By JOE CRINE and BRENNAN LEATHERS

News Writers

The Bainbridge Bearcats lost a close game to the Hardaway Golden Hawks, with the opponent’s strong error-free offensive effort giving them the advantage.

The Bainbridge Bearcats lost a close game to the Hardaway Golden Hawks, with the opponent’s strong error-free offensive effort giving them the advantage.

Hardaway was first to score, with running back James Triplett pushing forward 10 yards for a touchdown with 30.1 left in the first quarter to make it 7-0.

But the lead was short-lived, as BHS’ Quincy Fortson ran 81 yards for a touchdown on the ensuing kickoff to tie it at 7-7 with just 18 seconds left in the first quarter.

A bad punt by Hardaway gave Bainbridge good field position, but they could not convert and were forced to punt. Hardaway running back Austin Scott received a pass from quarterback Joseph Gibson at the 14 to run it 81 yards for a score, putting the Golden Hawks back up 14-7 with 8:47 left in the first.

Both teams threatened to score but did not for the remainder of the half. Hardaway’s Tevin Duncan tried a 36-yard field goal with less than a second left in the second quarter, but it was wide left, leaving the halftime score 14-7 in his team’s favor.

On the Hawks’ first drive of the second half, Scott ran 34 yards for a touchdown with 7:58 left in the third quarter, making it 21-7.

On the ensuing kickoff, BHS’ Shawn Samuels returned the ball to the BHS 48. Rushes by Damian Bouie and quarterback keepers by Steven Bench took the ball to the Hawks’ 30. Bench then kept the ball himself again and powered down the field for a 30-yard rushing touchdown, to bring the score to 21-14.

Another bad punt by Hardaway gave the Bearcats the ball from the Hawks’ 48 with just under three minutes left in the third quarter. Aided by the rushing efforts of Bouie and Aaron Hall, and a 13-yard keeper by Bench, the Bearcats drove down near the Hawks’ end zone. Hall ran in from the one-yard line for a touchdown with 10:26 left in the game.

On the extra point attempt, BHS’ freshman place kicker Daniel Provence’s kick struck the crossbar and fell short, leaving the score 21-20 in Hardaway’s favor.

With renewed defensive strength getting them chances, Bainbridge had two more drives in the game. However, closely missed passes by BHS receivers on clutch downs fated the Bearcats to a close loss. Hardaway regained possession with 1:25 left in the game and ran down the clock to end the game.