2024 Bowling Green Purples

[Purple88]

2023 RECAP:  Outcome:  Record: 12-3 – 5A State Champions

The Purples came out of the gate like a wet sparkler; there was some pazazz but just couldn’t overcome some early overall defensive fizzle.  A classic shootout loss vs a memorable LCA squad 56-52 at the Rafferty’s Bowl and a punishing 38-35 wilting, back and forth loss at the LCA Bowl desert (it was sweltering that day) vs a strong Bryan Station squad had BG starring at a 1-2 record after the first 3 games of the year.  But the schedule softened and BG won the next 4 by a combined score of 214-13.  Fall Break came.  Then the much-anticipated battle at rival South Warren.  AND this game did NOT disappoint.  A back-and-forth battle saw South use a clock-controlling strategy to limit BG’s offensive possessions and it worked really well with South scoring the tying TD with 32 seconds to play; choosing to go for 2 and getting it to lead 29-28 for their first lead in the game.  BG would get the ball at their 30.  One pass play to Travey Barber gets the Purples to the South 40 with 16 seconds to play.  Then BG called a well-designed hook and ladder play with Sophomore RB Tre Graham taking the pitch to the house with 6 seconds to play and the Purples pull off one of the best rivalry wins they have had 36-29.  But BG was physically handled by St. Xavier two weeks later falling 27-12.  But through that game the BG defense continued to improve.  And when the playoffs rolled around, BG was very focused winning their first 4 playoff games with running clocks while only allowing 29 points in those 4 games.  They would meet a very good, young Cooper squad at Kroger Field and though the offense was effective; it was the defense that only allowed 14 points including minus 27 yards rushing that really sealed the 8^th State Title for Bowling Green!  A GREAT Year!  Fantastic job by Coach Spader and the entire coaching staff.

 

2024 Graduates:  Offense:  RB Javen Huddleston (was injured most of last year); RG DeMarcus Elliott; LG Corbin Willis; TE – Matthew Klein; and WR Evan Tuck.

Defense:  DE Max Buchanon; DE Jordan Green; and OLB Wick Dotson

2024 Returning:  Everybody else! (6 on offense and 8 on defense) QB Deuce Bailey; WR Travey Barber; WR CJ Sweeney; 2 standout rising JR RBs and 3 Oline.  On defense, 8 return from a rejuvenated Purples Jungle D!

2024 Schedule Highlights:  Scrimmages (At Scott County and Vs CAL)

August 24 – Rafferty’s Bowl vs Fredrick Douglas

August 30 – vs Owensboro

September 7 – vs Bryan Station (at LCA Bowl)

October 18 – vs South Warren

November 1 – At St Xavier

 

2024 Outlook:  It should be another banner year for the Purples!  With so many known players coming back, most will look for BG to make another deep run for a team that has been in the title game 3 of the last 4 years; winning two of those.

[PurpleTim]

“A wet sparkler”

Great job, Purple88! 

[TylerDurden]

Does RPI have the opportunity to change things up this year to have BG face Cooper (or Highlands) prior to the finals, or are we looking at a decent chance of seeing that meeting in the 5A finals again?

[BillNye]

1 hour ago, TylerDurden said:

Does RPI have the opportunity to change things up this year to have BG face Cooper (or Highlands) prior to the finals, or are we looking at a decent chance of seeing that meeting in the 5A finals again?

One thing is certain, it wouldn't be until the fourth round at the earliest. With RPI, it's hard to jump the gun on where anybody will be. Cooper, Highlands, and Bowling Green could find themselves with a loss or two in the regular season that could change travel.

[Purple88]

20 hours ago, TylerDurden said:

Does RPI have the opportunity to change things up this year to have BG face Cooper (or Highlands) prior to the finals, or are we looking at a decent chance of seeing that meeting in the 5A finals again?

Interesting question.  If you look back at the RPI for last season, it read this way:

RPI Ranking:

1. Highlands, 2. South Warren, 3. Scott County, 4. Bowling Green

If that had held, then BG would have had to travel to Highlands and Scott County would have had to travel to South Warren in the 5A State Semi-Finals, which is quite a bit different than played out.

Owensboro (#8 RPI) roughed up South Warren and Cooper (#9 RPI) overwhelmed Scott County and Southwestern (both on the road).

So, it's possible the semi-final round can be different from last season and probably likely it will be different.  But we just won't know exactly until next season obviously.  

[theguru]

With 14 out of 22 starters returning Bowling Green has to start the season number one, correct?

[Purple88]

14 hours ago, theguru said:

With 14 out of 22 starters returning Bowling Green has to start the season number one, correct?

Interesting question, but I think Cooper brings back probably 16 starters.  Their 3 seniors who played went both ways so I counted them twice.  South Warren brings back about 10 starters.  I'm not sure how many Owensboro brings back, but think I know who does @Brown.  Scott County has some good young players, but know they were senior laden last year.

So I'd say BG or Cooper should be.  Many on this site say the State Champ is #1 until proven not to be.  So there's that.

[VF111]

You'll find out a lot about the Purples right out of the gate. Those first three games are quite the eye opener. 

Fredrick Douglas, then Bryan Station on the road, then Owensboro! 

[DevilMayCare]

2024 Schedule (hat tip to @Purple88)

8/9 - at Scott County**

8/16 vs. Male**

8/24 vs. Frederick Douglas at Western Kentucky University (Rafferty's Bowl)

8/30 vs. Owensboro 

9/7 vs. Bryan Station at Lexington Christian Academy (LCA Bowl)

9/13 at Apollo

9/20 at Central Hardin

9/27 vs Ohio County*

10/4 at Christian County 

10/11 - BYE

10/18 vs. South Warren*

10/25 at Greenwood*

11/1  at St Xavier

* District Games 

** Scrimmages 

[theguru]

Bump.

[Purple88]

3 Months from this Friday = Rafferty's Bowl vs a very good Frederick Douglas team!

[Purple88]

Really classy post from Coach Mcpeek!  Going to be a great game that both teams will

use to get better later in the season.

[BillNye]

JR WR Trevy Barber was offered by Troy today. 

[BillNye]

I am being told that SR QB Deuce Bailey has committed to Missouri State today. 
 

Congratulations, young man!

[Purple88]

5 hours ago, BillNye said:

I am being told that SR QB Deuce Bailey has committed to Missouri State today. 
 

Congratulations, young man!

This is 100% true!  Congratulations to a great kid!  Going to be fun watching the first BG player to ever start at QB for BG as a Freshman finish out his Senior Year; hopefully in style!

Congratulations Deuce Bailey on setting the stage for the next level!  I'm now a Missouri State fan!