History repeats itself, even in high school football.
Bearden will host Kingsport Dobyns-Bennett (5-4) on Friday night at 7 in the first round of the playoffs, just like last year.
However, this playoff tale could add some new chapters to that history as the Bulldogs (7-3) are determined to make it beyond the second round, which they haven’t done since 2010.
In fact, since Bearden last made it to a state quarterfinal in 2010, these two teams have met four times in the playoffs with each team winning twice. The Bulldogs won 14-6 last year before falling to Maryville in the second round.
Senior Preston Gould has kept his team motivated throughout the regular season, and after the loss against Bradley Central last week, the determination has spread like wildfire.
“We have to make a few adjustments, and we have been working on that at practice,” Gould said. “We made a couple of new plays and watched a lot of film, so I think we will be ready.”
Added Coach Josh Jones: “The driving motivation is that if we win we get to play another week.”
Jones has led this team to one of the best seasons they have had in years, and they hope to make a long run in the playoffs.
“We are in a one-week season right now,” Jones said. “We want to play as many games as we can possibly play.”
Not only is this considered a new era for Bearden football, but it is also a fresh start for the season.
“They knew whether or not we won or lost last week they would be starting a new season at 0-0,” Jones said. “It’s not going to be an easy out.
“They have turned a page.”