Bainbridge High School Bearcats head football coach Ed Pilcher has been impressed with the athleticism shown by the Early County High School Bobcats, his team’s opponent Friday night at 8 p.m. in Blakely.

“In their first two games, wins over Seminole County and Miller County, Early County made a lot of athletic plays,” Pilcher said.

The Bobcats defeated the Seminole County Indians, 55-20, and defeated the Miller County Pirates, 21-6.

“Early County’s senior quarterback Jacori Taylor throws well and runs well,” Pilcher said. “He played really well in our 16-12 victory over them here last year.

“Their two senior running backs, Brandon Carter and Ladonis Bryant, can also hurt you. They have good speed and it will be important that we keep them contained.”

The Bobcats’ offense operates from an I-formation, and they throw more often than they run, Pilcher said.

“Early County really likes to throw, so there will be pressure on our defensive secondary,” Pilcher said.

When quarterback Jacori Taylor goes back to pass, his favorite receivers are seniors Martavius Allen, Larson Randall and Chris Lee.

The Bobcats are much younger on the defensive side of the ball. Two of their defensive tackles are sophomores Akil Teal and D’Walt Ingram.