The 2024 Bear Tracks Five Questions

Every year, as the BHP Bears gear up for another season, I like to play a little game: Five Questions. These aren’t just questions—they’re the kind that keep coaches up at night, the ones that decide whether the Bears are contenders or pretenders. This year, the questions are more relevant than ever, and the answers will define the story of this season. So, let’s dive right in.

1) Will people be talking more about the defense than the offense?

Let’s get one thing straight: the BHP offense has been a juggernaut. We’re talking about a machine that churns out yardage and touchdowns like they’re on an assembly line. And a lot of that success rides on the back of Marquise Henderson, a guy who doesn’t just move the chains—he moves the game. Henderson’s been the go-to guy, the kind of player that makes you circle his name on the roster and say, “Yup, he’s the one.”

But here’s the kicker: this year, the Bears’ defense might be the real headline. Yeah, you heard me right. They’re coming off a stellar season, and they’ve got a lot of the same faces back in the lineup. This defense could be the best we’ve seen in years, maybe even one of the top units in the entire state.

It all starts with the big boys up front—Justin Lathon, Kamarion Glenn, and Kylan Dixon. These guys are like a brick wall with a bad attitude. They don’t just hold the line; they collapse it. Offenses are going to have to double-team, triple-team, or maybe just pray, because these three aren’t just looking to stop you—they’re looking to embarrass you.

And behind them, you’ve got linebackers Tye Kelly and Jakyri Anderson, who aren’t just tackling machines—they’re the brains of the operation. These guys can sniff out a play before it even develops, and when they hit, they hit hard. They’re the kind of players that make opposing coaches rethink their entire game plan.

But don’t sleep on the secondary either. Tajeh Watson-Martin, Colby Bates, and Norikus Cowan are the real deal. Watson-Martin is the kind of recruit every college coach dreams about, with agility that makes you think he’s got springs in his shoes and a football IQ that’s off the charts. Bates has the instincts of a veteran, always in the right place at the right time, and Cowan’s speed makes him a problem for opposing coaches. Together, they’re a secondary that doesn’t just cover receivers—they shut them down, lock them up, and throw away the key.

So, could this be the year when the defense steals the spotlight from the offense? If this crew keeps doing what they’re doing, don’t be surprised if the talk of the town isn’t about Henderson and company, but about a defense that might just be the Bears’ ticket to a championship.

2) What will the passing game look like with new top receivers?

Alright, let’s dive into what the passing game might look like for the Bears this season—because with Tay Paul and Qua Alexander graduating, we're staring down the barrel of some serious question marks. Those two didn’t just lead the receiving corps; they were the receiving corps. We’re talking about a combined 1,252 yards and 15 touchdowns between them. That’s 79% of the yards and 68% of the touchdowns the Bears put up through the air last season. You don’t just replace that kind of production overnight.

So, what now? Do new receivers emerge, or does the coaching staff decide to shift some of that responsibility to the most electric player in the state, Marquise Henderson? If you’ve watched Henderson play, you know he’s got that "it" factor—explosiveness, versatility, and the ability to turn a routine play into a highlight reel. He’s the kind of guy who can stretch the field or make defenders miss in the open field. You get him the ball, and good things happen. It wouldn’t be shocking if they start using him more as a receiver, especially out of the backfield, to keep defenses guessing.

Last year, the Bears and quarterback Noah Thomas leaned heavily on Paul and Alexander’s speed on the outside. This year, we might see a different flavor. The game plan could involve more of Henderson's dynamism, alongside scheming some easier throws to guys like tight end Eli Satterfield and wideouts Ryan Lee and James Moore. Don’t sleep on Jamiah Galbreath either—he’s got the potential to make some noise. Satterfield, especially, is one to watch; his blocking ability makes him a dual-threat when he’s lined up on the line or at H-back, giving the offense a lot of flexibility.

The big "if" hanging over all of this is the development of these guys and their chemistry with Thomas. If they can step up and fill the void left by Paul and Alexander, the Bears' passing attack could still be lethal. But if not, we might see them leaning more on that ground game or getting creative with the play-calling to keep defenses off-balance.

Either way, it’s going to be fascinating to see how it all plays out.

3) Who are the Dark Horse players on the roster?

