The countdown to begin the season is winding down, and Bainbridge was able to pencil in a scrimmage win against Godby (Tallahassee) Thursday evening before it starts next week.

Dameon Pierce rushed for 159 yards on 24 carries and a touchdown, the Bearcat defense kept the Golden Cougars from finding the end zone and Bainbridge pounded their way to a 14-0 win on a humid Tallahassee evening.

“We played well at times,” coach Jeff Littleton said. “But there were also times that we didn’t get lined up. We didn’t execute our assignments a lot of the time because we were gassed a little bit.”

Littleton was pleased with the improvements in tackling since the scrimmage against Lowndes County two weeks ago.

Quarterback Brett McLaughlin was 9-for-13 for 56 passing yards, but had two interceptions. The Bearcats had six turnovers on the night.

“We are just going to keep doing what we always do,” Littleton said about fixing the turnovers. “Work on fundamentals every day. We are not focused, and trying to do a little too much because we are not executing in other areas.”

McLaughlin’s best target was junior Will Kelley, who had three receptions for 32 yards. Bowen Dodson also had a big catch for 12 yards to convert a first down.

Bainbridge found the end zone with 1:34 left in the first quarter. On the first play of the drive, Pierce took a handoff and ran it 60 yards for the score, dancing along the sideline, zigzagging across the field and escaping Godby defenders along the way.

Bainbridge’s second touchdown came with 28 seconds left in the game. The Bearcats had put together a 77-yard drive without Pierce, who was pulled out of the game with an ankle injury. Malique Pate and Donovan McCray handled most of the carries, combining for 63 yards on the drive. McLaughlin punched it in from the 1-yard line to make the score 14-0 and seal the win.

The Bearcats start their season next Friday at Centennial Field against the Lee County Trojans. Kick off is 7:30 p.m.

Updates on Pierce and injured defensive lineman Ryan Adams will be published as they become available.