We have all heard the statement, "Don't let the past dictate your future." Though we can allow the past to teach us, motivate us and challenge us - the past cannot be relied upon to guarantee where we land in the future. No prep team in the Commonwealth has had a brighter "past" in the last 36 months than the Bowling Green Purples; but what about their future?

 

Most of us are aware of the winning streak of 44 wins. What you may not be aware of is the dedicated coaching staff, the committed Senior classes and the daily grind that the kids put in to see this dream of the 3Peat to become a reality. "The Streak" is more than what you see on a Friday night. It begins at the top with Mr. Joe Tinius, superintendent of Bowling Green City Schools, and his daily effort of challenging the teachers and administration to be at their best for all of the students, athletes and non-athletes. Mr. Gary Fields, principal of BGHS, is a principal that all the kids admire and look up to. His hands on approach in relating to the kids has really brought a sense of excitement to the hallways and classrooms of BGHS. All of the proud Alumnus of BGHS is a fraternity of its own. The Purple supporters are either loved or hated but no one can question their support of their beloved Purples. Of course, the face of the Purples program is the 2013 AP Kentucky Prep Coach of the year, Coach Kevin Wallace. Coach Wallace has a record of 204 - 35 while at the helm of Purple Nation. His leadership and commitment to the kids and to the Purples program is really quite remarkable. Coach Wallace will make every effort for his players to make it happen in the classroom, be a leader outside of the classroom and to give it their all on the field. Coach Wallace and his team of coaches has truly been a blessing to all of those who faithfully follow the Purples.

 

Now to this years team. Gone is Nacarius Fant, Mr. Football. Gone is Blue Tisdale, the work horse. Gone is Blake Pillow, the speedster. Gone is Devin Hayes, the golden arm. Gone is Lincoln Quick and Austin Jones the defensive anchors. Gone is Will Jenkins the all-state lineman. Gone is - well most everybody! Before we throw in the white towel for the Purples, we may need to see what is not gone. Not gone is Purple Pride. Not gone is Tradition. Not gone is the will to compete. Not gone is looking for the 4Peat. If the Purples look in the rear view mirror and expect teams to lay down, the Purples could have a few losses. However, if the Purples look ahead and believe in the system and work to achieve their goals the future does not look all that bad!

 

Any faithful Purple follower knows that a lot of the team success will rely upon the red head. Mr. Campbell Gott will get the opportunity to replace Devin Hayes as the QB and leader of the team. There may be no bigger shoes to fill than replacing Hayes. With that said, Campbell's job is not to be the next Devin Hayes. Campbell's job is to lead his team one game at a time. If Campbell can trust the system and do a good job of protecting the ball, the coaching staff will put him in a position to win the majority of the games. Like Hayes, Nacarius Fant can not be replaced. The receivers at BGHS has learned from the best. This is their time to shine. Bradley Wierson will not drop many balls and not many kids that the Purples face will outrun Robbie Lofton. BGHS has another great Tight End as well, his last name - you guessed it, Wallace. He is a sure handed catcher that has no problem running north & south. We have a few returning starters on the offensive line that should allow our running backs the room they need to get to the sideline. Anyone familiar with Purples football knows that we may lose a stud of a running back but that we will have another kid step in to take his spot. The commonwealth can be assured that the Purples will not hurt at running back. It may be the power of Ben Holt running players over or Jacob Yates and Jamale Carothers running past you that could change your thoughts about our running game. In fact, the next several years the Purples look very solid in the running back position. One reason why BGHS has gone on to win 44 in a row (6th longest current winning streak in America) is not only because of our offense, but because of our defense. The Purples defensive coaching staff may have changed hands the past couple of years but the scheme remains the same: Pressure and attack! Just as the offense will miss Hayes and Fant, the defense will miss Quick and Jones. We have some linemen returning that will be sure to put pressure on most of the teams we will face.

 

Of course, most fans are wanting to surpass the winning streak of 50 set by Trinity a few years ago, but the Purples ultimate goal is to play on the carpet in December and bring home another ring. It will be a tough climb but the Purples are more than capable. As Coach Wallace says, we should expect to be very competitive in every game and have the attitude of a champion in trying to win every game. If this years team can forget about the past successes and keep their foot on the gas the team of 2014 can make their own mark. In fact, if the Purples were to win another ring this year it would have to be the coaches greatest accomplishment on the field. After what the team lost, most folks throughout the state are expecting someone to knock off the champs.

