#HSFT16: Stop No. 11 – Baldwyn Bearcats

BALDWYN, Miss. (WCBI) — Baldwyn has been the picture of dominant consistency over the last 3 seasons.

The Bearcats’ 34 wins in 3 seasons and added 3 more division championships to the trophy case. And with what’s returning, there’s reason to believe they will continue to add to those statistics in 2016.

“We have a lot returning,” head coach Michael Gray said. “I’m excited to see how the younger kids step up to the next level. It’ll be there turn to fill in with the experienced players we have.”

With the talent returning for this upcoming season there are considerable losses including bruising back Moo-Moo Patterson and do-everything athlete Duke Upshaw, who tallied over 4,500 rushing yards in his 5 years on varsity.

What the Bearcats lose in the running game, they gain in the passing game with continuity at quarterback in junior John Swinney returning.

“John had a really good spring,” coach Gray said. “He’ll continue to grow and get better. Having the guys surround him can make life easier if he does his job. We’re excited to see how he’s progressed.”

With the pieces coming back for the 2016 season there’s reason to believe that Baldwyn can re-ignite memories from the 2008 State Championship run.

But don’t tell coach Michael Gray that, as his team is keeping it simple in the locker room.

“We talk about working out in the spring and figuring out a way,” said Gray. “We go through preseason then division play then figure out how to stay healthy and keep our mindset.

“We want to find a way to get to that last game in December. This group of seniors has played in the north half championship game 2 of the last 3 years. They’re going to have an opportunity to get back to that game. There’s a lot of work in front of them to get there.”

Baldwyn will begin the season with three straight home games against talented foes Mooreville, Walnut, and Kossuth in three straight weeks.