The Post- Searchlight Football Preview 2021

Football preview 2021

The Post-Searchlight

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table of contents

B HS Schedule e

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BHS Coaches

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BHS Roster

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BHS Season Preview w

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B HS Cheer

26

BHS Band

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B HS Seniors s

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GCA Schedule e

40

GCA Roster

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Keenan Phillips

Schedules Varsity 08/27 || 7:30 p.m.

09/03 || 7:30 p.m.

09/10 || 8:00 p.m.

09/17 || 7:30 p.m.

10/01 || 7:30 p.m.

10/08 || 7:30 p.m.

10/15 || 7:30 p.m.

10/22 || 7:30 p.m.

10/29 || 7:30 p.m.

11/06 || 7:30 p.m.

at Coffee County vs. Valdosta Wildcats at Thomasville vs. Ware County Gators at Cairo High School vs. Dougherty County Trojans vs. Dade Christian Crusaders vs. Westover Patriots vs. Thomas County Central at Monroe

Junior Varsity 09/01 || 5:30 p.m.

09/16 || 5:00 p.m.

09/23 || 5:00 p.m.

10/07 || 5:00 p.m.

10/14 || 5:00 p.m.

at Dougherty County vs. Cairo at Westover at Thomas County Central vs. Monroe

C-Team 08/26 || 5:00 p.m.

09/02 || 5:00 p.m.

09/23 || 5:00 p.m.

09/30 || 5:00 p.m.

10/11 || 5:00 p.m.

vs. Seminole County vs. Thomas County Central vs. Early County at Seminole County at Cairo

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2021 Coaches Jeff littleton HEAD COACH Head Coach, Jeff Littleton is a 1988 graduate of Worth County High School. He was a defensive back for the Rams and was part of two State Championship Games in high school as a player. Coach Littleton graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree from Valdosta State in 1993 and went on to obtain his Master’s Degree in Kinesiology in 2011.He is entering his ninth season as Head Football Coach of the Bainbridge Bearcats and is pictured with his wife, Kristi and two daughters, Anna Kate and Emily.

Joe dollar ASSISTANT HEAD COACH/ DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR Coach Joe Dollar is a Bainbridge High School graduate. He is in his 6th year back home at BHS, coaching and teaching. After graduation in 2000, he attended Valdosta State University. Prior to moving back to Bainbridge, he spent 10 years coaching at Thomas County Central. He is pictured with his wife, Beth, who also is from Bainbridge, and three sons, Gambler, Benji and Grant.

Mike Harville OFFENSIVE COORDINATOR/ QUARTERBACKS COACH Coach Harville is entering his 7th season with the Bearcats, his 41st overall. Coach Harville attended Madison Central High School where he played football and baseball. As a player, Harville played quarterback and defensive back, earning all-district honors his senior year. He is pictured with his wife, Rebecca.

Ryan Kineard STRENGTH AND CONDITIONING COORDINATOR/OFFENSIVE LINE COACH Coach Ryan Kineard is entering his 18th year of coaching, with this being his 5th year with the Bearcats. Coach Kineard is a native of Early County where he played football, baseball and basketball. He is pictured with his wife, Kendall and children, Owen, Max and Libby.

Brian McCorkle DEFENSIVE LINE COACH Coach Brian McCorkle is entering his 14th year of coaching with the Bearcats. Coach McCorkle is a 1995 graduate of Cairo High School. After high school, he attended Valdosta State University where he earned a B.A. in Political Science. Prior to Bainbridge, Coach McCorkle coached at Pelham High School and Albany High School. He is pictured with his wife, Michelle and two sons, William and Lee.

Justin Palmer TIGHT ENDS/FULLBACKS COACH 9TH GRADE HEAD FOOTBALL COACH Coach Justin Palmer is beginning his 7th year of coaching with the Bainbridge Bearcats. Coach Palmer is a 2009 graduate of Cairo High School. He played on the offensive line before continuing his collegiate career at Valdosta State University. He is pictured with his wife, Samantha and son, Knox.

Blake Cecil WIDE RECEIVERS COACH Coach Blake Cecil is entering his 9th season of coaching with the Bainbridge Bearcats.

