2025 Bowling Green Purples

[Purple88]

2025 Bowling Green Purples                   

2024 RECAP:  Outcome:  Record: 13-2 – 5A State Champions

The Purples came out of the gate like a roman candle.  Their first series and a half against a very good (finished in the 6A Semi-Finals at 6A Champ Trinity) Frederick Douglass team at the Rafferty’s Bowl was as bright and promising as any 4^th of July celebration.  BUT a costly turnover and nearly scoop 6 erased all BGs early momentum and ended in a disappointing 35-15 setback to the Broncos.  BG would go on to reel off 6 straight wins over good teams like Owensboro and Bryan Station in the LCA Bowl. 

But the highly anticipated rivalry “district” matchup with South Warren was another classic.  BG led 24-14 with about 8 minutes to play, but the Spartans would answer the call and reel off 2 gutsy TDs to upend Bowling Green at home 28-24 and earn the 5A District 2 Crown and much more favorable pathway into the 5A playoffs.  This meant after a matchup with gritty Madisonville in the first round, BG would have to travel to always tough Rash Stadium to take on an Owensboro squad playing on house money.  BG would prevail in a very hard fought game 27-14, which would turn out to be Owensboro Coach Jay Fallin’s last game, as the Red Devils head man stepped down this December.  BG got a final home game and overwhelmed upstart Atherton prior to the Epic Black Friday Grudge Match with South Warren.  A final 5A showdown for the local rivals with arguably the most they have ever had on the line playing each other (in a trip the 5A State Finals on the line). 

This game was an instant classic too.  Have you ever known a game where a team would not take one offensive snap in the entire first quarter and still lead the game going into the second quarter?  Well BG did just that.  First Travey Barber and then CJ Sweeney both took the kickoff to the house (93 and 85-yard efforts no less).  South had a very nice and long drive and did come away with points, but BG led 14-7 at the end of 1 quarter.  BG would lead 21-14 at halftime, when the Purples held the Spartans inside the redzone empty handed to end the half.  South would outscore BG 14-10 in the second half but it simply wouldn’t be enough for Sparty and BG earned a memorable victory on a very cold night to send BG to the 5A State Title game for the 3^rd year in a row. 

BG would meet a strong Cooper squad, who were undefeated and highly revered coming into the State Title game.  Cooper had vowed to return to this game after last year coming up just short in 2023 against BG 28-14.  It was a tight first half with BG Senior kicker Braden Widener leading the charge for BG with touchback kicks, an extra point and 2 BIG field goals (41 and 31 yards, respectively).  Cooper’s kicking game struggled with 2 missed extra points.  This allowed BG to hold a very slim 13-12 halftime advantage.  BG made a few defensive adjustments and really turned up the pressure in the second half.  This frustrated Cooper.  BG had 8 sacks on the night.  Add that to Senior QB Deuce Bailey’s best rushing game as a Purple with 3 rushing TDs.  HUGE!  BG rushed for 238 yards vs 38 yards for Cooper.  That was a key stat in the 5A Championship game.  The Purples end the 2024 season victorious in the title game for the 9^th time in school history! 

Simply an outstanding job by all the coaches including Coach Spader, Coach Seabolt and Coach Strode among many others! 

 

2025 Graduates:  Offense:  QB Deuce Bailey, WR CJ Sweeney; LT Parker Fields; LG Mekhi Axson, C Chris Nuckols.

Defense:  DE Bradley Gurley, DT Ryan Watt, NT Anthony Pointer; LB Jayden Axson; CB Charlie Compton; SS Grayson Newman, FS Ethan Warder

Send-off Statement:  I wanted to add this is a special senior class.  They were thrown in the fire so-to-speak coming in on the heels of the great 2020 State Championship team and took some lumps that 2021 season, but matured greatly.  And I would be remiss not to highlight QB Deuce Bailey, a 4-year starter at QB (never been done before at BG) now leaves a 2-time state champion leading his team to 3 straight title games.  He also holds all BG passing records as he and his memorable senior teammates graduate this May.  Thank you Class of 2025! 

 

2025 Returning:  Offense:  6 starters (and 9 2-deep players) highlighted by rising SR WR Travey Barber and the rising SR RB duo of Jaxon Smith and Trey Graham. 