Last year, when we asked this question, we introduced you to rising stars like Tay Paul and Qua Alexander. This season, we’re all familiar with the heavy hitters—Henderson, Thomas, Lathon, Watson-Martin, Kelly, Marett—the names every Bears fan can rattle off without hesitation. But as we head into a season with a few key positions in transition, it's time to shine the spotlight on the guys who could break out and become household names. These are the players who might just make that leap from solid contributors to bona fide stars. This isn’t an exhaustive list, but it’s a good place to start when you're looking for the next big thing.

Kamarion Glenn - Let’s kick things off with Kamarion Glenn. As a freshman last year, this kid didn’t just show up—he made a statement. Nine solo tackles, 19 assists, 5 hurries, 6 tackles for loss, and 2 sacks. And he did all this as an interior lineman. Those are stats that would make a senior proud, but Kamarion was just getting started as a freshman. Now, as he heads into his sophomore season, the ceiling for him is sky-high. He’s got the talent to shut down the run and terrorize quarterbacks, and if everything clicks, he could easily emerge as one of the Bears’ defensive stars this season. Keep your eyes on the trenches because Kamarion is ready to wreak havoc.

Kylan Dixon - Right next to Kamarion on the defensive front is Kylan Dixon, another guy who’s ready to step up in a big way. With Exavier Burns heading to Christ School in Arden, NC, Kylan is now the man on the interior line. Last season, as a sophomore, Kylan put up 31 assisted tackles, 6 solo tackles, 6 hurries, and 6 tackles for loss. Those are solid numbers, but here’s the thing: Kylan’s just scratching the surface. With another year of experience under his belt, don’t be surprised if he starts putting up even bigger numbers and making life miserable for opposing offenses.

Colby Bates - Bates is that safety who does a little bit of everything, and he does it all well. Last season, he racked up 19 solo tackles, 16 assists, and 4 tackles for loss. He’s not just hanging back and waiting for plays to come to him—this guy is downhill, making plays at the line of scrimmage and helping out in run defense. But don’t sleep on his coverage skills either. Colby was second on the team with 2 picks last year, and with the front seven expected to bring consistent heat, he could have even more opportunities to showcase those ball-hawking instincts. If you're looking for someone in the secondary to step up, Colby’s your guy.

Brody Smith - Now let’s talk about Brody Smith, the big man on the offensive line. Standing at 6’3” and tipping the scales at 290 lbs, Brody is a beast in the trenches. Under the guidance of Coach Blackston and Coach O’Brien, he’s developed into the kind of lineman you can count on to open up holes in the run game and protect the quarterback. Whether he’s driving defenders downfield or getting behind the pile and pushing it forward on those signature scrum plays, Brody’s effort is relentless. He’s going to be a key piece of the Bears’ offense this season, anchoring the line and making sure the Bears’ attack keeps rolling.

Keylan Dixon - Keylan Dixon, Kylan’s twin brother, is another offensive lineman who plays with a level of intensity that’s hard to ignore. If you’re a fan of watching the big guys go to work in the trenches, Keylan is the one to watch. Whether it’s laying down a crushing block or pulling to clear the way for the running backs, his technique and power are top-notch. Seriously, just watch the poetry in motion:



Jakyri Anderson - It’d be easy to lump Jakyri Anderson in with the established stars, given his numbers from last year—24 solo tackles, 32 assists, 8 hurries, 3 sacks, and a blocked kick, plus a forced fumble and a fumble recovery. But there’s one play that really stands out. Picture this: 3:43 left in the 3rd round of the playoffs against Clinton, Bears up by just 3. Jakyri reads the wheel route coming out of the backfield, jumps the route, and takes it 60 yards to the house. That’s the kind of play that shows you just how special he can be. This season, lining up beside Tye Kelly, Jakyri’s going to make life even tougher for opposing offenses.

4) Special Teams: The Unseen Game Changer

Let’s talk about one of the most underrated but absolutely critical aspects of the game—special teams. This season, the Bears have a serious gap to fill, and it’s right in the heart of the kicking game. Last year, Peter Bertoni was the man. The guy was automatic, handling all the place-kicking duties and, in the process, either tying or breaking 14 BHP records. We're not talking about minor footnotes here; these were records that set the standard, like the most consecutive PATs and field goals made in a career. Bertoni wasn’t just good; he was nearly perfect. Now, after his graduation, the Bears are staring down the barrel of a question they need to answer fast—who steps into those gigantic shoes?

The pressure is on, and this isn’t just any kind of pressure. We’re talking about Friday night lights pressure, where one kick can swing momentum, and one miss can haunt you for the rest of the season. The new kicker has to be someone who can handle the heat, because anything less could be a recipe for disaster.

