Friday night’s Region 1-AAAA homecoming football game between the Bainbridge Bearcats and the visiting Warner Robins Demons at Centennial Field, which ended in a heartbreaking 14-10 Bearcats loss, was definitely a classic.

Bainbridge’s offense was well-balanced, as the Bearcats gained 142 yards on the ground and 124 yards through the air. Leading the ground game were Terry Lewis with 17 carries for 56 yards and Damian Bouie with 11 carries for 53 yards.

Quarterback Quincy Fortson completed 4-of-12 passes for 124 yards and a touchdown.

No offense gains much yardage without a strong line up front.

The Bearcats’ offensive line is anchored by center Cole Granato, who has done an excellent job all season.  Other strong efforts along the offensive front have been provided by tackle Madison Malone, tackle Jason Long, long snapper Andrzej Jeglinski, and guards Aquivius Carroll and Tim Shaw.

Having big defensive efforts for the Bearcats on Friday night were tackle Shamai Wilburn, linebacker Marshall Mack, and defensive back Rodney Glenn, who blocked a field goal.

It’s good to have defensive back Cameron McDowell back from injury. He has worked hard to get back and I am sure he will continue to be a contributor down the stretch.

Special teams also were major contributors to the Friday night effort against the Demons. Daniel Provence had a  36-yard first-quarter field goal and got good distance on his kickoffs.

The Bearcats, who are now 6-2 overall and 3-2 in Region 1-AAAA play, will travel to Leesburg on Friday night for a region game with the Lee County High School Trojans.

A victory will assure the Bearcats of a berth in the first round of the State Class AAAA playoffs.

Lets put on our finest purple and gold attire, drive over to Lee County on Friday night, fill the visiting stands in Leesburg to capacity and cheer them on to a big playoff clinching victory.

Bainbridge head coach Ed Pilcher, his fine coaching staff and the players must put Friday night’s heartbreaking loss behind them and concentrate on beating Lee County. I am confident that they will do just that.

While they have accomplished much this season, there is much more that can be accomplished.

This year’s Bearcats are as focused a group of young players as I have ever been around. They have set high goals and they are willing to work hard and pay the price to achieve them.

Hard work is a necessity, because the Bearcats play in one of the strongest Class AAAA regions in the state.

I hope everyone has a good week and I look forward to seeing many of you Friday night in Leesburg.