Cool, wet weather didn’t deter a large crowd from seeing the Bainbridge High School Bearcats post a 24-7 Region 1AAAA homecoming victory over the Upson-Lee High School Knights Friday night at Centennial Field.

The Bearcats offensive attack was led by quarterback Rohan Gaines, who rushed 22 times for 83 yards and threw for 142 yards.

The win improves the Bearcats’ record to 5-2 overall and 4-2 in Region 1AAAA play.

Gaines carried it into the end zone himself from a yard out with 3:54 left in the first quarter to cap a 10-play, 62-yard drive. Keenan Adams’ extra point kick made the score 7-0. Key play in the drive was a 19-yard pass from Gaines to wide receiver James Hudson from the Knights’ 35 to the Knights’ 16.

Upson-Lee running back Montavious Skelton ran 17 yards for a touchdown with 11:25 left in the first half to cap a nine-play, 80-yard drive. Luke Paul’s extra point kick tied the game at 7-7.

Bearcats running back Deyontrel Gibson ran seven yards for a touchdown with 3:31 left in the second quarter to cap a seven-play, 57-yard drive. The score was set up by a 23-yard pass from Gaines to wide receiver Melzie Johnson from the Knights’ 30. Adams’ extra point kick made it 14-7.

Bearcats defensive back Jonathan Warren picked up an errant Upson-Lee fumble at the Knights’ 18-yard line and returned it for a touchdown with 2:29 left in the half. Adams’ extra point kick made it 21-7.

Adams kicked a 28-yard field goal with 9:30 left in the game to cap a 11-play, 84-yard drive. The score was set up by a 42-yard pass from Gaines to Johnson, from the Bearcats’ 21 to the Knights 37.