Defense:  4 starters (and 6 2-deep players) highlighted by rising SRs LB Montez Trussell, DE Malik Coburn, and add two way starter OLB Jaxon Smith to this list return.

2025 Schedule Highlights:  The Purples new schedule is not out yet.  Although I have gotten some great tips from people in the know, I am only going to say that I feel confident that 6A South Warren will be on the schedule along with their new district lineup that includes Barren County, Grayson County, Greenwood, and Warren Central (much to my man @DragonFire's dismay).  We can add the remainders on here shortly.

2025 Outlook:  Bowling Green doesn’t deviate much from their overall goals year in and year out.  While some years (like last season are more realistic than others), BG will look to:

1.       First compete in their out of district matchups to secure as much RPI points as possible.,

2.       Second is win your district. 

3.       Third is put yourself in position to host as many playoff games as possible and compete for Championship #10 (#Win One For The Thumb!)! 

With that said, BG will have to select a new QB for the first time in 4 seasons, as star QB Deuce Bailey heads to Missouri State.  That in itself will take time to implement and build chemistry between the new signal caller and the experienced WR core back for BG.  On defense, Coach Strode has some holes to fill.  No question.  But BG has some talented young players who have patiently waited their turn.  Going to be fun watching them develop.

To speak honestly, with South Warren traveling into 6A and Highlands traveling into 4A, Bowling Green by years end should be right there with a shot to get back to Kroger Field.  That is my expectation.

What say you?

[Runcible Owl]

I say, first, this is a terrific preview! 🟣 

[PurpleTim]

Wonderful work, 88!

Life without Deuce will certainly be interesting.
 

Just as Deuce was a record setter, the Purples may have another one on their hands. Hard to believe but WR Travey Barber looks to threaten Mr. Football, Nacarius Fants receiving record. What a special talent in Barber. Will be really fun to watch.

Upcoming senior, Jaxson Smith may be next years MVP. 

A 3peat is definitely on the table and a possibility for the Purples. 
 

Is it August yet? 

[jsr4]

I’ve heard Owensboro Catholic is the opponent in the Rafferty’s Bowl. Also, home and homes with Franklin Co. and Scott Co, 

[MBKT]

8 hours ago, Purple88 said:

2025 Bowling Green Purples                   

2024 RECAP:  Outcome:  Record: 13-2 – 5A State Champions

The Purples came out of the gate like a roman candle.  Their first series and a half against a very good (finished in the 6A Semi-Finals at 6A Champ Trinity) Frederick Douglass team at the Rafferty’s Bowl was as bright and promising as any 4^th of July celebration.  BUT a costly turnover and nearly scoop 6 erased all BGs early momentum and ended in a disappointing 35-15 setback to the Broncos.  BG would go on to reel off 6 straight wins over good teams like Owensboro and Bryan Station in the LCA Bowl. 

But the highly anticipated rivalry “district” matchup with South Warren was another classic.  BG led 24-14 with about 8 minutes to play, but the Spartans would answer the call and reel off 2 gutsy TDs to upend Bowling Green at home 28-24 and earn the 5A District 2 Crown and much more favorable pathway into the 5A playoffs.  This meant after a matchup with gritty Madisonville in the first round, BG would have to travel to always tough Rash Stadium to take on an Owensboro squad playing on house money.  BG would prevail in a very hard fought game 27-14, which would turn out to be Owensboro Coach Jay Fallin’s last game, as the Red Devils head man stepped down this December.  BG got a final home game and overwhelmed upstart Atherton prior to the Epic Black Friday Grudge Match with South Warren.  A final 5A showdown for the local rivals with arguably the most they have ever had on the line playing each other (in a trip the 5A State Finals on the line). 

This game was an instant classic too.  Have you ever known a game where a team would not take one offensive snap in the entire first quarter and still lead the game going into the second quarter?  Well BG did just that.  First Travey Barber and then CJ Sweeney both took the kickoff to the house (93 and 85-yard efforts no less).  South had a very nice and long drive and did come away with points, but BG led 14-7 at the end of 1 quarter.  BG would lead 21-14 at halftime, when the Purples held the Spartans inside the redzone empty handed to end the half.  South would outscore BG 14-10 in the second half but it simply wouldn’t be enough for Sparty and BG earned a memorable victory on a very cold night to send BG to the 5A State Title game for the 3^rd year in a row. 