He is a 2004 graduate of Woodland High School in Cartersville, Ga. After graduation, he accepted a baseball scholarship to Andrew College. In 2011, Coach Cecil graduated with a B.S. degree in Health and Physical Education. He is pictured with his wife, Brandie and son, Hayes.

Adam Edwards LINEBACKERS COACH Coach Adam Edwards is entering his 1st season of coaching with the Bainbridge Bearcats. He is a 2006 graduate of Blountstown High School. After graduation, he accepted a football scholarship to Jacksonville University. He later graduated from Florida State University with a B.S. degree in Physical Education. He has served as the Quaterback, Running Back and Defensive Back coach. He is pictured with his wife, Sherie and kids, Rylan, Bailey and Abigail.

Rohan Gaines DEFENSIVE BACKS COACH Coach Maurice “Rohan” Gaines was born and raised in Bainbridge, Ga. In 2011, he graduated from Bainbridge High School, and went on to play defensive back at the University of Arkansas. Gaines was a 4-year starter, who earned All-American, and AllSEC Honors; as well as Male Rookie of the Year Award. He graduated from University of Arkansas in 2015 with a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology. He went on to sign a Free Agent Deal in 2016 with the L.A. Rams. He is entering his 4th year of coaching with the Bearcats.

Jonathan Anthony ATHLETIC TRAINER Jonathan Anthony is entering his 4th season with the Bainbridge Bearcats as the Athletic Trainer. Coach Anthony is the youngest of three children, who was born and raised in Atlanta, Ga. After spending three years serving as the athletic trainer for Texas High School, he decided to move back to Georgia.

In his free time, he enjoys working out and spending time with friends.

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Varsity Roster # 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50

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Name

Class

Pos

Zion Bouie Deyon (Day-ahn) Bouie Kenneth Jackson Tevon Moore Dontavious Broadnax Keenan Phillips AJ Grant Jah'Marion (Bo) Smith X'avian Grant Kelmari Glover Javon Cox

12 12 11 11 11 10 10 11 12 12 10

RB/DB WR/DB RB/DB RB/LB RB/LB WR/DB WR/DB QB/DB WR/DB WR/DB RB/LB

Amari Ross Cam Sanders Don'Terrius Williams Zacchaeus Chrispen

11 10 10 12

WR/DB QB/DB TE/LB WR/DB

Luke Griffin Davayon Stroud Antavious Murphy Dariyon Smart Darius Mills Nicholas Tyre Blake Fagan Devon Smart

9 11 10 11 10 10 11 11

QB/LB WR/DB WR/DB TE/DL WR/DB P/K P/K RB/LB

Kyler Burke

10

WR/DB

Travious Freeman

10

RB/LB

Camryn Scott TaShun Carter Bradley Marshburn Jaden Holt JaShawn Webb RJ Hamilton Antayvion Harris Josh Cooper Braylon Phillips Matthew Johnson Amarion Donaldson

9 9 10 9 9 11 9 9 9 9 9

WR/DB RB/LB TE/LB RB/DB WR/DB RB/DB WR/DB TE/DE TE/DE TE/DE RB/LB

James Jackson Jace Weaver Ethan Castro Anthony McKay

10 10 9 10

WR/DB QB/DB TE/DE WR/DB

Thomas Akins

10

OL/DL

# 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 70 71 72 73 74 75 76 77 78 79 80 81 82 83 84 85 86 87 88 89 90 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 99 00

Class

Pos

Kahleem Murphy

10

OL/DL

Jashon Mitchell Octavius Green Andrew Carnes Hunter Moore Delvron Jackson Mason Brown Brayden Cooper

12 12 10 12 9 11 9

OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL

Samuel Blyth Matthew Springer Kenyon Benton William McCorkle Brian Pugh Shedrick Kyles Alex Pearson Peyton Edwards Aiden Velasquez Lorenza Thompson Bowen Smith Alvin Parker Jebson Logue Demetrius Freeman Drayden Miller Noah Phillips Amari Perkins Terry Thomas Landon Deen Samuel Haire

9 9 10 12 11 10 11 12 10 9 9 12 11 9 9 11 12 12 9 10

OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL FB/LB

Tykie Bowens Daniel Jones

9 10

WR/DB WR/DB

Aulden Parish Ezra Bell Corey Sanders William Goodson

9 9 10 11

WR/DB WR/DB WR/DB TE/DL

Sesan (Sayshun) Edwards

12

OL/DL

Bralon Evans Randy Johnson Dustin Harvey

10 9 11

WR/DB RB/LB TE/DE

Name

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Season Preview Under the Friday night Lights

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riday night football is back!

