Despite three turnovers, the Bainbridge eighth grade football team shut out the McIntyre Park Bulldogs 12-0 Thursday to improve their record to 5-0.

“Even though we made some turnovers, I am still pleased that we battled through adversity and got a tough win,” coach Heith Maxwell said. “We had two starters not play, and we did not know they would be out until a few hours before kickoff. We had to make adjustments quickly.”

The Bearcats put the first points on the board in the final play of the first quarter with an 11-yard run from quarterback Sam Boutwell.

Running back Reshad Broadnax failed on the 2-point conversion. The score was the culmination of an eight-play, 70-yard drive.

The second score from Bainbridge and the final score of the game came in the final play of the second quarter with a 30-yard pass from Boutwell to Broadnax. Boutwell failed on the 2-point conversion.

Following an interception at the Bainbridge 43 by Bearcat defensive back Daniel Allen, Bainbridge took over and put together a 57-yard drive for the score.

In shotgun formation, Boutwell tossed a swing pass to the left to Broadnax at the Bulldog 35, who then weaved past five Bulldog defenders and into the end zone to make the score 12-0.

“This was probably the most physical team we have faced all year,” Maxwell said. “Their linebackers and defensive line were well-coached and physical. I am really proud of our defense. The played very well and were the key to victory.”

The eighth grade team is open next week before traveling to Cairo for a game against the Washington Middle School on Thursday, Oct. 15, following the seventh grade game.