Big crowd expected for Cairo-Bainbridge showdown

Cairo’s West Thomas Stadium should be rocking this Friday night as the two rivals, Cairo and Bainbridge, meet in a nonregion showdown. The Syrupmakers are coming off a 7-6 win over the Drew High School Titans, while the Bearcats won their season opener over the Early County Bobcats 16-12.
The Bearcats return six offensive starters and four on defense, though the Cats have been hampered by a couple of key injuries during the preseason. Cairo defeated the Bearcats 14-0 last season, and the Cats finished the season 3-7, with a 1-6 region record. Bainbridge had wins last year over Early County, Northside of Columbus and Westover. The Cats used three field goals to lead them to victory Friday night over the Bobcats.
As typical with an Ed Pilcher led team, the Bearcats will keep it on the ground for the most part this Friday night, running the split-veer offense. Bearcat quarterback Quincey Fortson will run the Cat offense and can go to the air if necessary with a couple of sure handed targets including A.J. Miller who pulled in a 60-yard pass to open the game Friday night against the Bobcats. Bearcat running back Terry Lewis had 81 yards on 16 carries and a touchdown.
“It’s a nonregion game, but it’s a rivalry game and that always makes it a little more special. Bainbridge is always tough and this year will be no different, we have to keep the penalties and mistakes to a minimum and capitalize on turnovers. In games like these, you have to be ready to handle adversity because it’s going to come, and you just have to handle it in the right way and get ready for the next play,” said Cairo coach Tom Fallaw.
The Syrupmakers and Bearcats kick it off this Friday night at 7:30 p.m. in West Thomas Stadium.