Bowling Green Football Preview
By Perry Swack
Bowling Green Purples
Coach: Mark Spader, Fourth Season
Record at School: 28-9
2020 Record: 10-2
Defeated Owensboro, 17-7, in the 5A State Championship Game
Starters Returning: 2 offense / 6 defense
The Bowling Green Purples used its dominating defense to win its seventh state championship last December. The Purples ranked among the state leaders (in all six classes) in scoring defense, rushing defense, sacks, fumble recoveries, and interceptions. Coach Mark Spader’s club will return six of their eleven starters on the defensive side of the ball, including three of the team’s top four tacklers. BG will return an intimidating defensive line with seniors Jeremiah Lightfoot, Bradley Gurley, and Mario Wilson ready to build off outstanding junior campaigns. Lightfoot totaled 73 tackles, six tackles for loss, and six sacks. Gurley led the team with three fumble recoveries to go with 40 tackles, six tackles for loss, and two sacks. Wilson tallied 20 tackles, three tackles for loss, and three sacks as well.
Behind the vaunted front will be the linebackers anchored by senior Tyler Moore. Moore is the team’s leading returning tackler, tallying 86 for the state champs in 2020. He was also named the state championship game’s most valuable player after tallying 11 solo tackles (14 total). Senior Davis Moran and TyTavus Hampton also expect to contribute at linebacker after combining for 91 tackles. Moran tied for the team lead with six sacks. Davis Fant, who has spent time at linebacker and defensive back, will also return for his junior campaign after recording 31 tackles last season.
In the defensive backfield, veterans Bert Kibawa and Augustin Nyembo will lead out. Kibawa totaled 69 total tackles and 34 solo (second-best on team), while Nyembo recorded 30 total tackles.
With only two offensive starters returning for the Purples, there will be opportunities for new players to emerge as leaders on that side of the ball. BG lost its starting quarterback, top three rushers, and top four pass-catchers to graduation. The only returning quarterback to take snaps for Bowling Green in 2020 is senior Spencer Newman. Senior Matrix Halcomb will be the team’s returning rusher (23 rushes, 79 yards, 2 receptions, 50 yards, 1 TD), while senior Will Vale will be the team’s leading returning receiver (15 receptions, 175 yards, 1TD). Junior Dillon Maners also contributed in 2020 with 8 rushes for 55 yards. However, with many fresh faces ready to emerge, the lineup is far from set. “We are participating in quite a few 7-v-7s and have two tough scrimmages in Owensboro Senior & Louisville Male,” Coach Spader told the Sporting Times. “By the time we reach Highlands in the Rafferty’s Bowl to open our season, we will know who our quarterback and skill players are at that time.”
One place where the club will have experience is at the kicker position. Junior Colin Fratus returns to the lineup after a sophomore season in which the kicker nailed 35/39 PATs and went 2-for-3 on field goals.
A tough schedule also awaits the Purples. A neutral game showdown with Highlands is scheduled to open the season on August 21, along with road trips to McCracken County, Boyle County, and South Warren. Home dates with Father Ryan (TN) and St. Xavier are also on the slate. “We’ll have a lot of new faces on the field this year, but we always hope that our strength of schedule will prepare us for the playoff road at the end of the season,” said Spader.
Although the Purples will need to replace playmakers on offense, they should still be expected to be amidst the 5A leaders for two reasons – defense and culture. “Our defense was very dominant last season, and this year’s unit is challenged to continue that trend,” said Spader. “Defense and special teams will be the key to our success this season, especially early on as our new offensive starters settle into their roles.” Many will underrate the Purples, but I expect to see them in the thick of the 5A race this fall.
