Bearden’s intimidating defense has been increasing in reputation over the past few seasons, and there is no plan for that to change in the 2023 season.
Coach Josh Jones has the tall task this season of replacing the star Bulldog linebacker group from last season. This was a group that featured all region players Sam Nicaud and Eric Lyttle, who combined for 154 tackles in the 2022 regular season.
“It’s so hard having to find replacements for guys like Sam and Eric,” Coach Jones said. “Those are two guys that were team leaders and made countless big plays for us last year, but we are really excited about the guys that are going to be put in those spots this year.”
The Bearden defense was elite in 2022 with Nicaud and Lyttle in the starting 11. The Bulldogs gave up an average of 17 points a game in a gauntlet schedule that featured the likes of three state champions (West, Alcoa, and Anderson Co.). One player who played in a number of games and got to learn from Nicaud and Lyttle is senior Ross Elder, who will be the Bulldogs starting middle linebacker this season.
“The group last year were all like brothers to me,” Elder said. “Getting to learn from them was huge because I got to watch how they played the position and learn what to do and what not to do. It was super beneficial for me going into this year.”
Elder, who plays middle linebacker, knows how important it is to show veteran leadership in his role.
“The middle linebacker is the quarterback of the defense, having to call plays and making sure that everybody is on the same page, so I knew that I would have to step up and set an example,” Elder said. “This defense has the potential to be great and I know as the middle linebacker that I play a huge role in making sure we can reach our full potential.”
This year’s linebacker group has a couple of older guys leading the charge, but is mostly made up of underclassmen who are hungry to get better and see playing time come the start of the season.
“Having competition is always good for a team because it means that you are going to be getting the best out of everyone and always have them working to get better,” Coach Jones said. “With having five guys in that room that we believe are ready to see varsity action, we know that we are going to be getting the best out of all our guys this season.”
The Bulldogs are no stranger to their opponent this Saturday. They will travel 6.1 miles across town to face off against the defending 5-A state champion and rival West High School at noon. The Rebels are replacing the majority of their offensive production from last year’s team, but still have loads of talent that they’ll call on to step up for them.
The Bulldogs last beat West in 2018.
Coach Jones knows what he needs from his linebacking core if they want to walk away with a win on saturday.
“They just need to do their jobs, be leaders out on the field, fly around, and have fun,” Coach Jones said.