The Bainbridge Middle School eighth-grade Bearcats stayed close early Thursday, before falling behind and losing 34-14 to the homestanding Thomas County Middle School eighth-grade Yellow Jackets, in the Southwest Georgia Middle School Football League eighth grade championship game.

The Bearcats, who finished the season with a 3-4 record, tied the game 8-8 in the second quarter, when running back Dalvin Spivie ran 40 yards for a touchdown and quarterback Eddie Cooper threw to tight end Noah Bryant for the two-point conversion.

Spivie ran 10 yards for a third quarter touchdown, which was was set up by a 35-yard interception return by linebacker Leron Broadnax.

The Yellow Jackets’ offense was led by quarterback Kelias Williams, who had touchdown runs of 1, 13 and 30 yards.

Decatur County Middle School football coordinator and eighth grade Bearcats head coach Scott Starr said he was proud of the way his team competed all season.

“The team played hard and got better each week,” Starr said. “If they stay together, they should continue to improve when they get to Bainbridge High School.”