Numerous penalties and unrealized scoring opportunities doomed the Bainbridge Bearcats to a 14-0 loss to the Cairo Syrupmakers before a large crowd at Centennial Field Friday night.

With 7:30 to go in the first, and Cairo facing a 4th down and 16 from their 39 yard-line, the Syrupmakers punted. But BHS’ returner, Quincy Fortson, fumbled the catch and Cairo’s Arthur Robinson recovered the ball at the BHS 20.

Cairo moved up to the BHS 10 and with 4:57 left in the first quarter, Cairo’s John Holt caught a pass from quarterback Brandon McCrary to give Cairo a 7-0 lead.

A few possessions later, with 3:54 in the second quarter, Bainbridge’s Keenan Adams came on to punt from the 16 yard-line. During Adams’ punt attempt, a Cairo player ran into Adams’ leg, knocking him to the ground. The penalty meant BHS got a first down, but Adams was carted off the field.

With Cairo facing 4th and inches at the BHS 25, BHS defensive end Dewayne Gurley broke through and tackled Cairo running back Lequinton Williams for a loss. The Bearcats got the ball back on their own 26 with 1:15 to go but were unable to capitalize, leaving the halftime score 7-0.

To start the second half, BHS senior Shawn Samuels caught Cairo’s punt and ran 94 yards for an apparent touchdown. However, a penalty for an illegal block in the back was called against BHS, giving the Bearcats the ball at their own 16. BHS drove to the 48 before a penalty against the Bearcats and a couple of passes broken up by the Syrupmakers stalled the Bearcats’ drive.

With Adams hurt, Bench came on to punt for the Bearcats on 4th down. Bench’s punt was blocked by Cairo’s Marcus Herring, giving the Syrupmakers the ball on the BHS 28. On the next play, Cairo running back Miguel Smiley ran 28 yards for a touchdown with 7:46 left in the third, putting Cairo ahead 14-0.

On the Bearcats’ next possession, the Bearcats drove from their 15-yard-line to the Cairo 16, in part thanks to a 41-yard pass from Bench to senior wide receiver Kalvin Coley.

Facing a fourth down and one yard to go at the Cairo 16, senior running back Jamario Brown rushed up the middle but was stopped short of the first down, turning the ball back over to Cairo.

The Bearcats drove again to Cairo’s 9-yard-line, but a penalty and a sack of Bench led to a fourth down and goal to go from Cairo’s 23. BHS’ Damian Bouie caught a pass from Bench but was stopped at the Cairo 16.

According to statistician Chip Ariail, Bench completed 13 of 26 passing attempts for 145 yards. In total yards, Bainbridge outgained Cairo, 183 to 145.