Bearcats looking at blank slate
Published 4:01 pm Tuesday, October 3, 2017
Bainbridge isn’t looking at their 4-2 start to the season anymore.
That’s behind them, and the second phase to the season is about to begin: the region schedule. It begins with Veterans this Friday.
The Warhawks can say the same about their 2-4 start. Veterans kicked the season off 2-1 before getting hit with a few injuries that put out key players. After losing back-to-back games and taking a bye week, many of those players will be back, healed and eager to play.
Bainbridge is faced with its own injuries in key positions. Running back Dameon Pierce and defensive end Roman Harrison both sustained injuries to their hamstrings last Friday against Rickards. The two are on a day-to-day basis, according to coach Jeff Littleton.
The Bearcats have taken every opportunity to play second and third string players to improve their depth. In the event that Pierce or Harrison don’t play, their backups have seen game time and will be ready to compete.
Littleton is telling his players to move on from last Friday’s loss, to focus on this week and the start of the region schedule.
“They have to focus on all the goals they have set in front of them,” Littleton said. “They control their own destiny. We make sure we work hard every day and get better every day. Last Friday is gone. We’re moving on to the next day.”
Offensively, the Warhawks are led by senior quarterback Leyton Pinckney. Standing at 6-foot-2, 210 pounds, Pinckney is 56-for-118 on the season for 759 yards and five touchdowns. Senior wide receiver Jeremy Horton is Pinckney’s target, catching 17 balls this season for 303 yards and two touchdowns.
“They’re kind of multiple, kind of like us,” Littleton said. “They run traps well and they throw the ball down the field really well.”
Horton also leads Veterans in rushing yards with 236 for two touchdowns. Two more seniors, Jarrod Johnson and Craig Luckey, account for 279 more rushing yards and a couple touchdowns, as well.
Bainbridge kicks off against the Warhawks this Friday at Veterans at 7:30 p.m.