If you like a strong running attack that consumes valuable clock time, eats up yardage and scores on possession after possession, Centennial Field was the place to be last Friday night.

Coach Ed Pilcher’s Bainbridge High School Bearcats split-back veer offense was dominant in a 38-14 victory over the Westlake High School Lions from Fulton County.

The running game was paced by two senior leaders, running back Terry Lewis and quarterback Damian Bouie.

The Lions’ defense was unable to stop Lewis on the straight handoff up the middle. After getting by the initial wall of potential tacklers, Lewis dragged tacklers with him for extra yards. He carried the ball 17 times, picked up 187 yards and scored two touchdowns.

Bouie, who has also seen duty at running back, also ran for substantial yardage after executing his fakes and rolling out. He picked up 60 yards on six carries and scored three touchdowns.
Any time your offense is running with that kind of efficiency, your offensive line is getting the job done and good things happen.

The Bearcats’ offensive line, anchored by senior center Cole Granato, have been doing their jobs, so the offensive backs can pick up key yardage.

The Bearcats’ defense and special teams were also a major contributor to the victory. Defensive backs Victor Bodison and Cameron McDowell had key punt returns and linebacker B.J. Cheatem had a key interception.

Place kicker Daniel Provence made all three extra point attempts and booted a 28-yard field goal, and punter Paul Soden had one punt for 45 yards.

The Bearcats, who have won three straight games following a season opening home loss to East Gadsden, will now turn their focus to an important Region 1-AAAAA road game against the Thomas County Central High School Yellow Jackets.

Both teams will have open dates this week before getting together Friday, Oct. 5, at Thomas County Stadium.

What loyal Bearcats fan can forget last year’s Bearcats regular-season-ending 27-24 overtime victory over the Yellow Jackets at Centennial Field?

The winning touchdown came on a 14-yard third quarter pass from senior quarterback Quincy Fortson to senior wide receiver Rodney Glenn. Glenn out-jumped a Central defender to pull down the ball in the left corner of the end zone.

When the Bearcats and Yellow Jackets get together, it is usually that kind of close game.

I urge all loyal Bearcats fans to make the trip to Thomas County on Friday, Oct. 5 and fill the visitors’ stands at Thomas County Stadium to capacity.

Our football players and award-winning Marching Bearcat Band members and cheerleaders are representing us well and they deserve our support.