Fullback Jason Lee and quarterback Sam Boutwell ran for second quarter touchdowns Thursday at Centennial Field leading the Bainbridge Middle School eighth grade Bearcats to a 16-0 season Southwest Georgia eighth grade Middle School League season opening victory opening victory over the Thomasville’s Macintyre Park Middle School eighth grade Bulldogs.

Lee’s touchdown was set up by a 40-yard pass from Boutwell to wide receiver Austin Aldridge. Artez Moore ran to the Bulldogs 8-yard line. On the next play, Lee went off the left side for the touchdown. Boutwell ran up the middle for the 2-point conversion.

Boutwell ran 10 yards off the left side for the Bearcats second touchdown.

Moore had a 30-yard run on the drive from his own 20-yard line to midfield. Boutwell added the 2-point conversion on a run up the middle.

Bearcats eighth grade head coach Heith Maxwell said while his team played well Thursday, they sill have some work to do.

“We had some problems with penalties and we need to get that straightened out,” he said. “Holding penalties probably cost us a couple more touchdowns.”

The eighth grade Bearcats will return to action next Thursday, Sept. 3, when they travel to Thomas County for a 5 p.m. game against the Thomas County Central Middle School eighth grade Yellow Jackets at Thomas County Central High School’s Jackets Nest Stadium.

Coach Blake Carruthers Bainbridge Middle School seventh grade Bearcats will open their season next Wednesday, Sept. 2, when they host the Thomas County Central Middle School seventh grade Yellow Jackets at Centennial Field.