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Last Tuesday on a wet and slippery night at Rip Hewes stadium, in Dothan Alabama, the Bainbridge Middle School eighth grade football team’s hope for an undefeated season came to an end as they were defeated by the Dothan Preparatory Academy as the Wolves pulled out a 14-7 victory. .

Turnovers were key in the host’s victory as the Wolves recorded four that were crucial in shutting down Bainbridge’s attack.

Bainbridge’s looked destined to score early, as on their first series as they drove all the way down to the Dothan 2 yard line, following a 66 yard run by runningback JaVon Cox, but a penalty along with several miscues had them turning the ball over at the Dothan 22.

On the Bearcats next series, the ball was deep in Bainbridge territory, and on a third down play, Dothan Safety Christan Peterson stepped in front of a pass from Bainbridge Quarterback Cam Sanders, and intercepted the ball running it back to the Bearcat 4 yard line where he was downed.

On the first play, following the interception, Peterson threw a pass to wide receiver Jalen Corbitt for a touchdown. Runningback  KeAvion Durry ran for the two point conversion and Dothan led 8-0 with 26 seconds left in the first quarter, which also proved to be the only scoring in the first half.

Dothan extended their lead at 14-0 with 3:56 left in the third quarter, as Peterson passed to  an open receiver behind the Bainbridge defense, who caught the ball and raced 72 yards for a touchdown.

On the 2 point conversion Bearcat Linebacker Kuyler Burke broke up the pass attempt in the secondary.

Early in the fourth quarter Bearcat Wide Receiver AJ Grant caught a 36 yard pass from quarterback Cam Sanders to place the ball on the Dothan 6 yard line.

On the next play Bainbridge Running back Latravious Freeman scored a touchdown on a sweep to the left. Bearcat Kicker Nick Tyre converted the extra point kick and Bainbridge trailed 14-7 with 6:43 left in the 4th quarter.

Following stout defensive play, Bainbridge had two more opportunities late in the contest, but were unable to convert the drives into points as a turnover thwarted one drive at the Dothan 34, while another resulted in a loss on downs at the Dothan 26.

Bainbridge Middle School Head Coach Dan Klages reflected following the game and said, “Another successful season for BMS football.  I am proud of the players for the work they put in over the season that led to their improvement both individually and as a team. If these guys continue to love Bearcat Football, and are willing to do the tough things, put in the work, the time and sacrifice that it will take from this point forward, the sky is the limit!”

Despite the loss Bainbridge finished with an impressive 5-1 record overall as they outscored the opposition 133-70.