 37 yard field goal made by Lance Jones. The game seemed to be slipping out of Union County’s hands. But Union County answered with a TD drive of their own to cut the lead to 3 with 5:31 left in the game. After an interception, Union County took over with 4:20 left looking to take the game winning lead. Only two plays later BHP forced a fumble and took over on the 16 yard line which inevitably sealed the game.
Fast Facts
Coach Blackston is tied for BHP’s all-time playoff wins with 10. Blackston is also the only BHP coach to have a winning playoff record.
BHP has not thrown a 4th quarter TD.
80% of BHP’s passing TDs have come in the 1st half of games this season.
BHP has outscored opponents by 99 points in the 1st half of games this season.
BHP has only outscored opponents by 9 points in 4th quarters this season.
The 4.6 yards per play against Union County was the 2nd lowest this season for BHP, only higher than the 3.2 against T.L. Hanna.
The one negative yardage play for BHP was the 2nd least this season. BHP did not have any negative yardage plays against Powdersville.
The 3.2 yards per rush was the lowest average for BHP this season.
BHP is averaging 60.3 less rushing yards per game than they did last season.
The 10 BHP penalties against Union County was the 7th time this season that BHP was penalized 10 or more times.
This season BHP is averaging 11.1 penalties and 98.1 penalty yards per game, 48.6% and 43% more, respectively, than in 2016.
The 67 plays run by Union County was the 2nd most run against BHP this season. Greenville ran 83.
BHP is averaging 1.9 takeaways per game this season, up from 1.2 last season.
BHP is only allowing 16.6 points per game this season. Last season 18.9 was averaged.
BHP has reduced average rushes, yards, rushing TDs, and positive yardage rushes from last season.
The 269 total yards gained by BHP was the 3rd least gained by BHP this season.
BHP’s Camden Bratcher is now 8th all-time in passing yards and has the 4th best passing season by a Bear (167 yards away from taking over 3rd place).
Check out the full stat line at the Round 1 box score
Round 2 Preview
As BHP takes on South Pointe, they look to shock the top team in the state and vanquish ghosts of past losses to South Pointe. As familiar of a playoff opponent Union County is for the Bears, South Pointe has been just as prevalent in recent history. This is the 3rd time BHP has found themselves matched up against the Stallions in the playoffs, but this is the earliest they have met. The first time the Bears met the Stallions was in the 3rd round of the 2014 playoffs. BHP traveled to South Pointe and came up 3 points short in overtime 23-20 (BHP dropped a fake field goal attempt). The next matchup was last season when BHP hosted the stallions. BHP was able to hold South Pointe scoreless in the 1st half, but a two and a half minute span saw South Point take a 21-0 lead in the 3rd quarter. South Pointe ended BHP’s season with a 35-7 win.
Both of the previous matchups lend precedent that BHP matches up with South Pointe possibly better that any other team in the state. This year should be no different. Both teams will rely on their defenses, but South Pointe will look to lean on their division 1 talent in the offensive backfield.
Season Leaders
Individual Totals
Rushing: RJ Ellis – 213 rushes for 1239 yards and 15 TDs
Passing: Camden Bratcher – 128 completions on 219 attempts and 6 interceptions for 1776 yards and 15 TDs
Receiving: Zy Scott – 32 catches for 524 yards and 6 TDs
Wrap Up
Playoff formats truly are the best measuring stick of team athletics. There is no next game or votes and polls to rely on. You must win to advance and by advancing you allow yourself on more game. BHP has taken their first step into the playoff path, but this path is laden with obstacles that have not been seen this season, but the results of the games are the same, Win or Go Home.
BHP will travel to South Pointe looking to upset the top rated AAAA team in the state. We see BHP avenging their past losses against South Pointe with a 28-24 win to shock the state.
The game will be at BHP this Friday night, so come out and support your Bears. 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).
Special Note
Leaving the game last week and even during the game, we overheard conversations about how there is no chance the Bears or any team will be able to beat South Pointe. There will not be a person outside Belton or Honea Path that will give the Bears a chance to win, but by putting on the jersey and stepping on the field, BHP will be able to prove everyone wrong. I am sure the team will hear that they have what it takes to win all week, but we the fans may need to hear it too. BHP has a special defense and are starting to show some explosive attributes in their offense. BHP can match up with South Pointe!
We think of an old comparison of two types of historical sinking ships. As Bear fans we can be Titanic shipmates or USS Arizona shipmates. The Titanic shipmates thought the outcome was inevitable and it was time to get on the life boats. The USS Arizona shipmates ran to their post to fight back and never once thought the fight was over. I ask if you do not plan on being a USS Arizona shipmate for the team this week that you do not make the trip to Rock Hill and just follow us on Twitter for updates. But if you truly believe that there is still fight left to fight and the outcome is not already decided, then come and cheer on your Bears. They do not plan to go to South Pointe just to keep the score close, but BHP looks to win even if no one thinks they can.
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