Hot off a big 21-7 win against rival Cairo at West Thomas Stadium last Friday, the Bainbridge Bearcats have jumped straight into preparing for their game against Early County Friday.

Senior wide receiver Tyler Story broke the school reception record against Cairo with 10 catches, 225 yards and a touchdown. Bainbridge coach Jeff Littleton accredited quarterback Brett McLaughlin’s arm and the offensive line for Story’s big game. Hopefully, the Bearcats will be able to take advantage in the air this week against a tough Tornado secondary.

“They are very stingy,” Littleton said. “They gave us problems last year.”

Two big linebackers, junior Akileis Leroy and senior Antonio Leroy II, command the defense. Littleton noted they were big kids who run really well, and will be a test for the Bainbridge offensive line and Bainbridge running backs.

“We are just going to have to create some situations where we have them outnumbered and create some one-on-one situations with our receivers,” Littleton said.

On offense, the Tornadoes most often run out of the I-formation and have running backs pound the ball up the middle.

“They just went back to the I-formation and are pounding it between the tackles,” Littleton said. “They are daring you to bring a bunch if people in the box to stop it, and then they throw it over the top of you. We have to make sure we don’t get complacent in the secondary and they don’t sneak one over the top of us. We have to do our job. Each person has to do their job and pursue the football.”

Littleton said the Bearcats would have to remain focused to avoid getting complacent

The Bearcats were able to pull off a nail-biting 7-6 win against Monroe last year at Centennial Field. The Tornadoes are 1-0 this season, with a 33-14 win against Terrell County.

Kick off is at 7:30 p.m. at Hugh Mills Stadium in Albany.