One of the most compelling and heartwarming stories this football season has been the outstanding play of the Bainbridge Middle School seventh grade Bearcats.

The team, coached by head coach David Kirkland and coaches Chip Ariail, Heith Maxwell and Scott Miller, finished the regular season 5-1 and tied with the Thomas County Central Middle School seventh grade Yellow Jackets for the Southwest Georgia Middle School Seventh Grade Football League championship.

After losing a coin flip for home field advantage, the Bearcats traveled to Thomas County last Wednesday to square off with the Yellow Jackets for the championship.

When the two teams squared off against each other in the season opener at Central, the Yellow Jackets prevailed 8-0. In the rematch in Bainbridge, the Bearcats prevailed 14-12.

Last Wednesday when the teams squared off for the championship in Thomas County, the Yellow Jackets prevailed again 8-0 in a game that could have gone either way,

My congratulations to both teams on their outstanding seasons.

I firmly believe that if the group of seventh grade Bearcats, who played so outstandingly this season, stay together, they will be force to be reckoned with in a few years when they reach the varsity level.

The offense was sparked by the play of quarterback Tyree Crump and running backs Elijah Taylor and Rodney Register.

The Bearcats have some size along their solid blocking offensive line. Along that line are tackles Austin White and Daniel Poitevint, guards Ty Cook and Jarrold Griffin, and tight ends Bo Phillips, Russell Wheeler and Dylan Griner.

There was also size and solid play along the defensive front for the young seventh grade Bearcats. They include tackles Kelsey Griffin and Treyvon Shaw and ends Mency Sanders and Timothy Bennett.

The inside linebackers, who came up to make some big stops, Elsamar Williams and Mitchell Murrell.

Outside linebackers, who also made key stops during the season, are Trey Stubbs and Jordan Martin.

Quarterback Crump, who plays cornerback on defense, and running back Register, who plays safety on defense, did a good job in limiting opponents passing yardage.

Also playing well against the pass was cornerback Myron Jacobs.

I commend the players, along with coaches Kirkland, Ariail, Maxwell and Miller for giving fans such an exciting seventh grade season.

Anyone who saw their championship game with Central as I did, couldn’t help but be impressed.

Great job guys. Your school, your community and your county are justly proud of you.

Just stay together and work hard and your future will be bright. I consider it an honor to have had the opportunity to cover your season.