The 2021 football season kicked off Friday, August 13 with a scrimmage against the Glynn Academy Red Terrors.

The scrimmage allowed Head Coach Jeff Littleton and his assistant coaches to gauge where the team was at and what they needed to focus on before their first game against Coffee County; it also allowed the JV players a chance to get their feet wet, in the event a varsity player was injured during a game.

Littleton was proud of what he saw during the scrimmage.

“We had a lot of good, positive things; we also had some mistakes,” he said. “I had told the kids that’s what I want to see; I want to see mistakes and full speed with 100% effort.”

Littleton noted some conditioning issues, but has since continued to condition the team for a full night’s game.

“We only played three quarters with the Varsity, but we held out pretty good,” he said in regard to the scrimmage. “We ran into a couple conditioning issues with a few of the kids, but that’s something we can fix Overall, being in shape and good physical condition I’m pleased with it and it’ll only improve as it gets cooler.”

Littleton thought his assistant coaches played a huge role in making sure most of the players were conditioned well enough for their roles, which helped make major plays.

“We had a couple of explosive plays, which we knew we were capable of on both offense and de-

fense and our special teams looked solid as well,” he said.

Littleton admitted that the scrimmage was a tough game for his team, along with his assistant coaches as they were all grieving the loss of BHS Principal Dr. Roy Mathews.

They dedicated the scrimmage to him and plan to dedicate the season to him as well.

“We wanted to do well for him even though it was a scrimmage,” he said. “We threw in a few extra things and approached it a little bit differently to get the win.”

Littleton knows Mathews was one of the Bearcats’ biggest supporters and plans for the team to make it to the Semifinals again this year, if not further. However, he is only taking it one game at a time, treating every team the same.

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Offense Preview

W

ith the loss of a three -year quarterback Quayde Hawkins running back Rashad Broadnax, the offense had a lot of gaps to fill this year. However, over the summer they quickly got down to business and made sure when it comes to game time, it’ll be like nothing ever changed.

The 2021 offensive line will have three returning starters, along with a few seniors who are stepping up.

“The seniors haven’t really played much in the past, but they have a lot of experience; they know what to do,” Offensive Line Coach Ryan Kineard said. “They are leaders in the weight room.”

Kineard believes he has a great group ahead of him.

The returning starters include William McCorkle, Jeb Logue and Alvin Parker, while the seniors who are stepping up include Terry Thomas, Jashon Mitchell and Octavius Green.

However, Mitchell is currently out due to an injury suffered in the spring. But, Kineard is hoping he will be back in time for region play.

Other players to look out for are upcoming Juniors Mason Brown and William Goodson.

“Mason has had a really good offseason,” Kineard said. “He is probably going to end up playing a good bit.”

With this core group, Kineard has high hopes.

“We should be able to run the football this year more than we have in the past,” he said. “We have

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Jill Holloway — Post-Searchlight

MAKING THE LEAP: Zay Grant also went up for a leaping pass during practice, preparing for anything that may come his way during a real game.

a lot of good running backs coming back and good leadership up front.”

Kineard said the offensive line has focused on protecting the Quarterback, so all the concentration can be centered around the perfect throw.

“I think we have a really good group, and I look forward to good things,” he said. “They come to work every day; they don’t mess around- they are all business.”

With all the players giving it their best, Kineard said he does not plan on naming a set starting lineup.

“It may change week to week,

depending on who really shows out during the week of practice leading up to the game,” he said.

Bainbridge’s wide receiver coaches have seen a lot of progression over the summer and are expecting big things from this year’s group of wide receivers.

