After back-to-back state championship title game appearances in 2023 and 2024, the 2025 season was a tough pill to swallow for the Bowling Green Buccaneers. A 1-9 season culminating in a playoff loss in Tennessee would have been an obstacle too high to climb for some to give the game another try.
The 2026 version of the Buccaneers went to work early with a dedicated off-season that included long hours in the weight room working on strength and conditioning. Early returns have been promising for head coach Dean King’s Buccaneers squad. Bowling Green opened the season October 14 with a convincing 35-13 win over defending Class 3A state champion Adams County Christian School.
On offense, senior quarterback Joel Dupuy leads a balanced attack and is joined in the backfield by senior Nathan Pylant.
Ryn Rivenbark and Kolt Killingsworth, both seniors, provide reliable wide receiver targets for the Buccaneers passing game. Senior Keelan Williams is a threat to score from anywhere on the field. Senior tight end Colin Crain gives the offense someone who can block and catch on the end of the line. Senior center Luke Wright, juniors Layton Walters (left guard) and Caleb Wright (right guard), and seniors Cash Kinlaw (left tackle) and Colin Walters (right guard) man a physical offensive line that anchors the Bucs offense.
The front seven for the Buccaneers defensive unit are ends Marcus Barnett, Jr. (senior) and sophomore Prynce O’Shaughnessy, sophomore nose tackle Jake O’Bryant, junior defensive tackle Nick Schilling, and senior linebackers Landon Boyd, Braisyn O’Bryant and Nathan Pylant.
The defensive backfield is made up of senior cornerbacks Keelan Jackson and Kolt Killingsworth and senior safeties Cole Cooper and Ryn Rivenbark.
Rivenbark handles the punting duties while O’Shaughnessy is the Buccaneers place kicker. He was a perfect 5 for 5 in the season opener against ACCS.
Head coach King also serves as the defensive coordinator, Matt Magee is the offensive coordinator, David Hood coaches the offensive linemen, Tahj Magee oversees the BGS special teams, with Payton Holmes handling strength and conditioning.
A 2011 graduate of Bowling Green, Coach King was a standout running back and linebacker for the Bucs. He earned 1st Team All-District honors as a sophomore, junior and senior for his play as a linebacker while being named as the team’s MVP on defense. A team captain, Coach King was also awarded the prestigious Brandon Boyer award for his actions on and off the field.
“Our guys have worked extremely hard since November,” stated Coach King. “This past season put a chip on their shoulders. They have showed up, done the work and I can’t thank them enough for their continued work. The culture is good and the team is good. I tell them all the time to keep the fire because it’s feeding to one another.
“I want to thank the coaches for their hard work and devoted time to our program. I’m very proud of this coaching staff because they put a lot of time into these young men. I’m excited for the season ahead of us.”
Following the season opening win over ACCS, the Buccaneers are on the road three consecutive weeks. The Bucs take on Brookhaven Academy August 21 before traveling to Wayne Academy on August 28 followed by a trip to CHEF September 4. The Bucs return home September 11 to face Christian Collegiate in the district opener before hosting Amite School Center for homecoming and their second district contest. Bowling Green then travels to Oak Forest Academy for a non-district contest before returning to district play at home against Silliman Institute on October 2. The next two weeks has the Bucs on the road in non-district contests against Centreville Academy October 16 and Acadiana the week of the Washington Parish Fair. The Bucs return to W.E. “Buck” Hellen Stadium October 30 where they will host Columbia Academy in a district game that’s likely to have playoff implications.
