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The Bainbridge Bearcats earned their first win Friday night against the Coffee Trojans in an all-time finish that left Bearcat fans full of excitement. The Bearcats 24-21 victory came with late game heroics, defensive stands and productive offensive drives.

The game started off as a defensive battle as both teams went blow for blow on defense, keeping the score at a stalemate after the first quarter. On the Trojans third drive of the game, linebacker Dontavious Broadnax came up with a third down sack to give the ball back to the Bearcat offense as they put together their first scoring drive of the game.  

Running back Keenan Phillips picked up right where he left off a week ago as he took a 25 yard carry into the red zone and eventually pushed across a one yard score to give the Bearcats a 7-0 lead at the half.

Phillips wasn’t done just yet. The junior running back opened the second half with a bang as he took a carry straight up the middle for a 65 yard score on the first play of the third quarter. After a field goal by kicker Nicholas Tyre and two touchdown runs from the Trojans the Bearcats were clinging to a 17-13 lead going into the fourth quarter.

The Trojans would put together a clutch drive with two minutes left in the fourth quarter resulting in a Antwain Mcduffie touchdown, giving the Trojans a 21-17 lead with two minutes left.

With everyone in Centennial Field on their feet, the Bearcats picked their heads up and put together a thrilling final drive. Rushes by Keenan Phillips, Antavious Murphy and Kyler Burke set the Bearcats up inside the 15 yard line with just over 27 seconds left.

On the very next play, quarterback Cam Sanders rolled out and connected with sophomore receiver Cam Scott who made an unbelievable catch as he high pointed the ball and took it from the defender. Bearcats fans erupted as they took a 24-21 lead with 20 seconds left.

Despite starting quarterback Bo Smith leaving the game with injury, backup Cam Sanders jumped right in and led the offense. Sanders was especially productive in the run-pass option plays and was able to lead the Bearcats on multiple productive drives.

“Our backup quarterback was in so it limits you a little bit because you don’t put the gameplan in for the backup,” said Littleton. “We knew who we wanted to get the ball to and Cam was able to get it to our guys. On that last play that’s a tenth grader making that catch and it’s something we’ve seen him do in practice and Cam was able to get him the ball and gave him a chance and that’s what counts.

The defense made one last stand and the Bearcats were victorious as time expired. Head coach Jeff Littleton was not only thrilled with the win, but with the way his team responded after last week’s loss.

“Winning is always great but what I’m most proud of is how our team bounced back from adversity after last week,” said Littleton. “That’s why we play hard schedules is to learn from the mistakes. The kids responded and worked on the things we were negligent in.”

The Bearcats will now prepare for their first road game of the year as they head to Thomas County Central next Friday at 7:30 p.m.