Since Matt Reel took over the program, Boiling Springs has shown steady signs of improvement. In 2022, they won just 2 games – one of which snapped a skid against Chapman, and obtained the at-large playoff bid from the upstate on the strength of their schedule. Last season, that win total doubled, with the Bulldogs snapping another losing streak en route to their first region 2-5A win under Reel’s leadership when they knocked off Spartanburg 24-17, which was enough for them to earn the 4th seed in the playoffs.
BSHS has made this progress along with the growth of a young roster over these last 2 seasons, which means that expectations may be a little higher for the ‘Dogs as they might finally have the experience that they need to take the next big step forward in 2024.
Boiling Springs lost just 4 key pieces from their 2023 roster – most notably among them linebacker/safety JoJo Barrett (55 solo tackles, average of almost 8 tackles per game, 2 forced fumbles), who is now playing for Lenoir-Rhyne University, Defensive End Calvin Jackson (team leader in sacks with 5, 40 solo tackles, 1 interception, forced fumble, fumble recovery), O lineman Jacob Hill, and Tight End Dakari Sterling.
The 2024 edition of the Bulldogs features a wealth of returning starters. They have 13 in total – 7 on offense and 6 on defense, as well as several other bench players that have gotten a lot of snaps under their belts.
Coach Reel has the luxury of having one of the most talented and experienced Quarterbacks in the region back for his senior season in Lincoln Huskey. The 6 foot 2, 185 pound signal caller amassed over 1700 yards and 14 touchdowns on 130-230 passing in his junior season to go with 229 yards and 4 TDs on the ground. No doubt he is poised to be even better this year, although he has already determined that his future is not in football. Huskey, an all-american in Lacrosse, recently committed to play for Queens University of Charlotte.
In the backfield returns the stout bowling ball-type tailback in Javen Chhim, who led the team with 668 yards on 120 rushing attempts – an average of 5.6 yards per carry. Chhim is not only a capable running back, but can also catch the ball. A year ago, he hauled in 12 passes for 107 yards. His fellow senior halfback Ry’Shaun Morgan, who tallied 296 yards and 3 touchdowns on 64 carries in 2023, will also get some reps this season
Reel’s squad features a trio of senior Wide Receivers that are poised to have big seasons in Eli Mobley (25 receptions, 424 yards, 2 TDs a year ago), Tristan Horsey-Johnson (20 rec, 248 yards, 3 touchdowns in 2023), Kyle Patterson (team-leading 29 snags, 483 yards, 5 TDs last season and just received his first offer from North Greenville University). Junior Grayson Crowe (13 receptions, 148 yards, TD last season) is also expected to take a big step forward as a slot receiver this season.
On the defense, middle linebacker/defensive end and leading tackler Campbell Johnson (96 total tackles, 54 solo, 2 for a loss, 3 sacks, pick, forced fumble, fumble recovery) comes back for his senior year as well as junior defensive back Jeremiah Favorite (16 solo tackles, 2 interceptions. Currently has offers from Old Dominion, East Carolina, and Virginia Tech) and senior linebacker/end Jy’mire Wright (54 total tackles, 32 solo, 14.5 for a loss, 6 tackles per game, 1 sack).
There are two newcomers Coach Reel said to watch out for this coming season – Sophomore defensive tackle Dennis Glenn Jr and senior transfer linebacker/running back from Abbeville Gavin Calhoun.
Boiling Springs definitely has the pieces in place to continue to be more competitive this season as they enter into the new-look region 2-5A, which coupled with the productivity of the offseason, has the coaches optimistic about how the squad stacks up.
“We have a great region from top to bottom filled with talented players and great coaches. Our region is a great challenge. I feel we are right there to compete for the region title. Our expectations don’t change from year to year; we expect to win the region. I’m really excited about this group of kids we have been blessed with. This offseason has been great in the weight room, and we have been great in practices and competitions. Now it’s time to carry all that momentum into August, the pre-season, and the season opener vs Greer. 2024 is a big year for the Dawgs!”, said Reel.
Boiling Springs is set to open their campaign August 23rd as they host the Greer Yellow Jackets with a 7:30 kickoff.
