With the Cairo game on the schedule for Friday night at Centennial Field, a Bainbridge Bearcat tradition also comes with it.

The seventh annual Syrup Sop Pep Rally will be held Thursday, Sept. 8, at 5 p.m. at Willis Park in Downtown Bainbridge.

Bainbridge cheerleading coach Lea Hawkins said the Syrup Sop is a partnership with downtown merchants, who will be open late for Bearcat fans attending the event. Cheerleaders will be painting the windows of storefronts purple and gold throughout the week to fill downtown with Bearcat spirit.

Bainbridge High School clubs will have games and booths set up for a full evening of community outreach. Buddy and Bella, the Bearcat mascots, will be at the park to pump up the crowd.

Fans are encouraged to wear their purple and gold to support the Bearcat football team as they prepare to take on the rival Syrupmakers this Friday night.

The Syrup Sop is a free event.

Bainbridge kicks off against Cairo at 7:30 p.m. at Centennial Field.