Pass defense will be a key when the Bainbridge High School Bearcats meet the Americus-Sumter County High School Panthers Friday night at Americus’ Finklea Robinson Field.

“Americus-Sumter County runs a spread offense and throws the ball 65 percent of the time,” Bearcats head coach Ed Pilcher said Monday. “They are very athletic and they spread you out and try to get the ball to their athletes in space.”

The Panthers offense is run by senior quarterback Antavius Sims. Key offensive personnel for the Panthers are quarterback Sims, who is a dual threat running and throwing the football.

When Sims drops back to pass, he has a pair of fast, sure-handed wide receivers—seniors Keon Wiggins and Xavier Williams—to get the ball to. Junior quarterback Shawn Robinson, who is an excellent passer, could see some duty against the Bearcats as well.

Defensively, the Panthers use a five-man front with three linebackers and three defensive backs.

“They have some good athletes on defense as well as offense,” Pilcher said Monday as he turned his evaluation to the Panthers defensive unit. “They will get after you.”

The leaders on defense for the Panthers are senior linebacker Jeffrey Brown and senior defensive back Jamie Hollaway.

The Bearcats, who are 5-2 overall and 4-2 in Region 1AAAA play, can clinch a playoff spot with a victory over the Panthers.