Led by seniors Kelmari Glover, Zay Chrispen, Deyon (Smoke) Bouie, Zion Bouie and Zay Grant, the wide receiver corps is a strong mix of experience and talent that has the potential to carry the team far this season.

Coach Blake Cecil is pleased with

what he has seen so far from the group.

“They’ve had a really good summer, I’m proud of their work ethic and seen them improve on little things and fundamentals are getting better,” he said. “There’s a lot of good potential in this group.”

The group also consist of junior Davayon Stroud and sophomores AJ Grant, Kyler Burke, Darius Mills and Antavious Murphy.

“I’ve been preaching fundamentals, route running and releases, and I feel like we’ve gotten a lot better,” he said.

These summer practices and early games are only the beginning, Cecil said he knows the wide receivers will continue to improve throughout the season.

“It’s going to take a lot of reps from us, but by the end of the year we are going to be playing at a very high level,” Cecil assured.

While Cecil cannot name a starting lineup, he said the kids that have really shown improvement over the summer will be the ones in the mix to watch out for.

The Bearcats have a new starting quarterback.

Following the graduation Hawkins, who now plays for Troy, Quarterbacks Coach Mike Harville said he has his eyes on Bo Smith.

“As of right now, Bo Smith is our starting quarterback,” he said. “But, incoming sophomore Cam Sanders is doing some great things, so he is going to make the competition tight.”

Sanders and Smith both compet-

ed for the position during the Bearcats Fan Day intrasquad scrimmage game, which showed Harville their strengths and weaknesses.

“There were some times we did some really good things and some times that were really questionable,” he said.

Harville said he now plans to work with both of the players on those specific areas in order to be more consistent in the position.

“Obviously it’s the most critical position on offense, but it’s going to be a challenge for either one of them at the beginning of the season, because of their lack of playing experience,” he said.

Harville said Sanders and Smith both played quarterback some on their JV teams, but the talent and speed of the game changes on the varsity level.

“That’s where inexperience comes in is decision making,” he said. “It’s a split second decision.”

“Both quarterbacks understand they’ve got to get the ball to our playmakers, and handle the snap from our center and secure the

exchange to the running backs,” he said. “It’s an ongoing process; it’s going to take a number of games and continued practice.”

Continued practice is already showing, as Sanders and Smith both showed they are capable of tighter throws during Fan Day. Harville said they have been working on what he refers to as quick screens, which is a tighter throw.

“We’ve really worked on that and I think it really showed,” he said.

“I think a few times we came up a little short, but we are continuing to work on it.”

Harville is anxious to see both of the young men grow this season through their hard work and practice. He also said there is a freshman quarterback, Luke Griffin, who has been progressing and doing some great things for the team that he may call upon at times.

“All three of them are a joy to work with,” he said. “I’m really looking forward to them taking over the offense and doing some great things for us this year.”

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Defense Preview

T

he Defensive Line is back for another season of protecting the end zone, despite losing a lot of key players this year.

This year’s defensive linemen have big shoes to fill, after last year’s defensive line helped lead the Bearcats to host the Semifinals against Marist at home.

Defensive Line Coach Brian McCorkle admitted the team had to replace a few guys, who played an awful lot of ball in the past few years. Despite that, though this year’s defensive linemen look pretty good.

“We’ve got some guys who are returning that played significant varsity minutes last year,” he said.

“We also have some young players who we are looking at.”

McCorkle said he fully expect the younger players to come along and gain some minutes and some time Jill Holloway — Post-Searchlight this year.

DOWN IN THE GROUND: The defensive line ran through various defensive drills on a Monday at practice, “Overall, we have a good group,” while Coach Brian McCorkle led them. he said.

This year’s senior defensive linea nice job in the off season this year, despite being unsure about men include Amari Perkins, Octasummer and are hoping to get in what the season may hold, but this vious Green, Jashon Mitchell, Sesan the mix this fall under the Friday year he hopes to take advantage of Edwards and Peyton Edwards with night lights. every opportunity for playing time. both Green and Sesan starting in McCorkle said he has focused on “I’m looking forward to seeing multiple games last season. being physical and as fast as they these guys and watching the youngSome key players to look out for can be with both returning players er guys and seeing what they can this season are twin juniors Dariyand younger players. do,” McCorkle finished. on and Devon Smart.

