Bainbridge High School head football coach Ed Pilcher has seen some very positive things as his team began fall practices this week.

“We have a good bunch of kids who like to practice and have a lot of mental toughness,” Pilcher said Monday morning. “We have had some bumps and bruises but no serious injuries so far.

“Senior defensive end Dewayne Gurley got a little dehydrated in this morning’s practice and we will probably hold him out this afternoon.

The Bearcats reported to camp Saturday and had their first working just after midnight Sunday ,which is the first day Georgia High School Association teams could don full pads.

“We had a good opening workout in pads early Sunday morning, but we got started a little late due to the rain and lightning,” coach Pilcher said. “We got in some good hitting.

“Our cheerleaders and quite a few of our fans came out to our early Sunday morning practice and really added to the enthusiasm. We really appreciated their support.”

Pilcher said, while his quarterbacks, receivers, defensive backs and linebackers had good sessions in shorts against Georgia, Florida and Alabama schools during passing camp sessions in Cairo and at home, he and his coaching staff are glad to get a first look at their team in full pads.

“We are pleased with the way the team is hitting and really getting after it in pads,” coach Pilcher said.

“Quarterbacks Rohan Gaines and Steven Bench, receivers Devonte Johnson, Rashad Kelley, D.J. Stubbs, Kevin Coly and Cameron McDowell and corner back Shawn Samuels all had good passing camp efforts.”

The Bearcats will wrap up camp Wednesday, have their annual picture day on Thursday at 4 p.m. at Centennial Field and will begin the school year on Friday.

They will work out at their practice field around 4 p.m. each day next week.