When Bearden football fell to 3-3 following losses to perennial state title contenders Alcoa, Anderson County, and Maryville, many wondered if they could replicate last year’s success when they made a run to the state quarterfinals.
This was compounded by the fact that sophomore quarterback D.J. Hunter suffered multiple injury-related setbacks, and he was only one of many Bulldog stars who missed playing time due to injury.
“I’ve been hurt a lot this season,” Hunter said. “I’ve had to push through the injuries, and I’ve even had to play a whole game on a sprained ankle.”
However, this past week, Hunter broke out in Bearden’s 49-14 win over Jefferson County in the first round of the playoffs.
He finished 12-for-13 with 337 passing yards, two passing touchdowns, and two rushing touchdowns. His only incompletion was a throwaway as he was avoiding a sack.
“He’s now practiced for three or four weeks in a row,” Coach Josh Jones said. “He’s starting to get timing down with the receivers.”
Bearden (8-3) travels to Dobyns-Bennett (9-2) on Friday at 7 p.m. for a second round matchup, and the Bulldogs are hoping they can ride the momentum from the offense’s explosive performance a week ago.
Hunter’s performance against Jefferson Co. even earned him a nomination for 5 Star Preps’ Player of the Week. This was the first time all season that he started a third consecutive game.
“He’s starting to get in a rhythm and a flow,” Coach Jones said. “It was just a matter of time until he took it into a game.”
It also helped that he had each of his key weapons back. The win over the Patriots was the first time all season that the core of Hunter, Drew Parrott, Tory Beaufort, Deameion Leavell, Jayzon Thompson, and Torrian Riggins have all been healthy for a game.
Other key pieces have made strides this season and contributed to the team’s success thus far as well, especially sophomore safety Kenny Simon.
“I just think from a maturity standpoint, being a team player, and not worrying about myself, [I’ve really improved],” said Simon, who averages six tackles per game.
Added Coach Jones: “Kenny’s just done a phenomenal job. He’s so talented, and the sky’s the limit for him in the game of football.”
In spite of the rocky start to the season, the team believes in themselves and their ability to make a run at the state championship.
“I think [the remaining teams] should view us as dangerous,” Hunter said. “We’ve got a lot of weapons, and a lot of star power.”
With a win Friday, Bearden would reach the state quarterfinals in consecutive seasons for the first time in program history.
“We’re going to come with everything we got,” Simon said. “When we play hard, I feel like nobody in the state can beat us.”