BG would meet a strong Cooper squad, who were undefeated and highly revered coming into the State Title game.  Cooper had vowed to return to this game after last year coming up just short in 2023 against BG 28-14.  It was a tight first half with BG Senior kicker Braden Widener leading the charge for BG with touchback kicks, an extra point and 2 BIG field goals (41 and 31 yards, respectively).  Cooper’s kicking game struggled with 2 missed extra points.  This allowed BG to hold a very slim 13-12 halftime advantage.  BG made a few defensive adjustments and really turned up the pressure in the second half.  This frustrated Cooper.  BG had 8 sacks on the night.  Add that to Senior QB Deuce Bailey’s best rushing game as a Purple with 3 rushing TDs.  HUGE!  BG rushed for 238 yards vs 38 yards for Cooper.  That was a key stat in the 5A Championship game.  The Purples end the 2024 season victorious in the title game for the 9^th time in school history! 

Simply an outstanding job by all the coaches including Coach Spader, Coach Seabolt and Coach Strode among many others! 

 

2025 Graduates:  Offense:  QB Deuce Bailey, WR CJ Sweeney; LT Parker Fields; LG Mekhi Axson, C Chris Nuckols.

Defense:  DE Bradley Gurley, DT Ryan Watt, NT Anthony Pointer; LB Jayden Axson; CB Charlie Compton; SS Grayson Newman, FS Ethan Warder

Send-off Statement:  I wanted to add this is a special senior class.  They were thrown in the fire so-to-speak coming in on the heels of the great 2020 State Championship team and took some lumps that 2021 season, but matured greatly.  And I would be remiss not to highlight QB Deuce Bailey, a 4-year starter at QB (never been done before at BG) now leaves a 2-time state champion leading his team to 3 straight title games.  He also holds all BG passing records as he and his memorable senior teammates graduate this May.  Thank you Class of 2025! 

 

2025 Returning:  Offense:  6 starters (and 9 2-deep players) highlighted by rising SR WR Travey Barber and the rising SR RB duo of Jaxon Smith and Trey Graham. 

Defense:  4 starters (and 6 2-deep players) highlighted by rising SRs LB Montez Trussell, DE Malik Coburn, and add two way starter OLB Jaxon Smith to this list return.

2025 Schedule Highlights:  The Purples new schedule is not out yet.  Although I have gotten some great tips from people in the know, I am only going to say that I feel confident that 6A South Warren will be on the schedule along with their new district lineup that includes Barren County, Grayson County, Greenwood, and Warren Central (much to my man @DragonFire's dismay).  We can add the remainders on here shortly.

2025 Outlook:  Bowling Green doesn’t deviate much from their overall goals year in and year out.  While some years (like last season are more realistic than others), BG will look to:

1.       First compete in their out of district matchups to secure as much RPI points as possible.,

2.       Second is win your district. 

3.       Third is put yourself in position to host as many playoff games as possible and compete for Championship #10 (#Win One For The Thumb!)! 

With that said, BG will have to select a new QB for the first time in 4 seasons, as star QB Deuce Bailey heads to Missouri State.  That in itself will take time to implement and build chemistry between the new signal caller and the experienced WR core back for BG.  On defense, Coach Strode has some holes to fill.  No question.  But BG has some talented young players who have patiently waited their turn.  Going to be fun watching them develop.

To speak honestly, with South Warren traveling into 6A and Highlands traveling into 4A, Bowling Green by years end should be right there with a shot to get back to Kroger Field.  That is my expectation.

What say you?

Coach Spader and his staff do such a nice job. Steady as she goes. Year in and year out. 2025 will be another exciting year for the Purples. 

[Maroon Beech]

Great review and preview Purple88 (as always)!  Congrats on a great season.

[BGPD]

Word on the street - BG vs CAL - 2 year contract(25/26). 👀

[theguru]

5 hours ago, BGPD said:

Word on the street - BG vs CAL - 2 year contract(25/26). 👀

Welcome to BGP @BGPD and that would be a great series!

