The Bainbridge Bearcats are returning to Centennial Field Friday to kick off the most important portion of their schedule—their sub-division games. 

It all begins with the Americus-Sumter Panthers (2-3), a team fresh off a 33-12 loss to the Thomas County Central Yellow Jackets in Thomasville. Last week, the Bearcats (3-2) took down Crisp County in Cordele 31-6.

“Spirits are always high after a win,” Bainbridge coach Jeff Littleton said. “We just have to take it week by week and take care of each team.”

The Panthers’ offensive line is big of front and blocks well for senior quarterback and running back Wesley Fields.

“(The offensive line) does a good job of moving people out of the way and the quarterback does a good job of picking holes and finding seams,” Littleton said. “We’re gong to have to contain him, keep him in the pocket and boxed up.”

Littleton said the Bearcat defense would have to focus on good technique to fight through the line and out pressure on Fields in the backfield.

“Our tackles and ends are going to have to keep their eyes up, come off low and get a good punch,” he said.

Americus Sumter’s defense is led by junior defensive tackle Tyler Clark. Standing at 6-feet-4-inches and 290 pounds, Clark is known for hurrying the quarterback. He has two sacks this season.

The linebackers and other skills positions are quick and will focus on shutting down the Bearcats’ run game. The Panthers typically line up in a 4-3 or a 4-4 formation, but are also known to place five men on the line.

Littleton said his players had gained confidence last week before the win against Crisp Co. and are ready to win again.

Returning to the field will be running back Tramaine McCray, who has been injured for the majority of the season with a torn meniscus. Littleton said he expects McCray to play, but he is also trying to slowly ease the senior back in play.

Friday is senior night for the Bearcats and also a “Pink Out” to spread awareness about breast cancer. Kick off is at 7:30 p.m. at Centennial Field.