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By Carey Reeder | Managing Editor

Billingsley High School dismantled Class 3A Greensboro High School 46-20 on the road to open its 2024 campaign. The Bears piled up 436 yards of total offense and were led by running back Kaden Cotton who accounted for well over half of those with 281 yards rushing on 17 carries and three touchdowns.

“I thought our offense was really rolling, and we executed really well which comes with experience and having these guys for three years in the same program,” Billingsley head coach Lanny Jones said. “Starting that first game is a lot different than year one and two when you feel like you are still learning everyone a bit.”

The Bears were confident in their offense going into 2024, and they showed why early and often against Greensboro building a 24-0 lead by the midway point of the second quarter. The connection between quarterback Landon Jones and wide receiver Kyle Boice showed it has not dwindled since 2023 as the two connected for a touchdown before halftime to send the Bears into the break up 30-6. Cotton had over 200 of his rushing yards come in the first half.

Jones was 13-for-17 passing for 201 yards and two touchdowns, and he added 64 yards and a touchdown on the ground on eight carries. Boice caught five passes for 91 yards and two touchdowns.

The Bears’ defense got stops when it needed to, another talking point preseason that would go a long way in telling how their season would go. Cotton added one of his three touchdowns to make it 38-6 after halftime, and the Bears only allowed two more scores the rest of the way, one as time expired. Jones had nine tackles to lead the defense, and Danny Boice and Caleb Massey each followed with eight.

“I think our guys start the game now a little more confident than in years past, and that is just due to them believing in our system and the hard work they have put in,” Lanny Jones said.

Billingsley (1-0) hosts Fayetteville High School on Aug. 30 at 7 p.m. for their next matchup.