Bainbridge High School Bearcats head football coach Ed Pilcher says he expects the Cairo High School Syrupmakers to bring a fundmentally-sound team to Centennial Field on Friday night.

“Cairo bases their offense out of the I-formation and uses an eight-man front on defense and they are always fundamentally sound on both sides of the ball,” he said.

The Syrupmakers enter the game with a 1-0 record, following last Friday night’s 21-0 West Thomas Stadium home victory over Thomasville.

They will feature a group of young running backs, led by junior Brian Soles and sophomores Jeremiah Hill and Johntavis Johnson.

Senior starting quarterback Donald Thomas is a very versatile athlete. In the past he has also returned punts and played in the defensive secondary.

The Syrupmakers receiving corps features a very veteran group. Seniors Dantra Anderson, Donte Dismuke and Ramsey Williams all saw action last season, along with junior Reese Wooten.

The leader of the Syrupmakers’ young linebacker corps is senior three-year starter and All-State performer P.J. Davis, who is a preseason All-State selection again this season.

The defensive secondary will be led by seniors Deonta Dismuke and Ramsey Williams and junior Reeese Wooten.

Junior Taylor Donalson will handle the Syrupmakers’ place kicking and punting duties.

Last year, Bainbridge defeated Cairo 17-14, at Cairo’s West Thomas Stadium. This Friday’s game starts at 7:30 p.m. at Centennial Field.