Bainbridge, Warner Robins game comes down to Region Championship
Published 4:02 pm Tuesday, October 31, 2017
For the first time in school history, Bainbridge has the chance to win its second Region Championship in a three-year span.
Bainbridge’s toughest region opponent, Warner Robins, only makes the fight for history that much bigger of an opportunity. The Bearcats and Demons will face off Friday. The winner takes the No. 1 seed going into the playoffs, the loser the No. 2 seed.
“We just want to take one day at a time and make sure we are preparing during the week,” coach Jeff Littleton said. “I feel like we will be excited enough on Friday night to play the game with a lot of energy.”
The Bearcats’ last Region Championship came against Cairo in 2015, giving them a perfect 10-0 regular season. This year, Bainbridge has had a tougher road, losing to Lee County (8-1, 2-1 Region 1-AAAAAA) and the Tallahassee school Rickards (5-3, 0-2 District).
Yet they’ve remained perfect in Region play, setting them up for a potential sweep and a great deal of momentum heading into the state playoffs.
What’s helped Bainbridge win the last four weeks is every player excepting their role on the team. The players talk about how far they’ve come since the season opener against Lee County, and Littleton sees it as well.
“Usually early in the year, you are searching to put people in the right positions,” Littleton said. “I think everybody on the team knows their role now. I always preach no matter what your role is, it’s important. So, everybody has got to take control of their role and do their part and be proud of what their role is. I think you’re seeing some of that.”
Control will be the key to Friday’s game.
The Demons run a spread offense led at quarterback by Dylan Fromm, younger brother to Georgia quarterback Jake Fromm. Fromm has gone 163-of-267 this season for 2,017 yards and 23 touchdowns.
Warner Robins has plenty of weapons on offense. Receivers Julius Cobbs, Jaeven West and Tyler Fromm account for 1,498 yards and 18 touchdowns. West also doubles as a running back along with teammate Jarius Burnett. Burnett leads the team in rushing with 82 carries for 599 yards and six touchdowns.
“They are pass heavy but they are still balanced because they can do both,” Littleton said. “They count the numbers in the box and they run or pass based on what gives them an advantage.”
On defense, Littleton said he is impressed with the way the Demons rally to the football on every play.
Middle linebacker Jerquan Parrish leads the team in tackles with 33, but is followed closely by fellow linebacker Coby Reed and safety C.J. Harris with 30 and 28 tackles, respectively.
The Bearcats kick off against the Demons Friday at 7:30 p.m.