With the scheduled 2008 season-opening football game between the Bainbridge Bearcats and Cairo Syrupmakers at Centennial Field having to be canceled due to Tropical Storm Faye, Cairo has graciously offered to split the gate with Bainbridge for Saturday night’s 2009 season-opening game between the two schools at Cairo’s West Thomas Stadium.

Cairo Athletic Director Carlton Gainous said it was just the right thing to do.

“I know losing a home gate was a big financial blow to Bainbridge just as it would have been for us,” Gainous said. “I know they would have done the same thing for us if the situation was reversed.”

Bearcats head football coach and Decatur County Athletic Director Ed Pilcher expressed his appreciation to Cairo.

“I thank Cairo for their great generosity,” Pilcher said. “It was a very neighborly and kind thing to do. They are a class act.”