For a second week in a row, special teams played a major role in a Bainbridge High School Bearcats football victory.

The punter, placekicker and punt and kickoff returners were all instrumental in the Bearcats’ 17-14 victory over Cairo, and the most-recent 14-12 victory over the Early County High School Bobcats this past Friday night, in Blakely, Ga.

Senior Paul Soden had a strong punting night, averaging 46.2 yards on six punts, forcing the Bobcats to begin drives from less-than-ideal field position.

Junior placekicker Daniel Provence’s two extra-point kicks were the difference in the game.

Damian Bouie, who has been teaming with fellow senior running back Terry Lewis to form an outstanding ground game, saw duty at quarterback for the first time Friday night.

It was late second-quarter touchdown runs by Lewis and Bouie that enabled the Bearcats to take and keep the lead.

Senior Cameron McDowell had one punt return for 23 yards and a key interception that stopped a Bobcats drive.

The Bearcats’ defense also stepped up at key times.

First, with the Bobcats deep in the Bearcats’ territory late in the game, the Bainbridge defense forced an incomplete fourth-quarter pass in the end zone.

Then, Bainbridge defenders came up to stop running back Ladonis Bryant short of the end zone, on a two-point conversion try that could have tied the game with just seconds remaining.

Just like the previous week’s win over Cairo, Friday night’s win over the Bobcats was a true team victory.

The offense, defense and special teams all did their jobs and did them well.

This Friday night, the Bearcats return home to host the Westlake High School Lions, from the Atlanta metro area.

Westlake comes in 0-4, but they have been in some close games. It is the alma mater of Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton, and former NFL All-Pro defensive back Adam “Pac-Man” Jones.

I commend all the Bearcats fans who made the trip to Blakely and cheered the team on to a big victory that improved their season record to 2-1.

Following Friday night’s game with Westlake,  the Bearcats will have an open date, and then begin their Region 1-AAAAA  schedule on the road against the Thomas County Central High School Yellow Jackets.

Our football team and award-winning Marching Bearcats Band and cherleaders are all doing a tremendous job.

Come on out Friday night and let them know how much you appreciate their efforts, and how proud you are of them.

I’ll see you at the game.