While the Bainbridge High School Bearcats do not throw very much out of their split-back veer offense, the pass can be kind of a secret weapon.

Junior quarterbacks Preston Norris and Aaron Calloway are very capable of throwing the football, when the need arises.

Bearcats head coach Ed Pilcher talked this week about what he termed the positive progress his two quarterbacks are making.

“Preston and Aaron are running about neck and neck right now,” he said. “Both are executing the offense well.”

Some of the top receivers coming out of spring practice were senior A.J. Miller and junior Greg Cooper.

With the return of Terry Lewis and Damian Bouie, a pair of senior All-Region 1-AAAA running backs, the need to throw is not crucial.

Receivers coach Larry Cosby understands that, but he still feels his receivers can be a positive factor in the 2012 season.

A young receiver who caught coaches’ eyes in the spring is freshman Curtis Keaton. His speed and moves were solid, and he was able to get open and catch the ball.

With Lewis and Bouie in the backfield, opposing defenses have to come up and respect the run, which gives receivers the opportunity to get open behind them.

All teams like their offense to have an element of surprise, and the Bearcats definitely have one in their passing game.

The key to any offense executing successfully is the play of the offensive line and the Bearcats have a veteran group up front led by senior center Cole Granato.

Friday night, the Bearcats’ running and passing game will be put to the test when they host Chamblee, in a preseason scrimmage. Action will get under way at 7:30 p.m. at Centennial Field.

I have attended several Bearcats preseason practice sessions and been impressed by what I have seen. The hitting has been crisp and the hustle has been good.

I am really looking forward to the Friday, Aug. 24, season opener against East Gadsden. Kickoff will be at 8 p.m. at Centennial Field.

Come on out all season and enjoy our outstanding football team and award-winning Marching Bearcat Band and cheerleading squad. They are all great Bainbridge and Decatur County kids and they deserve our support. Bearcats Friday nights are special.

I guarantee that you will enjoy yourself. l’ll see you at the games.

Joe Crine is the sports editor for The Post-Searchlight. You can email him at joe.crine@thepostsearchlight.com