By Lauren Floyd
Published: Aug. 22, 2024 at 5:03 PM CDT
BOWLING GREEN, Ky. (WBKO) - The time has finally come as we are wrapping up our 2024 Countdown to Kickoff previews by showcasing the reigning 5A state champions, the Bowling Green Purples.
BG started off the 2023 season 1-2, but came back full force to win six-straight before their end of regular season loss to St. Xavier at home.
From then on, the Purples cruised through the playoffs to punch their ticket to Kroger Field in back-to-back seasons. This time the Purples claimed state title, 28-14, over Cooper.
The end goal of a state championship is a crucial expectation of the program at Bowling Green High School, but the players are remaining humble. The team has been hard at work since the 2023 season came to a close, and are ready for the competition that lies ahead.
“We understand we won a state championship last year, but we’re not letting our heads get too big,” said senior running back/linebacker Jayden Axson. “We’re still coming out and working every single day like we didn’t win it last year. Same goal as last year, win it this year.”
The competition is stiff as the Purples kick off their 2024 season in the Rafferty’s Bowl against one of the top teams in Kentucky. It’s a rematch with the Broncos after BG’s 28-7 loss in the 2022 5A state final.
“We start off at the gate with Frederick Douglass. They’re one of the top teams in the state, so I think having those big games like that in the beginning of the season will prepare us in the end of the season,” said junior wide receiver Trevy Barber. “Everything we did last year, we know we have a chip on our shoulder. We come out to practice every day. We go hard against each other. Have intense practices. When we’re going against each other it’s like we’re playing against different teams, so it’s like real intense.”
Like most teams, the Purples had some spots to fill heading into this season, but head coach Mark Spader is looking forward to what this group brings to the table.
“I know we returned a lot, but there’s places in both our offensive and defensive lines where we lost some really good players. Anytime up front that you’re missing guys and replacing guys, it’s going to take some time to find who’s going to fit in there and gel with the others,” Spader said. “Besides that it was business as usual. It’s pretty much a machine in the way we do things here winter to spring to summer, and now we’re approaching fall. In a blink it’s upon us, so pretty exciting and looking forward to the ’24 season.”
Player-wise, guys have rose to the challenge to fill those shoes. “We’ve got a lot of guys that have already been through that, so we know what it takes to take it to that next step in reaching a state championship once again,” Axson added. “Even the guys we did lose, they’re ready to step up and compete for their role.”
Despite losing the 2023 class to graduation, Bowling Green has a large returning group from last year’s championship team, including all-time leading passer in senior quarterback Deuce Bailey and many other key offensive and defensive pieces.
Bailey led the Purples offense with 3,517 yards passing and 43 touchdowns along with rushing for 8 TD’s of his own.
The Purples also return their leader on defense in senior Grayson Newman. He totaled 101 total tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, three fumble recoveries (two for a touchdown), and a forced fumble.
“We got a crew back that most all of them have played quite a bit, and they’re coming off of a very successful team,” Spader said. “We challenge our seniors every year. ‘What kind of legacy are you going to leave behind?’ A lot of people keep talking about ’23, and that ’23 senior class is considered a special class here. Our ’24 guys, another good group of young men in our locker room, and we’ll live and die with them this year and ride on their shoulders.”
Besides their opening opponent, the Purples’ schedule mirrors the 2023 lineup, so BG knows they’re running onto the field with a target on their back.
“Just making that known to our players, and I think they know that. Particularly with how our season started last year, I think we were kind of surprising to a lot as we went through the playoffs, but when you return a bunch and you’re the defending champs we know we’re going to get everybody’s best shot,” Spader added. “We’re playing a bunch of teams that also had great seasons as well, so there’s going to be some exciting games out on the field.”
2024 Bowling Green Football Schedule
August 24th: vs Frederick Douglass @ WKU (Rafferty’s Bowl)
August 30th: vs Owensboro
September 6th: vs Bryan Station (LCA Bowl)
September 13th: at Apollo
September 20th: at Central Hardin
September 27th: vs Ohio County
October 4th: at Christian County
October 18th: vs South Warren
October 25th: at Greenwood
November 1st: at St. Xavier
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