Bainbridge fell 38-0 to the No. 4 team in Class AAAAA last Friday night, but is determined to bounce back for a big region game against Harris County at home this week.

“We had one of our best practices we’ve had this year yesterday,” said coach Jeff Littleton. “We had a lot of energy at practice after coming off that loss the other night.”

The primary reason for that loss is losing too many individual battles. The Bearcats came out on the wrong end of too many one-one-one matchups against the Demons; lineman versus lineman, receiver versus corner back, etc.

“We didn’t win any individual battles,” said Littleton. “If you don’t do that, it’s hard to win as a team. We just made too many mistakes to beat a really, really good football team.”

A few players got banged up in the process, including quarterback Quayde Hawkins, who is taking it day by day.

The good thing is Bainbridge is now back at home.

The Tigers pose a bigger threat this Friday than their 3-6 record gives them credit for. With a slew of players coming off injury and returning for the most crucial stretch of the regular season, Harris County dropped to 1-2 in the region. However, the Tigers picked off Thomas County Central last Friday 31-15.

Harris County’s offense is centered around three athletes.

Senior quarterback Cal’von Harris and juniors Davion Mahone and Tailique Williams have all gotten their fair share of touches this season. Mahone leads the team in passing with five touchdowns while going 50-of-83 for 593 yards. Harris leads the team in rushing with six touchdowns on 131 carries for 827 yards. Williams has 18 receptions for 252 yards and five touchdowns.

“They have some weapons, and it’s going to be a challenge to slow them down a little bit of offense,” said Littleton.

Free safety Sebastian Russell leads the team on defense with 35 tackles. According to Littleton, the defense flies around the field and brings their players to the football every play, with many of their best offensive athletes playing on the other side of the ball, too.

Littleton would like to see a packed house at Centennial Field Friday.

“Going through this hurricane, I hope people come out and show their support for these kids,” said Littleton. “They have been working and practicing the whole time. We haven’t skipped a day. We had to come in and try to get better, and they’ve done that. We’ve gotten over some obstacles.”

Bainbridge kicks off against Harris County at 7:30 p.m. this Friday at Centennial Field.