The Bainbridge Bearcats are ready to hit the ground running after a bye week, where the team took time to work out their fundamental kinks in preparation for their last opponent on the regular season schedule.

The Westover Patriots are 2-5, but Bainbridge coach Jeff Littleton warned there is more to them than their record.

“Don’t let that record deceive you,” Littleton said. “They only have two wins, but they really can do it all. They can run and throw it.”

The Bearcats (8-0, 3-0 Region 1-AAAA) have reached a point in the season only achieved by the 1960 team—eight straight wins and no losses. The 1960 Bearcats went 10-0, the only undefeated regular season team in the program’s history. Of course, Littleton has goals to reach that milestone and more.

Senior Patriot quarterback Emory Mckenzie leads the team in rushing with 1,048 yards on 128 carries. He also passes well too, going 49-of-47 for 656 yards this season.

Also on offense are two strong running backs, senior Quandez Carter and senior Ervin Bush, who have combined for 474 yards of the Patriots total offense this season.

“They do some things that will require us to stay disciplined up front and run to the football,” Littleton said.

Senior wide receiver Casey Wilson poses a threat on the passing game, totaling 15 receptions this season for 217 yards.

The Patriots don’t pose a threat the Bearcats defense hasn’t seen before, though. Led by junior Kerenski Williams with 67 totals tackle on the season, Bainbridge has a strong front four and a quick secondary that has held their opponents to an average of 12 points per game.

On the Patriot’s defensive side, Westover runs a 4-3 formation stocked full of athletes Littleton called “talented.”

“They have some fast athletes that run to the ball really well,” he said.

Bainbridge has achieved a perfect record this season by executing the game plan on both sides of the ball. Junior quarterback Brett McLaughlin, has led the offense, giving the ball to weapons like sophomore running back Dameon Pierce and wide receivers Tyler Story, Zyon McGee and Andre Jackson.

If Bainbridge wins against the Patriots, they are guaranteed a spot in the Region Championship game on Nov. 6 against the top seeded team in Sub-Region A.

Bainbridge kicks off their Homecoming game against Westover at Centennial Field at 7:30 p.m.