Could it be transfer kicker and punter Christian Bridwell and JV kicker Benji Ward filling those shoes? These guys are the new blood, and they’ll be thrust into the spotlight soon enough. August 23rd isn’t far off, and by then, we’ll start to see if they’ve got what it takes to fill those roles.

Now, flipping over to punting, we’ve got another story to watch unfold. Last season, it was a two-man show with James Moore and Ri Barnette sharing the load. But now, Barnette has graduated, and Moore’s left as the main man. Sure, Moore had his ups and downs—those blocked punts early in the season didn’t do his stats any favors. But credit where it’s due: the guy got better as the season went on. If he can continue to trend upwards, the Bears’ defense, which is expected to be rock solid, will have an extra weapon in the field position battle. Good punting can flip the script of a game, turning a tough situation into an advantage.

Lastly, let's not forget the return game. Qua Alexander was the guy last year, leading the team in punt and kickoff returns. With him graduating, there’s a big hole that needs filling. This could be a golden opportunity for someone like Marquise Henderson, Tajeh Watson-Martin, or maybe even an unexpected name to emerge and make their mark. Special teams might not always get the glory, but a big return can change a game in a heartbeat. Whoever steps up will need to bring that kind of spark, the kind that gives the Bears a real edge in field position—or maybe even in putting points on the board.

So, as we head into the season, the questions surrounding special teams are massive. How they get answered could very well determine how far the Bears can go this year. Stay tuned, because this is the kind of stuff that doesn’t always make the headlines but can make or break a season.

5) Undefeated?

Alright, let's talk about the elephant in the room—the burning question that’s got every BHP Bears fan buzzing as we head into the new season. Last year, our boys didn’t just play football; they orchestrated a masterclass. A perfect 13-0 run that left everyone in awe as they charged into the upperstate championship. Falling two yards short of advancing. They weren’t just a team; they were a force of nature, steamrolling opponents and cementing their place as one of the top programs in the state. But here’s the thing about success—it creates expectations. And when you’ve got nearly 80% of your starters coming back for more, you’re not just facing the opposition, you’re squaring off against the weight of those expectations.

This isn’t just any group of returning players. We’re talking about seasoned warriors who’ve been to the brink, felt the sting of coming up short, and are now back with a vengeance. They’ve got the experience, the chemistry, and that burning hunger to finish what they started. But, and this is a big but, the road to a perfect season is going to be like trying to thread a needle in a hurricane.

The schedule this year? It’s brutal. We’re not just talking about a few tough games; we’re talking about a gauntlet. Non-region matchups that read like a who’s who of teams looking to make a name by taking down a giant. Broome, Greer, Westside, Chapman—these aren’t just opponents; they’re full-scale wars waiting to happen. Every one of these squads is bringing something different to the table. High-octane offenses that can light up the scoreboard, defenses that can squeeze the life out of a game—they’ve got it all. And you can bet they’ve circled the Bears on their calendar.

And let’s not forget the curveball that is the new reclassification. This is like adding an extra layer of chaos to an already wild ride. BHP could end up facing teams they haven’t seen in years—or ever. We’re talking new styles, fresh game plans, and a whole lot of unpredictability. The coaching staff is going to need to be on point, and the players? They’re going to need to be razor-sharp, ready to adapt on the fly.

So, the million-dollar question: Can this team navigate the minefield that is this season and come out the other side unscathed?

As the BHP Bears gear up for another season that promises more drama than a Game of Thrones finale, there are five burning questions that could define their entire journey. Will the defense step up and steal the spotlight from an offense that’s been lighting up the scoreboard like it’s a fireworks show? Can the passing game, with its new cast of characters, find its groove? And who’s going to be this year’s breakout star—the guy who comes out of nowhere and suddenly becomes a fan favorite? Oh, and let’s not forget the million-dollar question: Can this team, facing a brutal schedule, actually run the table and finish the season undefeated?

We’ll start getting our answers under those iconic Friday night lights, where every game feels like a new chapter in a can’t-miss thriller. These questions are just the appetizer, though—they set the stage for a season that’s already dripping with anticipation and just the right amount of swagger.

In the next post, I’m going full-on bold with some predictions for the Bears’ season. Think record-breaking moments, season-defining plays, and maybe even a few shockers. So, stick around, because if these questions got you thinking, you won’t want to miss what’s coming next. Trust me.