Bainbridge tied Friday’s game against West Laurens (8-3) 17-17 at the end of regulation with a field goal from kicker Evan Oldaker, but a second Bearcat field goal that came up short and a 15-yard touchdown run from Cavalier running back Greg Covin led West Laurens to a 24-17 victory in Dexter.

Kick off returner Elijah Tyler put the Bearcats in scoring position with a 46-yard kick off return with 38 seconds left in the game. West Laurens had just scored on a four-yard run from Covin and was leading 17-14.

“I knew we were going to run that,” coach Jeff Littleton said. “We talked about it on the sideline–we knew it! They believed that, and never once did we think we weren’t. I’m surprised he didn’t score right there.”

Bainbridge continued their drive and six plays later kicked a 21-yard field goal for the tie.

The Bearcats attempted to score in the first overtime, but were forced to try another field goal. Oldaker’s kick was short.

“I was trying to help the team,” Oldaker said. “I was determined to make that kick. It was just a bad kick.”

On West Laurens’ possession, Covin shook off a number of Bearcat tackles and bulldozed into the end zone for the winning touchdown. He finished the night with 229 yards rushing.

Bearcat quarterback Brett McLaughlin was 7-of-16 for 82 yards passing.

“We came out here with a mindset before the game that we were going to win,” McLaughlin said. “Our passing offense was there, it was clicking. At the end we just fell short. Just a lack of concentration.”

Leading the running game for Bainbridge was freshman running back Dameon Pierce, who rushed for 124 yards.

West Laurens was first to put points on the board with 43 seconds left in the first quarter, putting the score at 7-0.

Bainbridge immediately responded on their next drive with a 32-yard touchdown run from Pierce. Oldaker’s extra point was good and the score was tied 7-7.

The Cavaliers scored on a 27-yard field goal with four seconds left in the first half.

Bainbridge took the lead with 1:26 left in the third quarter with a pass from McLaughlin to Tyler, putting the Bearcats ahead 14-10. West Laurens attempted a field goal with 8:55 left in the game and missed.

With 4:10 left in the game, senior defensive lineman Tramaine McCrae picked up a fumble and returned it for a touchdown, but the play was called back and not called a fumble.

West Laurens’ next touchdown was Coven’s 4-yard run to take the lead 17-14 with 38 seconds left in the game.

“I’m extremely proud of the players, the coaches and the touchdown club. Our administration at all schools and the board office have really been behind us. The community has supported us, and I just want to thank everybody. It’s a total team effort. We came up short, not just the players and coaches, but everybody. We’ve got to do a little bit more.”

The Bearcats finished their season 6-5.