[VF111]

I just checked the BGP poll for 2025, and Cooper is ahead in the vote count by a lot...  

[theguru]

2 hours ago, VF111 said:

I just checked the BGP poll for 2025, and Cooper is ahead in the vote count by a lot...  

Doubtful, the Cooper Hype Ship has sailed. 

[TheBallCoach]

I think Trevy Barber is one of the best football players to come through this Bowling Green program. Could we see him back at Quarterback next Fall? Barring a transfer, I think there is a good chance we do.

[VF111]

2 hours ago, TheBallCoach said:

I think Trevy Barber is one of the best football players to come through this Bowling Green program. Could we see him back at Quarterback next Fall? Barring a transfer, I think there is a good chance we do.

Baring a transfer? I am curious about your assessment of BG’s upcoming JR (Dotson), SO (Isable), and FR (Davis) QBs… because all three of them have a ton of upside. 

Since 2011, I would say that 2014 and 2021 (Bailey’s FR year) are the only two years BG has not had a pretty high production QB (you could argue 2019 and 2020, but Conner Cooper took them to the Semis and then a State Title).

BG will be fine at QB would be my guess. 

[theguru]

2 hours ago, TheBallCoach said:

I think Trevy Barber is one of the best football players to come through this Bowling Green program. Could we see him back at Quarterback next Fall? Barring a transfer, I think there is a good chance we do.

Barber played great in the finals against Cooper. 

[TheBallCoach]

20 hours ago, VF111 said:

Baring a transfer? I am curious about your assessment of BG’s upcoming JR (Dotson), SO (Isable), and FR (Davis) QBs… because all three of them have a ton of upside. 

Since 2011, I would say that 2014 and 2021 (Bailey’s FR year) are the only two years BG has not had a pretty high production QB (you could argue 2019 and 2020, but Conner Cooper took them to the Semis and then a State Title).

BG will be fine at QB would be my guess. 

I’d take Xavier of those three personally, and they have a great Coach in Jordan Leach as well so I know they’re getting better daily, but none of them have experience at the Varsity level. My thing is that I try not to think too hard when it comes to the game of football, and with a 3 peat on the horizon for Bowling Green I would argue that the easiest path to an efficient offense would be a 3 headed monster in the backfield with Smith and Graham along with Barber orchestrating the chaos. I’m not sure a single team in 5A could gameplan for that sort of explosiveness and could only imagine how much fun it would be to have that sort of talent to work with as a Coach. However, I wouldn’t be surprised if what you’re saying comes to fruition, a very talented, well coached team indeed so one of those 3 that you mentioned could absolutely excel in a great situation. All in all I’m not opposed to putting the best player on the field at the QB position and felt the need to throw out the question in the forum.

[Purple88]

33 minutes ago, TheBallCoach said:

I’d take Xavier of those three personally, and they have a great Coach in Jordan Leach as well so I know they’re getting better daily, but none of them have experience at the Varsity level. My thing is that I try not to think too hard when it comes to the game of football, and with a 3 peat on the horizon for Bowling Green I would argue that the easiest path to an efficient offense would be a 3 headed monster in the backfield with Smith and Graham along with Barber orchestrating the chaos. I’m not sure a single team in 5A could gameplan for that sort of explosiveness and could only imagine how much fun it would be to have that sort of talent to work with as a Coach. However, I wouldn’t be surprised if what you’re saying comes to fruition, a very talented, well coached team indeed so one of those 3 that you mentioned could absolutely excel in a great situation. All in all I’m not opposed to putting the best player on the field at the QB position and felt the need to throw out the question in the forum.

This is a good vantage point TBC.  I too think Isabel is the best candidate to go with, but not exactly for the reason stated above.  Next season BG is loaded with experienced skill guys.  The season after that they won't be as much.  SO,    I'd like a QB leading that less experienced team that still has a couple years to go.  Kinda the Deuce Bailey effect, where you give the keys to the young kid (with probably the better arm too) and let him take some lumps early and then by the playoffs, he should be ready and still have 2 years to play.  Plus, once you get to district play, you'll have plenty of time to get him comfortable with the playbook.  You can always mix in Barber behind center just to mix it up and man that would be tough for a defensive coordinator to have to deal with.