HONEA PATH, S.C. —

Following one of the most successful seasons in team history, the Belton-Honea Path Bears are back to work.

"We're working on just getting better," said longtime Bears head coach Russell Blackston. "All of our focus is on BHP being the best we can be. We definitely have high expectations around here, the bar has been set high."

BHP went 13-2 last year and reached the 3A state championship game for just the second time, but came up one win shy of the state title in a 35-17 loss against Oceanside Collegiate.

Though the Bears will have to replace the school's all-time leading rusher, Marquise Henderson, they bring back several playmakers on both sides of the ball, including senior quarterback Noah Thomas and senior linebacker Jakyri Anderson.

"We're all like brothers a

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