For the second year in a row, Bainbridge will host the first round of the State Playoffs.

That’s a trend coach Jeff Littleton would like to see continue.

“That’s my goal from the beginning, to build a program, not a football team,” Littleton said. “We should be able to build off of the traditions that we have done. That’s what we have tried to work on.”

Any traditions from last season will hopefully carry over Friday night against Whitewater (8-2) for the first round at Centennial Field.

The Wildcats are the third place team in Region 3-AAAAA with a 5-1 record.

Bainbridge comes into the game hot off a big 24-21 win over region opponent Warner Robins, a game that saw a well-balanced Bearcat offense. Running back Dameon Pierce was his usual self with 32 carries for 259 yards and a touchdown. Quarterback Brett McLaughlin had a big night as well, going 13-for-20 for 184 yards and a touchdown.

“We didn’t do anything different,” Littleton said. “We executed. I think there was a little more focus and little more wanting to do things right and do them well. It all kind of came together for us.”

That focus and attention to detail is what Bainbridge will try to transfer to this Friday against the Wildcats, who have a stingy defense led by talented seniors.

Led by senior middle linebacker Tyler Crowder with 109 tackles on the season, Whitewater’s defense has multiple players that are switched in and out to keep their personnel fresh, Littleton said.

Other big players are senior defensive lineman Bradley May with 60 tackles and senior linebacker Parker Woodworth with 49 tackles.

Senior defensive end Jova Bradley leads the team in sacks with seven.

The Wildcats’ offense runs a zone read and is also senior heavy. Quarterback Stone Kasten is 66-for-130 on the season for 1,135 yards and 12 touchdowns. Leading the running attack is Isaiah Montgomery with 135 carries for 1,017 yards and a 14 touchdowns.

“They have a good quarterback and running back,” Littleton said. “We are going to have to deal with the zone read. That zone read is kind of like taking care of the option.”

To help pump up Bearcat Nation for the playoffs, Bainbridge will host a pep rally bonfire at Bainbridge High School at 6 p.m Thursday. Come out to support the team as they prepare for Whitewater.