There are three seasons, according to Bainbridge coach Jeff Littleton: the non-region schedule, the region schedule and the playoff schedule.

After getting off to a rocky 1-4 start with the non-region schedule, the Bearcats came into their first Region 1-AAAAA game of the season against Veterans with a clean slate, stomping the Warhawks (3-4) 31-6 on Homecoming at Centennial Field.

“This was the start of the second season,” Littleton said. “We wanted to get off to a good start. We had two really good weeks of practice. We refocused ourselves on some things. Had some good weeks and put together some back to back days. If we do that, we’ll add a little brick to the wall each time and we’ll get better.”

Dameon Pierce celebrated the win with a record-breaking performance, clinching the most career rushing yards for a Bearcat with 3,979 yards and 53 rushing touchdowns in 30 games. The previous record was held by running back Jonathan Butler (3,864 yards, 1992-1994).

For the night, Pierce rushed for 305 yards and four touchdowns on 23 carries.

He broke free for a 36-yarder in the second quarter, a 44-yarder and a 63-yarder in the third quarter and a 48-yarder in the fourth quarter.

“(Pierce) saw some holes that weren’t there,” Littleton said. “He saw some cutback lanes that most backs don’t see. He took it over from there.”

Kicker Caleb Harris got Bainbridge on the board first with a 31-yard field goal with one second left in the first quarter. Bainbridge didn’t relinquish the lead for the rest of the night.

Veterans attempted its own field goal, a 25-yarder in the second quarter while down 10-0, but the kick was wide left.

Warhawk quarterback Leyton Pinckney was 13-of-27 passing for 205 yards with two interceptions.

Veterans scored on a 16-yard pass from Pinckney to Kaiman Smith, but the extra point was blocked and the score was 17-6.

Of his final eight passes for the night, Pinckney completed one and threw two picks.

“It’s a competition for me to get better,” cornerback Vonderious Campbell said.

Cornerback Brandon Register added, “We work hard for everything we do. Nothing is given to us.”

The Bearcats return after a bye week to face region opponent Thomas County Central in Thomasville on Friday, Oct. 21. Kickoff is 7:30 p.m.