The Bainbridge High School Bearcats boys soccer team won a crucial region match-up Tuesday night, defeating the Thomas County Central Yellow Jackets 1-0 in Thomasville, Ga.

“The match was obviously defensive, as is reflected by the score,” Bainbridge coach Jamie Ard said. “Our defense bent at times, and Central had chances, but in the end they were not able to capitalize on their chances.”

Bainbridge freshman Jay Castro scored the only goal in the 60th minute, to give the Bearcats the advantage. Castro took a pass and caught the Central goalkeeper out of position. He chipped the shot over the keeper, and — despite great effort from the Central defenders to clear the ball before it crossed the line — the ball rolled into the net.

Castro’s goal was the second in his young career. He also scored in the team’s 8-0 win over Monroe on Thursday, March 21.

“I am proud of Jay,” Ard said. “He came on as a substitute, and he made the most of his opportunity. He really came up big for us, as Luis Mejia and Daniel Provence were maked by multiple players each time they touched the ball.

“He has really made the push to be able to start some games for us in the near future.”

The victory gave Bainbridge a chance to play for the region title for the second consecutive year. The Bearcats were scheduled to host Hardaway on Friday, for the region title. That game was not completed by press time, but coverage will be included in the Wednesday, April 3, edition of The Post-Searchlight.