Region 5A Preview: Bowling Green Purples

With the opening kickoff of high school football just around the corner, it's time to take a look at some high-level programs from around the state that should be worth watching this upcoming fall. Today, we will be looking at Region 5A as we breakdown Bowling Green High School ahead of the 2023 season.   The Purples closed out the 2022-23 season with a 12-3 overall record, which included a flawless 3-0 mark in 5A District 2. BGHS posted a 6-1 record at home and a 3-1 record in both away and neutral contests. Bowling Green closed out their season in the Region 5A Championship Game, falling short 28-7 to Frederick Douglass High School. Here's some of the top returning players on the Purples' roster to watch:    At the top of my list is [player_tooltip player_id='340071' first='Deuce' last='Bailey'], a 6-foot-1, 170-pound quarterback that made an explosive impact at the helm of the Purples' offense during his sophomore stint of high school football last year. In 15 contests, Bailey threw 221 completions out of 360 attempts for 3,136 yards and 34 touchdowns. Bailey also added 71 rush attempts for 424 yards and three scores. In addition to outstanding size, speed and arm strength, Bailey impresses me with his precise decision-making, ability to adapt, pin-point accuracy and his composure under heavy defensive pressure.     <a href="http://www.hudl.com/video/3/13261660/638f5efcd4684809bcdcc6e1">Tape:</a>    Another high-level prospect on the Purples' roster to watch out for is [player_tooltip player_id='212337' first='Trevy' last='Barber'], a 5-foot-9, 155-pound wide receiver that made his presence known during his freshman campaign of high school football last year. In 15 games, Barber recorded one reception for three yards, one rush attempt and 47 receptions for 737 yards and nine touchdowns. Barber additionally collected two tackles. What stands out about Barber is his size, speed and explosiveness in the backfield, proving he can overpower defensive backs down the stretch and haul in receptions from anywhere on the field. Barber can also quickly escape the defense and break tackles.     <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/13278016/638eb3af2aa6b80a3847ac6e">Tape:</a>    One of the biggest offensive playmakers on the team is [player_tooltip player_id='653474' first='Easton' last='Barlow'], a 6-foot-0, 165-pound wide receiver that consistently impressed down the stretch during his junior season with the Purples last year. In 15 contests, Barlow hauled in 52 receptions for 1,008 yards and 12 touchdowns. Barlow also contributed three rush attempts for 17 yards. Barlow stands out due to his well-balanced playstyle and overall athleticism, using his solid size, speed, footwork and physicality to stun and juke out defensive backs in the backfield. Barlow was one of the strongest targets for Bailey last year due to his ability to push off defenders and get in position for passes.     <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/14175312/637fa7aeda511d0b60c112c1">Tape:</a>    An explosive ground weapon to watch out for is [player_tooltip player_id='423707' first='Javen' last='Huddleston'], a 6-foot-0, 185-pound running back that found success on the field during his junior stint with the Purples last year. In 13 games, Huddleston picked up 144 rush attempts for 1,184 yards and 16 touchdowns. Huddleston additionally recorded 27 receptions for 339 yards and four touchdowns. Huddleston is so dangerous on the ground due to his size, speed, physical edge and ability to absorb pressure to escape the pocket. Huddleston was no stranger to the backfield as his durable edge and footwork allowed for him to maneuver the field and break tackles en route to the endzone.     <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/15934998/638f89654ba888084c0cd5d6">Tape:</a>    A highly versatile defensive standout to keep an eye on is [player_tooltip player_id='381906' first='Wick' last='Dotson'], a 5-foot-10, 190-pound defensive back that made a significant impact during his junior campaign with the Purples last year. In 15 contests, Dotson recorded 70 total tackles, including 39 solo stops, 31 assisted takedowns and two tackles for loss. Dotson also hauled in five interceptions and recovered one fumble, taking it to the house for a 16-yard touchdown. In addition to excellent size, speed and versatility, what makes Dotson so efficient defensively is his physicality in coverage, his ability to bully receivers out of position and his consistency in picking off the quarterback.     <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/15077896/6390120f4210b705280381e2">Tape:</a>    I am additionally impressed with [player_tooltip player_id='381905' first='DeMarcus' last='Elliott'], a 6-foot-3, 260-pound offensive lineman that consistently made a difference on the Purples' line during his junior season last year. In 11 games, Elliott stood strong offensively and impressed with his durability, exerting solid physicality off the snap while containing significant defensive pressure. Elliott's ability to use intense strength against the defense while prolonging the offense's time of possession is what made him such a gamechanger. Elliott's ability to stay composed, absorb heavy pressure and stun the defense with his toughness also caught my attention.     <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/13278090/639756feff0353061c67adf8">Tape:</a>    Another playmaker to watch for is Grayson Newman, a 5-foot-11, 188-pound defensive back that made a considerable impact with the Purples during his junior campaign of high school football last year. In 14 contests, Newman picked up a total of 126 tackles, including 74 solo stops, 52 assisted takedowns and one tackle for loss. Newman additionally hauled in two interceptions for a 66 yard gain. Newman was such a strong defensive standout due to his overall awareness and ability to read the offense like a book. Newman's overall versatility, overwhelming strength and his ability to quickly blast the offense allowed for him to contain playmakers, create pressure and pick off the quarterback.     <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/13720151/63b218a1ff01e90aece9fe59">Tape:</a>

With the opening kickoff of high school football just around the corner, it's time to take a look at some high-level programs from around the state that should be worth watching this upcoming fall. Today, we will be looking at Region 5A as we breakdown Bowling Green High School ahead of the 2023 season.