“The young kids have continued Despite losing some seniors and “They played a ton of significant to learn the system and what it having a primarily younger backminutes last year and have done a takes to be a varsity football player,” field, Defensive Backs Coach Rohan good job in the off season preparhe added.

Gaines said this year the Bearcats ing for a larger role this season,” With everyone knowing their will look really good on the back McCorkle said. role, McCorkle is looking forward end of things.

McCorkle also added that Thom- to the season.

Previous players that made a big as Akins and Peyton have also done He knows they made it far last impact in the secondary, such as

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Braxton Johnson and Ahmari Borden will not return this year. However, Gaines insists that some of the younger players who have given their all throughout the summer are names fans will soon become familiar with.

Seniors Zion Bouie and Zay Grant will return as a DBs, along with Deyon (Smoke) Bouie, who suffered an injury last season.

Younger players to really look out for are sophomore Keenan Phillips, who scored a touchdown last year in his freshman year, sophomore Antavious Murphy and sophomore James Jackson.

“James is really coming along,”

Gaines said. “These young guys are hungry and we are ready to show them what a varsity game is like.”

The key to integrating these younger players into the backfield is communication, which is something Gaines said they have been focusing on.

“We just want to be consistent and keep communicating,” he said.

Gaines pointed out that Zion and Murphy played together last year during the Bearcats’ region-game winning streak.

“I think we are going to do a tremendous job,” Gaines said. “We are going to go out there and compete and do whatever we can do to win

games.”

Defensive coordinator, Joe Dollar admits the defense has some holes to fill, but so far things are falling into place.

“A lot of these men are going to be key in the secondary,” Dollar said.

Dollar pointed out junior DB Amari Ross and sophomore LB/RB Javon Cox, as players who will be integral.

“We have a lot of juniors that will be playing, which is good because if we can get them working we will have them for a couple of years,” Dollar said.

Defensive ends

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Cheer Preview

making friday night lights bright again

T

he Bearcat cheerleaders are excited to be back on the sidelines this season rooting on the boys of fall. With new assistant coach, Katherine Bedwell and coach, Mycla Palmer to guide them, this promises to be another exciting year of cheer.

Seniors Akevia Daniels, Ashlynn Robertson, Anna Kate Littleton, Reece Conley and Alex Riche are all looking forward to their final season, spending time with one another and seeing the Bearcats make it to playoffs again.

This will be Littleton’s last year cheering on her dad, head coach

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Jeff Littleton.

“It makes me a little sad, but I want to make it a good season and see us go to playoffs,” she said.

Robertson agreed, hoping they go further than playoffs and see a repeat of the 2018 State Championship.

All of the senior cheerleaders are most looking forward to the rival game against Cairo High School and the annual Syrup Sop. Due to COVID-19 last year, the squad did not have the annual Syrup Sop in Willis Park, but instead had a smaller celebration at the high school in conjunction with the

FFA, who made pancakes and hosted a pancake eating competition.

The squad was unsure if they would be able to host it in Willis Park again this year, but Palmer said she would like to. Palmer also said that if the Syrup Sop is hosted in Willis Park she would love to have some of the young cheerleaders from the little girl’s camp hosted over the summer join them.

Another fan favorite, the bonfire may be returning.

“I want to do the bonfire really bad,” Littleton said. “The seniors of 22 never got to experience that.”

Robertson and Daniels both

agreed, stating they have high hopes it returns.

This year, the squad has plans to add more themed nights for the student section.

The first home game against Valdosta everyone is requested to wear the traditional purple and gold.

The Cairo game theme is white trash bash, where students are encouraged to dress “trashy.”

The Ware County game theme is Western, so students can wear cowboy boots, cowboy hats, flannels and bandanas.

The Miami Dade game theme is Hawaiian. Cheerleaders suggested wearing Hawaiian shirts, leis, flip flops and straw hats.