 

The Purples cannot afford to take any team for granted this year; we have lots of new faces that will be on the field. Though I will not mention all of our opponents this year, here are a few that needs to be mentioned: Can Lexington Catholic do what they have wanted to do the past few years and knock off the Purples? With the Knights recent success in Dalton, Georgia and the strong arm of their QB they think they can; do you? Good news St. X - Nacarius Fant is gone. With all due respect, this kid torched you all for the past three years. If there was ever a "revenge game" it should be this year for you. Unless you have seen in person the team speed of the private prep school out of Chattanooga, McCallie High School, you may want to make plans to be at Monie Beard field on September 19. Purples may play a better team but not a faster team. There are not many teams in the Commonwealth looking more forward to their season than Pulaski County. Lots of confidence in Somerset this year. A halloween treat for the Maroons will be a visit from the Purple Spirit himself; should be a good one. Last, but certainly not least, is the Dragons of Warren Central. Could this be the year the Dragons get the Purples, I mean monkey off their backs? If you ask the new coach at WCHS I think his answer would be yes; should be another fantastic crosstown rival game!

 

So, what do you think? Do the Purples have what it takes to pull off the 4Peat? Can your team dethrone them. Will the refs throw another unsportsman like penalty against Blackman in our first game just for the heck of it? Time will tell. Purple players, take the quote from the Andy Griffith show; Andy telling Barney, "Don't look back, don't ever look back!" Purples, forget about yesterday and focus on the challenge and season ahead of you! Good luck Purples. We believe in you.

That article got me hyped!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

 

 

BOWLING GREEN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I'm hearing rumblings that this defense could be spectacular this season. I'm looking forward to seeing how Darrian Scott does on the field this year.

 

I hope to be able to come to the Mercer County in the Rafferty's Bowl. I hope to be at the Lexington Catholic game also.

I'd like to see them get the streak but I won't be mad or upset if they don't. I had a chance to ask a player if they would set the record for consecutive wins or are they not even thinking about it. His answer was awesome:

 

"We're just going to come out and play every Friday and try to compete and win games."

 

After hearing him say that I lost all concern over the streak. The streak would be an awesome accomplishment to achieve and be a part of but ultimately competing and getting better every Friday night with the ultimate goal of a 4Peat is what the focus is.

 

It's a good day to be a Purple!!!!!

Great job Purple Nation!

Great Article. And if they get past Warren Central your good friend John Hardin will be waiting for you again. Should be fun.

Purple nation baby! We got a stable of running backs.....definitely will be a running team! Still BG reloads, not rebuild....

GREAT DAY TO BE A PURPLE!

Well done P Nation! Goober says Hey!

I have really been spoiled these last three years. Some of the games against worthy opponents, the breaks went our way! I think it was the kids refusing to quit. They never did even when they were down late. If this team can continue that - Look Out!

Looking forward to it!

Go Purples!

BG will make another run at the title as well the winning streak this season.

BG will make a solid run at their 4th straight championship, but I think they will suffer a loss along the way. I don't know if they'll be able to knock off both McCallie and St. X this year. The development of Campbell Gott will be huge for the success of the Purples.

Outstanding job, Purple Nation!:thumb:Once a Purple, ALWAYS a Purple!!!:ylsuper:Don't forget that I will be there when they come out to and leave the field swapping skin with them...something about a little fighter in a wheelchair wearing his genuine 1976 gold #57 jersey has a way of motivating them!:lol2:Can't wait to present this year's senior class on Picture Day Saturday!!:clap:

 

By the way, Coach Wallace will set a record for longevity for a head coach of the gridiron Purples when he steps on the field at WKU against Mercer County. It will begin his 19th season as mentor of the Purples, breaking the record of 18 by Douglas Smith (1926-43). For those who knew Coach Donaldson, he was coached by Coach Smith (1927-30) and was the coach who succeeded Coach Smith when he left for Elizabethtown!

Thanks Purplehaze! When I was asked to write article I thought you should have done it. Thanks for the support of our Purples!

 

We have a few very tough games that we will need to play very well in. You being on the sideline may be the motivation we need!

 

If somehow we could manage to go 3and 0 out of the gate it will get real interesting.

 

See you in a few weeks. I have to admit, I liked my line about the refs blowing whistle on Blackman!

I'm hearing rumblings that this defense could be spectacular this season. I'm looking forward to seeing how Darrian Scott does on the field this year.

 

I hope to be able to come to the Mercer County in the Rafferty's Bowl. I hope to be at the Lexington Catholic game also.

 

Look for me and Mrs PH in the handicapped seating as usual at WKU, Pride! See you there!:thumb:

Thanks Purplehaze! When I was asked to write article I thought you should have done it. Thanks for the support of our Purples!

 

We have a few very tough games that we will need to play very well in. You being on the sideline may be the motivation we need!

 

If somehow we could manage to go 3and 0 out of the gate it will get real interesting.

 

See you in a few weeks. I have to admit, I liked my line about the refs blowing whistle on Blackman!

 

That's okay, Nation...you have the Official Bulldog Seal of Approval!!:clap:Thanx for the props on my contribution to The Program! You know where to find our usual spot on the track...c'mon by!! Tell the rope dude that Bulldog said it's okay!:lol2: