A fresh start on the gridiron
The Belton-Honea Path Bears are set to usher in a new chapter on the gridiron as the 2026 season approaches, with David Crane stepping into the role of head coach.
Crane arrives after a seven‑year tenure at Seneca High School, where he compiled a 43‑39 record and guided the team to a 10‑2 finish in 2025 before a second‑round playoff exit.
Prior to Seneca, he spent five years at Greenville, posting a 27‑31 record and capturing the 2017 Region 1‑AAAA title with an 11‑2 squad.
His appointment follows the departure of Russell Blackston, who was relieved of his duties after a heated post‑game altercation at the 2025 AAA state championship, a game the Bears lost 28‑7 to Oceanside Collegiate Academy.
Region realignment reshapes the schedule
The Bears will now compete in Region 2, a new grouping that includes Emerald, Palmetto, Powdersville and Wren, while Legacy Early College will not field a football team this year.
Over the past three seasons the program has emerged as a dominant force, capturing two consecutive AAA upper state championships and finishing with a 27‑3 record.
Athletic officials say the team is focused on preserving that momentum while adapting to a fresh competitive landscape.