2023 Bullitt East Chargers

[DevilMayCare]

The 2022 football season will go down as one for the ages, if for no other reason than Bullitt East punching through the glass ceiling of 6A. The "Big 3" were cast aside in favor of the Chargers, but staying on top is much harder than getting there. BEast will be tasked with proving they're not a one hit wonder without the services of Mr. Football and the bulk of the Chargers' offensive production. The defense returns several starters and other underclassmen who saw significant reps.

Keegan Kendrick and Co. worked some magic to deliver a big school title last year. What alchemy will they conjure to keep the Chargers in contention in 2023?

 

Key Departures

Travis Egan (QB) - Mr. Football | 3,913  yards of total offense and 52 touchdowns 

Mason Gauthier (RB) - 1,782 yards from scrimmage and 19 touchdowns 

Camron Brogan and Nolan Davenport (WRs/DBs) - Combined for 155 receptions and 2,224 receiving yards with 32 total touchdowns | 3 combined interceptions and a pick-six each

Sebastian Espinoza (OL) - 6'5", 280 lbs | Made the KSR All-State Finals Team.

Ryan Still (DB) - Team high 86 tackles | 7 TFL | 2 interceptions | 2 fumbles forced and 2 recovered 

Tyler Redmon (DL) - 56 tackles | 13 TFL | 3 sacks

 

Key Returnees

Isaiah Hare (DL) - 74 tackles | 15.5 TFL | 4 sacks | 3 fumbles forced and 2 recovered 

Ryan Rayhill (LB) - 74 tackles | 10 TFL

Bryce Elder (DB) - 43 tackles | 3 interceptions 

Teagan Heilman and Landon Alvey - (OL)

[theguru]

Alchemy? Conjuring?

[Falcon Pride]

Where is Travis Egan going to college?

[Unrivaled97]

46 minutes ago, Falcon Pride said:

Where is Travis Egan going to college?

No decision yet.  Currently, he only has 2 offers from 2 D2 schools, but I think things will start to clear up a bit in the next month.  I wouldn't rule out a PWO offer close to home either.

[theguru]

I expect BE to take a big step back this year. I hope I am wrong.

[Unrivaled97]

1 hour ago, theguru said:

I expect BE to take a big step back this year. I hope I am wrong.

No doubt that BE loses a lot of production on offense that will be impossible to replace next year.  There is talent there, but it's young and inexperienced.  BE will have to rely on defense the first part of next year while the new offensive starters get their feet wet.  Good thing for BE that they have quite a bit coming back on defense next year (8 of the top 11 tacklers).  Trust me when I say the cupboard is not bare by any means.  The team has talent coming back and the talent in the 4th-9th grade classes makes me believe it won't be 14 years before BE goes back to another state final (or even wins won), but I'm also a realist.  Next year won't be that year.  They have the potential and talent to still be a top 10 6A team next year and win 7 or 8 games.  Realistically, if they can achieve that next year, I'll be happy with it.  This year was not a one off fluke.  The program is on the upswing and will eventually take their place in the perennial discussion of top 6A teams consistently.

[DevilMayCare]

18 hours ago, Unrivaled97 said:

No doubt that BE loses a lot of production on offense that will be impossible to replace next year.  There is talent there, but it's young and inexperienced.  BE will have to rely on defense the first part of next year while the new offensive starters get their feet wet.  Good thing for BE that they have quite a bit coming back on defense next year (8 of the top 11 tacklers).  Trust me when I say the cupboard is not bare by any means.  The team has talent coming back and the talent in the 4th-9th grade classes makes me believe it won't be 14 years before BE goes back to another state final (or even wins won), but I'm also a realist.  Next year won't be that year.  They have the potential and talent to still be a top 10 6A team next year and win 7 or 8 games.  Realistically, if they can achieve that next year, I'll be happy with it.  This year was not a one off fluke.  The program is on the upswing and will eventually take their place in the perennial discussion of top 6A teams consistently.

