2014 High School Football Tour: Baldwyn

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BALDWYN, Miss. (WCBI) — One game was all that stood between Baldwyn and a trip back to Jackson last season.

Unfortunately, that one game was the difference as the Bearcats fell ever so close to returning to the 2A State Championship. But head coach Michael Gray sees that as a positive, not a negative going into the season.

“I’m hoping the kids got a taste of what it feels like to get close and lose,” coach Gray said. “I hope that will be enough of a shot in the arm that they will work and do everything they can to make that next step.”

This season, the big question for the Bearcats is at quarterback. 2-year starter Corbin Scott has graduated which leaves a gaping hole to fill on offense for coach Gray.

One of his main options is his do everything junior, Duke Upshaw.

“Duke has all the skills to play the position,” Gray said. “It will eliminate some of the things we like to do but it will bring things that we can do with him. I’ve told people that it’s great to have two quarterbacks that you can trust.”

There is one thing that Baldwyn can rely upon this upcoming season: the rushing game. The Bearcats return their top three rushers from a season ago that totaled over 2,200 yards on the ground.

“I was looking at our roster and we have four of our five offensive linemen back plus our fullback plus Duke. The running game will have to turn it up a notch but that’s what we’re hoping for.”

Did we happen to mention that Booneville still remains in the forefront of Baldwyn’s mind?

“It would be great to beat the team up the road,” Gray said. “I’ve been here five years and I’ve failed to beat them each year. It’s a team effort but I’m hoping we break the streak and can get that monkey off our back.”