With no context, some will see the season as a disappointment. And based solely on record, that could very well be true. However, effort and competitiveness was high in each game and every game was extremely close at points. Also, a lot of underclassmen got meaningful playing time which will only help the program as a whole in the next few years. And yes, the future is bright at BHP.
As BHP hosted the number one team in AAA, the Daniel Lions, the region championship hung in the balance. Even though it was a long shot, there was still a way BHP could win the region. However, nearly from the start, Daniel showed why they are ranked on top of the classification. With the loss to the Lions, BHP slipped to the third seed in Region 1, and with that, they matched up with the Chester Cyclones in their first-round playoff game.
On a beautiful night with not a cloud in the sky, the Bears traveled to tame a Hurricane last Friday night. BHP took on Wren Friday night in a game that for the most part determined the second-place team in the region and a home playoff game. And the game certainly lived up to its billing. The only word that could describe it would be “special”. special teams, special players, a special outcome, and special play calls (going for 2 on the last touchdown is what we all want our coaches to do - trust in the players and give them an opportunity to win outright). Although the Bears came up just short, they showed just how special they can be.
The Bears stay undefeated in the region with a huge team win over Seneca. In a game that ended with the most points being scored by the Bears this year, BHP played their best game of the season. But the games just get tougher from here on out. BHP now looks to take on the Wren Hurricanes in a game that has at least a home playoff game in the balance. The Bears will be looking to get a win over the Hurricanes for the first time since 2018.
BHP went on their longest road trip of the season as they traveled up I-85 to take on the Greer Yellow Jackets. Although the Bears played one of their best defensive games of the year, BHP took the bus ride home with another loss. However, in the grand scheme of the season and region play, that game was more of a way for the Bears to gear up for the rest of region play. Now BHP looks to turn their focus squarely on region opponents for the rest of the season, and this week's opponent will be a familiar one, the Seneca Bobcats. With another Bear Friday Night comes another opportunity to take steps toward playoff seeding and a region championship.
BHP opened region play against Pendleton last Friday night and they made a statement in the process. BHP showed from their first offensive play that they were the superior team and never looked back. BHP will need to take that momentum and roll it into this week. The Bears travel to take on Greer in a non-region game, but at this time in the season all teams look to be playing their best football and we hope that is where BHP is headed.
BHP hosted the reigning 2A State Champion Abbeville last week. Even when BHP jumped out to a 15-7 lead, the second half once again became something out of a horror movie. At the end of the night, Abbeville stayed undefeated and BHP must once again look to rebound after a loss. As a new game week comes, new challenges and importance come as well. With the start of region play for the Bears, each game takes on playoff implications, but in order to get there, BHP has to take it one game at a time.
Once again, the Bears are forcing us to realize that every game has two halves. Against Woodruff, BHP jumped out to a 22-0 lead only to see the Wolverines claw back to within eight points. However, BHP was able to grab the final onside kick attempt and run out the remainder of the clock to give BHP their second win of the season. As BHP narrowly escapes with a victory over Woodruff, they now turn their attention to the Abbeville Panthers.
In most close games every second matters and can turn the tide in the game. Friday night against T.L. Hanna it was more like 42 seconds that decided the game. In the 3rd quarter, BHP was only down by 2 touchdowns but at the 8-minute mark, Hanna scored 3 touchdowns in less than a minute and put the Bears out of reach. Although the score looked like the game got out of hand, BHP played very hard and fought until the end. The depth of Hanna’s team really showed as the game went on. Nevertheless, the Bears have another opportunity this week as they will be looking to get back on the right side of winning this Friday against Woodruff.
I am not sure if you call this week a whirlwind or a tornado, but when the dust settled, BHP was able to get a few extra days to plan for T.L. Hanna. And in facing last season’s AAAAA State runner-up, BHP will need all the time they can get.