Forget about last year. Forget the 2-4 start, forget the first-round playoff loss. Even forget the region championship. Bluffton’s football team is focused on the present.

“If we focus on what we did last year, we’re looking in the past,” third-year head coach John Houpt said. “We’re trying to focus every day on getting better so we can go out on Friday night and put on a better show than we did previously.”

The Bobcats showed out on defense at the end of last season, showing dramatic improvement after switching to a 3-4 scheme midseason. Although they lost eight starters off that unit, they have a number of key reserves back who fit the new system. 

The offense will have a new look, as well, despite returning six starters. After throwing the ball at a 4-to-1 ratio a year ago, Bluffton has focused on establishing the run behind a more physical offensive line. 

“Maybe my arm won’t hurt after every game,” senior quarterback Lee Kirkland joked. 

With only nine seniors gone from last year’s region championship squad, the Bobcats plan to pick up where they left off — even if they’re trying not to think about.

“We’ve had a great offseason,” Kirkland said. “I think we’re going to come out and do what we’ve trained to do.” 

BLUFFTON BOBCATS FOOTBALL (click for team page)

Coach: John HouptRecord at BLHS: 12-9 (3rd season)2018 record: 5-5 overall, 3-0 region (lost in first round of Class 4A playoffs)Returning starters: 6 offense, 3 defenseOffensive scheme: Wing-T AirDefensive scheme: 3-4Top returners: QB Lee Kirkland, WR Rakim White, K Evan HayesNotable losses: DL Ronald Reid, LB Jaylon Thompson, DL Jaishon Jenkins, DL Anthony Carswell, WR Shamar Sandgren

PLAYER TO WATCH

Kylan Simmons, RB: A standout linebacker as a sophomore last season, Simmons takes over as the starting running back. He is a load to bring down at 5-9 and 220 pounds, and is a powerful, downhill runner. His ability to consistently put the Bobcats in good down-and-distance situations will be the key to the offense.

BURNING QUESTION

Who leads the defense? 

The Bobcats graduated tons of talent on the defensive side of the ball, returning only three starters — and that includes Simmons, who will play sparingly on defense with his expanded offensive role. Cornerback Jordan Murray and safety Cody Eldridge give Bluffton a relatively experienced secondary, but none of the front seven are back, so the Bobcats are counting on defensive end DJ Aiken and linebackers Xavier Dykstra and Billy Fletcher to take on key roles. 

REGION AND BEYOND

The Bobcats went undefeated in region play last year, but it was a hard-fought perfect mark. Region 7-4A is shaping up to be just as competitive this season, so Bluffton will have its work cut out to try to defend the title. The key for the Bobcats will be getting the defense rounded into form in time for region play. 

SCHEDULE

8/23 — vs. Screven County8/30 — at May River9/6 — vs. Ridgeland-Hardeeville9/13 — vs. Hanahan9/20 — at Hartsville9/27 — vs. Sumter10/4 — at Richmond Hill10/11 — at Beaufort High*10/18 — Open10/25 — vs. Colleton County*11/1 — at Hilton Head High*

*region opponent

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