They will also have the annual pink out game for Breast Cancer,

Home game theme nights Sept. 3

Valdosta

Purple and Gold

Sept. 17 Ware County

Western

Oct.1

Cairo

White Trash Bash

Oct. 15

Dade Christian

Hawaiian Luau

Oct. 29

TCC

Halloween Bash

where all cheerleaders will wear their pink shirts and the crowd is asked to wear pink as well.

Finally, the girls will celebrate senior night, which Riche is most

looking forward to, where they will be recognized for all their contributions made to the squad over the years.

Bedwell is thankful to be able to work with this group their final year and said she became the assistant coach, so she could give back to the community, who gave so much to her and her daughter Maddie.

“This allows Maddie to have positive role models in her life and lets me see these girls grow not only in their academics, but in their extracurriculars as well,” Bedwell said.

Bedwell and Palmer both said they are looking forward to a great season under the Friday night lights and the opportunity to sport the purple and gold.

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BAnd Preview

The Pride of Decatur County is ready for a season of high spirit and bearcat music

F

or more than three decades, the Bainbridge High School Band has been one of the premier bands in Georgia. Our award winning accomplishments, 36 consecutive years of Superior Ratings, and national appearances speak volumes to the dedication and hard work given to the program by the students, parents, community, staff, and administration.

This year’s show theme is “Boston’s Greatest Hits.” Our show will feature hits from the rock band

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Boston including Peace of Mind, Long Time, Rock n Roll Band, Smokin, More Than a Feeling and Amanda.

The halftime show will once again continue to honor the longstanding traditions and standards of our band program while infusing new ideas to compliment what has been working for more than three decades.

In April, the ‘Bearcat’ Marching Band will be traveling to San Antonio Texas. We will be per-

forming in the Fiesta Flambeau Parade as well as touring the Alamo and much more. This will be our 2nd appearance in this historical and prestigious event and we are very much honored to once again represent our school, our community, and all of Decatur County on this national stage! This will be the bands 17th national appearance having performed in New York, Philadelphia, Washington D.C, Chicago, and others.

The band isn’t just working

toward their marching band performances. They are also looking forward to performing for many community events throughout the school year. In addition to those performances, we will be preparing our student to continue the Superior traditions of our Concert and Symphonic Bands at state events as well as community and school events. Our Jazz program will also be offering performances during the Winter & Spring. In our band program, we encourage students to have fun while learning responsibility, mental discipline, teamwork,

self-esteem, leadership and an enjoyment and lifelong appreciation of music.

We are very fortunate to have a very hardworking and dedicated staff to instruct support our students. Will Parker, Assistant Band Director at Bainbridge High School.

Brad Moore, Assistant Band Director at Bainbridge High School and Director of Bands at Bainbridge Middle School. Danceline Sponsor, Jo Ann Moore. Colorguard Sponsor, Lark Holley. Instrumental Instructor, Catie Parker. Percussion Instructor, Kyle Drinkard. Director of

Bands for Decatur County Schools, James Sewell.

To all of the citizens of Decatur County, the Board of Education, Decatur County Schools Administration, and the faculty & staff of Bainbridge High School, thank you for your continued and dedicated support of our band program.

This is going to be another GREAT YEAR for the “Pride of Decatur County!”

James Sewell Director of Bands

JUNIOR’S PEST CONTROL GOOD LUCK CATS! Amelia McCullough

1510 DOTHAN ROAD | 248-0093

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Parker Paint & Decorating Center 800 E. Water Street Bainbridge, GA 39817 229-246-6978

Go Bearcats!!!

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BAINBRIDGE

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Schedule Varsity 08/20 || 7:30 p.m.

08/27 || 7:30 p.m.

09/03 || 7:30 p.m.

09/10 || 7:30 p.m.

09/24 || 7:30 p.m.

10/01 || 7:30 p.m.

10/08 || 7:30 p.m.

10/22 || 7:30 p.m.

10/29 || 7:30 p.m.

