HONEA PATH — Watch Nino Woolridge work his way around the huddle and the line of scrimmage and you’ll get an idea what kind of team Belton-Honea Path will put on the field this season.

Woolridge, a junior, who has played linebacker and running back in his B-HP career, will start the season under center. Last year’s starter, senior Matthew Moore, has chosen to focus on baseball.

Woolridge, with a 6-foot 202-pound frame, and 4.6-second 40-yard dash speed, is plenty talented to excel. But, like many of his teammates, struggles when he thinks more than reacts.

The Bears are starting the season with 19 underclassmen vying for starting positions, and most have size, speed, or strength to contribute. But they lack experience.

“We’ve got linebackers who can run, but they’ve got to learn reads and keys and where to get to when,” coach Wayne Green said. “There’s a lot of wait and see with this crowd. It’s a talented bunch, but we have question marks.”

One of those question marks is not junior Jacob Tavernier, who is starting on defense for the third straight season. This time, though, he’ll also play running back.

Green said the number of plays Tavernier is in for depends on his health and physical shape. He suffered a separated shoulder early in the preseason, but should be 100 percent by opening night.

Tavernier, though soft-spoken, recognizes his leadership role on the team, and how to help Woolridge.

“You’re the quarterback now, it’s a big role, but do your best,” Tavernier said. “When you play great, everybody else around you plays great.”

The offensive line returns three starters: seniors Blake Parker and Jacob Ashley, and 6-foot-5, 291-pound junior Matthew Ashley return.

Tavernier said the offensive line will be fine by region season.

“They just need some time,” he said.

Woolridge’s insertion at QB means he won’t be in the middle of the defense, where he collected 127 tackles last season. Woolridge will play outside on defense, while Jared Jennings moves inside closer to the ball.

“We do have some good players,” Green said. “But we’re inexperienced, and it’s going to take us a while.”

Last year: 6-5 (lost in first round of playoffs)

Returning starters: 9 (3 on offense, 6 on defense)

Key loss: LB Joseph Wideman, a North-South all-star, led the Bears with 169 tackles and six sacks and now plays at Presbyterian.

To be a factor in playoffs: “Our offensive front has to come around. It’s just going to be a matter of getting experience.” — Wayne Green

Nino Woolridge, jr., QB/LB

Green said last preseason that Woolridge had a chance to be one of the best LBs to come through B-HP. Now he’s expected to lead the offense. Tavernier compares his running style with Florida QB Tim Tebow. “Just because he’s a great athlete does not mean he’ll be able to do the quarterback thing just like this,” Green said with a snap. “We were prepared to be patient.”

Jacob Tavernier, jr., S/RB

Will start on defense for the third straight season, and Green calls him, “one of the best football players I have ever coached in 29 years.” Since he’ll be asked to play almost every down on both sides, his health could have a big impact on the team’s success.

Chancey Latimer, sr., WR

Expected to stretch the defense, and provide big plays. “He has really grown up a lot in the last year, and I believe he will be a difference maker,” Green said.