Syrupmakers open 2009 season with loss

The Bainbridge Bearcats built a 16-0 lead over the Syrupmakers in the 2009 season opener Saturday night at West Thomas Stadium and fought off a furious comeback by the Makers to win 16-13.
 
The Syrupmakers gave up 16 first half points, but held the Bearcats to just 46 yards in the second half. The Syrupmakers scored two unanswered touchdowns and appeared to be mounting a comeback victory, before the Bainbridge defense stopped the Syrupmakers twice inside the 20 yard line.  Cairo just missed a 35 yard field goal and was stopped on fourth down in the fourth quarter. The Bearcats took advantage of a blocked punt and an interception deep in Cairo territory, kicking three field goals including a 52 yarder.
 
Cairo is now 0-1 on the season and will be off next week.  Cairo will be home again in two weeks to face the Thomas County Central Yellow Jackets in another non-region tilt.
 
Read more about Saturday night’s game in Wednesday’s edition of The Cairo Messenger.