11/05 || 7:30 p.m.

vs. Baker County vs. Peoples Baptist (Region) at Crisp Academy vs. NCAA vs. Sherwood at Covington (Region) at Westwood vs. Nat Greene (Homecoming) at Vidalia Heritage (Region) at David Emanuel (Region)

Cougar Football We at Grace Christian Academy are excited to start our 2021 football season with a full region schedule. With the decision to start a football team last year in early August, we didn’t get to play as many games as we had hoped. This year we are looking forward to playing a full 10 game regular season schedule, with hopes of playoff play.

LANCE GODWIN HEAD COACH

This past year we graduated six seniors, so we knew replacing them was going to be a challenge. Fortunately, we had several younger guys step up to fill their spots as well as the addition of a few transfer students, which are huge assets to our growing team. We are still a young team with a lot to learn, but the boys are willing to put in the hard work to make our team the best that it can be.

We are very blessed to have a booster club and several sponsors to make this dream a realty for Grace Christian Academy. Last season was filled with many emotions, as to be expected with an inaugural season. However, with a win against Peoples Baptist, made all that hard work that much sweeter. We are hoping to carry that same excitement and enthusiasm into our second season as we face Baker Co this Friday night, August 20th at 7:30pm at Bill Reynolds Sports Complex. Hope to see you there.

- Lance Godwin, Head Football Coach, Grace Christian Academy

2021 Coaches

Cheerleading Coach Mardi McRae enters her first season of coaching cheerleading for the Cougars after a 12-year hiatus. She is pictured with her husband, Dr. Mallory Mcrae and daughter, Lainey.

Danceline coach Kellie Gay enters her first season of coaching danceline for the Cougars.

She is pictured with her husband, Eric and daughters, Lollie and Lanie.

Co- Cheerleading Coach Carrie Bodrey enters her first season of coaching cheerleading for the Cougars. She is pictured with her husband, Clay and children, Mel and Walt.

Head Coach Lance Godwin enters his 2nd season of coaching the Cougars. He is pictured with assistant coaches Richard McClure and Chris Williams.

Varsity Roster

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Season Preview

Practice Makes Perfect

A

s summer vacation winds down and temperatures rise, student athletes are practicing and preparing at Grace Christian Academy. This year marks Grace’s first full football season, following last year’s abbreviated season. Coach Lance Godwin spoke with the Post Searchlight about the upcoming season.

“We have a full 10 game season,” he said. “With us only getting to play five games last year, and we ended up winning one, we’ve got to be in the top four in our region, of six teams, to advance to the region play-offs. So if we can beat three teams, we’ll be sitting pretty.”

In preparation for the coming year, Godwin has had the boys practicing offense and defense strategy, but has put an emphasis on physical conditioning: “That was

our downfall last year, we weren’t as in shape as the other teams.”

This season will see GCA playing against public schools, with their first game scheduled to be against Baker County.

“We can cross over, it obviously doesn’t count towards our region stuff,” Godwin said. “We can opt to play, and they’ve got an agreement through the GHSA, we can cross conferences.”

As the Grace sports complex has yet to begin construction, home games will be hosted at the Bill Reynolds Sports complex.

“We’ve worked out an agreement with them to use the field, and hopefully, for next year our facility will be built.”

The school is planning to have online tickets, but will start the season with traditional tickets pur-

chased at the field.

This team has been something the school has been working towards since Godwin was hired as athletics director last year, and plan on giving the new football team the same treatment as other schools.

“There’s a bunch of girls on the cheerleading team that haven’t cheered in the last few years, but they want to cheer because of the excitement of football. We’re gonna do homecoming this year during football instead of basketball… we’re gonna do a Pink-Out game for breast cancer,” he said. “We’ll do something for basketball, but it won’t be the full-blown homecoming we’ve done in the past… we’re just trying to let the school know what a real football season feels like.”

Despite having a full season, the

Cougars will still be playing eight on eight.

“There’s a lot of schools in Georgia that are smaller, like that single A and double A classification, that are going to this eight man,” Godwin said. “The push from our confer-

ence is next year to be playing nine man. They’re wanting to do away with eight, go with nine man, and then eleven man.” With ten players returning and seven new players added, the team isn’t quite there in terms of eligibility for eleven on

eleven. “We’re trying to get there as soon as possible… We need about 24 to 25 kids to do eleven man, and we’re still around that 16 to 18.”