I wish there were more supporters out there like you: optimistic, but realistic. A season like 2022 can light the fuse for a program in a growing community, but it's unreasonable to expect the Chargers to contend next year after losing their best ever senior class. This crew was special.

[BEChargers]

I look for them to take a step back.  They replace a prolific offense.  But I think they will compete and fight a little differently than they used to.  Schedule should also be harder but they need that.  Record wise I think it may look like a BIG step back but I think they'll be a tough out down the stretch.  Oline will be big challenge. If the Oline can improve as the season goes they can challenge a lot of teams.  Next year's QB is a player.  Not the skill set of Egan I don't think but is a gamer.  One of the better 2nd string qb's in the state this year.  But if he's on the run every play it will be tough.  If they can run the ball, they can compete.  Defense will have to keep them in games early in the season.  

Biggest thing is that this program now understands the work ethic and commitment it takes to compete at a very high level.

[BEChargers]

On 1/3/2023 at 2:35 PM, theguru said:

I expect BE to take a big step back this year. I hope I am wrong.

The schedule will be upgraded a good bit, so W's will be harder to come by.  I still hope they can be a tough out in November.

[ChiefSmoke]

Absolutely, Travis Egan leaves massive shoes to fill. But, remember this name...Jack Zwernemann.

The workouts in June, Jack was through the roof impressive. He is an excellent QB & football player. I can promise you, a bunch of teams across the state would love to have Jack as their QB in 2023. 

I can also tell you they have good young QBs in the pipeline. 

Is Bullitt East going to beat Male, X, Manual, & T every year, win a state title?.... NO. No one will do that every year.

But, is Bullitt East dramatically different from what is was 5 years ago and will it be a factor, most years going forward?... YES. 

 

Coach Kendrick did a super job on our podcast the week after winning the state title. You can listen to that here: https://www.spreaker.com/user/frankfortbroadcast/coaches-office-17

[TheDeuce]

On 1/3/2023 at 2:32 PM, Unrivaled97 said:

No decision yet.  Currently, he only has 2 offers from 2 D2 schools, but I think things will start to clear up a bit in the next month.  I wouldn't rule out a PWO offer close to home either.

Louisville offered him a PWO this weekend. 

[Unrivaled97]

14 hours ago, TheDeuce said:

Louisville offered him a PWO this weekend. 

It doesn't get any closer to home than that.  It's almost like I knew something 🙂.  Here's what I'll say.  I think this is a great option for Travis if this is what he chooses and quite possibly, in the future, where the transfer portal is a benefit and works as it should.  He goes in, redshirts his first year and gets the full benefits of a year in college football (practice, lifting, etc.) and then either competes for playing time at Louisville or potentially after that year, enters the transfer portal and maybe some of those FCS schools or even possibly group of 5 schools take interest, where they have been hesitant before and gets the chance he's earned.  Either way, I think it's a win-win for him.

[TheDeuce]

11 minutes ago, Unrivaled97 said:

It doesn't get any closer to home than that.  It's almost like I knew something 🙂.  Here's what I'll say.  I think this is a great option for Travis if this is what he chooses and quite possibly, in the future, where the transfer portal is a benefit and works as it should.  He goes in, redshirts his first year and gets the full benefits of a year in college football (practice, lifting, etc.) and then either competes for playing time at Louisville or potentially after that year, enters the transfer portal and maybe some of those FCS schools or even possibly group of 5 schools take interest, where they have been hesitant before and gets the chance he's earned.  Either way, I think it's a win-win for him.

I definitely think he will get the opportunity to play at Louisville, just depends on what his goals are. 

[Unrivaled97]

[Unrivaled97]

Hopefully, the new turf field will be ready to go by the time they host BC on 9/8.  Massive renovations are planned for the BE complex, which include a new field house, bleachers, field, etc.  Not all will be completed by this season, but definitely a much needed and way past due upgrade coming to the facilities.