The crowd cheering under Friday night lights, the electric sound of the marching band, and the energetic performances from the BHS cheer and dance teams mean football season is back.

Bearden football is coming off a 4-6 season in 2021, as Coach Josh Jones is set to begin his inaugural season as head coach. Coach Jones has been a high school football coach for 26 years and is hoping to use his wealth of football knowledge and experience to grow Bearden’s program.

“Some people might have seen Bearden and the tough schedule as an obstacle, but I saw it as an opportunity,” Jones said. “It’s in a great location in the city of Knoxville, great athletes, great support from the administration, the school, the community, and everything.”

Coach Jones is also bringing a new offensive system, which second-year starting quarterback Drew Parrott is ready to implement.

“(Coach Jones is) very instructive and helpful,” the sophomore said. “He makes us better as a team. The team has all grown closer together with Coach Jones.” 

The new offensive scheme aims to open up the field.

“The system is designed to get a lot of different people touches, and again, we have to be able to run the football when the time comes,” said Jones. “We have to throw the football, and can’t just rely on running the football all night.

“We want to be multiple and try to be very unpredictable.”

Bearden will host West at 7 p.m. on Saturday night to kickoff the 2022 season. The Bulldogs are hoping to avenge last year’s 24-2 loss to the Rebels.

In the jamboree last week, Bearden wrapped up its preseason with a 14-0 win over Powell, with touchdown runs from Presean Brown and Jayzon Thompson.

Coach Jones and the team are looking forward to showcasing the progress made in the preseason and seeing the offensive scheme played out in a regular season game.