The GCA Cougar’s first game will be at home, August 20, against Baker County.

Cheer Preview

Bringing the cougar pep for all to hear

T

his is a year of firsts for Grace Christian Academy; not only is it the first year for them to have a full football season, this will be the first year the cheer team has gotten to perform under Bainbridge’s Friday Night Lights.

Having only performed at travel games last year, the GCA girls will now be able to cheer on their home turf. “We’ve got six seniors on our squad, and only one of those six has cheered football. So for five of our girls, it’s their senior year, this will be their first time cheering for Friday Nigh Lights,” cheer coach Mardi McRae said. “It’ll be a new experience for our kids as they fin-

ish out their high school careers.”

Up until now, the cheer team has only performed for things like homecoming at basketball games; not anymore. “Homecoming is my thing. I love homecoming, that’s my favorite thing,” McRae said. According to her, the school is currently planning various homecoming events for this year, including a homecoming parade, class competitions and a pep rally. “We’ve got all sorts of things in the works, nothing nailed down,” she specified.

As this will be a new experience for most of the girls, it’s only appropriate that they learn new cheers and routines this year as well, with

lessons courtesy of FSU cheerleaders. “We’ve got three great solid stunt groups,” McRae said. “They brought us a full dance routine with stunts in it, the big pyramid at the end. They taught us some new cheers and chants.”

The cheerleaders will also be honoring various events and dates like other cheer teams, such as Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October. In addition, this football season will be dedicated to Captain Justin Bedwell, with the football jerseys having his badge number printed on them, and patches of his badge number for the cheer uniforms.

“We really dedicated our season

all the way around to him, because he was such an integral part. He escorted our athletes to and from all of their games,” McRae said.

Now with a full football season to cheer for, scheduling this year has been more complicated, as some cheerleaders play basketball as well.

“We have a big squad for football, and then six of our cheerleaders play basketball, so they’ll play basketball, and the others will continue and cheer for basketball.” McRae elaborated on getting the scheduling sorted out, “Of course, our football coach, Lance, is the girl’s varsity basketball coach, so he of course is not scheduling both… he’s

been very intentional with making sure most of our region basketball games are in December, they’re not mixed in with football.”

The cheerleaders have various camps and fundraisers planned, including a fundraiser for breast cancer awareness and cheer camp for younger girls. According to McRae, some of their usual events have been negatively impacted by the pandemic. “Covid kind of blew a hole in everything,” she said. “We were doing a cheerleader night at J3 Barbeque, and we’ve done like a night at Uncle Bill’s…” McRae hopes to try and get back to having these events and fundraisers again

this year, and thanked the school booster club for the support in they provided in those event’s absence.

“Thank goodness we have an extremely supportive booster club, our booster club is amazing. They really stepped in to fill that gap, of that fundraising that we normally count on.”

“I am just so excited,” McRae said.

“We have got the cutest, most cooperative bunch of girls, and I am so thrilled that they are going to have this opportunity. I was a cheerleader at Bainbridge High School, and grew up doing that, and it’s an experience I’ve always wanted our kids to have, if they want it.”

mel bodrey

Mary glenn warr

Isabella Barnett

Lainey Mcrae

Kaylee widner

Sara jenkins

laci johnson

Carter Hathcoat

Kooper Kearns ALWAYS HERE WHEN YOU NEED US

Albany 701 N. Slappey Blvd.

(229) 439-1950

Bainbridge 406 S. West St. (229) 246-6417

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UILD YOUR LEGACY. It’s time, Bainbridge.

7LPH WR OHDYH LW DOO RQ WKH ͤHOG Time to bring home the glory.

Time to make history.

One team.

One goal.

One shot at greatness.

Earn every yard.

Defend what’s yours.

And play every down like it’s your last.

Because winning is more than a tradition around here.

It’s the Bearcat way.

LET’S GO ‘CATS! MAKE 2021 OUR YEAR.

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WE BACK THE BEARCATS!

www.SpringCreekFord.com 220 W. Main St. | Colquitt, GA | 229-758-3381

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