Hill Jr. headlines Bears’ rejuvenated offense

Over at Houston County High the Bears are practicing on their grass field that famously sits next to SR-96. The team is grinding for when it’s time to load the bus and cruise down SR-96 for the season opener against Perry.

There’s one week left before then, and the anticipation amongst Bears fans is much higher than it has been the past few seasons. There’s a simple reason for it, a new gunslinger is in town and he’s on the way to becoming sheriff.

His name is Antwann Hill Jr. and he’s the young gun that has taken over as the Bears’ starting quarterback.

Hill Jr.’s name has been buzzing since he received an offer from the University of Georgia last year as an eighth grader. He also led Mossy Creek Middle to the county football championship, where he sealed the win with a two-point conversion run.

Hill Jr. has watched Houston County football since his older cousin Trey Hill, now a rookie for the Cincinnati Bengals, was lining up in a Bears uniform (class of 2018). Last year, Hill Jr. was pacing the sidelines of Bears’ games all season long. At last, the fervent freshman is in a Bears uniform and has been nothing short of impressive.

“When I first heard about Antwann I was like, eh, he’s probably just tall, whatever,” said senior running back Simeon Askew. “But ever since I’ve been watching him and playing next to him—Antwann is a great quarterback. The throws he can make, like, it’s effortless. His reads—I know he can be great for us this season.”

Effortless. There’s no better way to describe Hill Jr. as a quarterback so far, he seems practically born to play the part. His fluid play speaks for itself and he’s evidently a swift learner.

Hill Jr. has primed himself for this moment of being the starting quarterback. His behind the scenes work stems back to last year and shortly after the 2020 football season ended, Hill Jr., Askew and teammates were on the Bears’ grass field training together.

“We’ve been building chemistry since the start of last year,” said Hill Jr. “Because nobody knew me at the Perry game, so at the Crisp County game I started talking (with the team). Then this spring break and summer we’ve been working; throwing, catching, all of that.”

Hill Jr. is the face of refreshed offense. Askew is back at running back, his primary position, and will be Hill Jr.’s main man in the backfield.

Askew carried the rock last season but was utilized more in situational plays like goal line and third-down runs. He spent most of the season on the other side of the ball as a defensive back. As the second option at tailback, Askew still led the team in touchdowns with eight and the senior is geared up to be full-time running back.

“It’s exciting because since I started playing football here, I’ve been playing running back,” said Askew. “Freshman year they wanted me to switch over to safety because we were down. I had to do what I had to do for the team, but I’m glad I’m at running back.”

The wideout position is reinvigorated as well. Only one returning receiver caught a pass last season and that’s senior Davis Shaw. Along with Shaw, senior Laurence Hill and junior Jaden Spivey are two receivers bound to make some noise. Hill is another teammate who’s been putting in extra work with Hill Jr. through this spring and summer.

“Everybody knows we have a freshman quarterback and I’m honestly excited to see what he can do,” said Hill. “He’s come a long way since we’ve started in January up until now. I’m just excited for him to show everybody what he can do.”

“I’ve kind of taken him under my wing, he’s like the little brother I never had,” said Hill of his relationship with the freshman quarterback. “(I’m) giving him guidance along the way. Especially with him being a quarterback and me being a receiver in my last year, we’re building as much chemistry as we can for us to have that trust on Friday’s.”

The Bears can be seen in their first bit of live action next Friday, Aug. 13 in a scrimmage against Jones County. That will be the precursor to Houston’s season opener on Friday, Aug. 20 at Perry.

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