The defending champion and No. 1-ranked Bainbridge Bearcats answered a lot of questions on opening night. Coach Jeff Littleton’s team whipped neighbor Seminole County 47-7 to get their season pointed in the right direction.
Quarterback Quayde Hawkins threw for two long touchdowns, a 60-yarder to Braxton Jenkins and a 67-yarder to Michael Ryan. Running back Rashad Broadnax, ready to take possession of the role as featured back, scored on runs of 17, 4 and 12 yards.
And the special teams came up big. Eric Sanders blocked a punt and it returned it for a touchdown and Amari Peterson blocked a punt to set up another score.
Rome debuts with loss: The No. 2-ranked Wolves knew the transition wasn't going to be an easy one and they still don't have a great idea after getting pounded 48-14 by Class AAAAAAA No. 1 Marietta in the opening game. Rome trailed 27-0 at halftime and got as close as 27-14 before the Blue Devils pulled away.
There were bright spots. Quarterback Caleb Ellard replaced four-year starter Knox Kadum and completed 11 of 22 passes for 144 yards and two touchdowns. Ahijah Blackwell appears read to be the next in a long line of excellent running backs; he rushed 21 times for 132 yards.
On defense, Rashad Torrence led the team with 12 tackles and forced a fumble. Carlos Cervante had nine tackles. But the Wolves allowed 494 yards, albeit against perhaps the most gifted offensive team in the state.
Buford opener put on hold: Rain washed out the Buford-Milton season opener at Coolray Field. It will be played on Sept. 6 with the site to be determined this week after a coin flip. The postponement delayed the debut of new Buford coach Bryant Appling.
Warner Robins wins Westbrook's debut: The No. 5 Demons beat Tift County 24-10 to give Marquis Westbrook a victory in his first game as head coach. Jahlen Richardson ran for a touchdown in the fourth quarter to dash the hopes of Tift County. The Demons were led by quarterback Jalen Addie, who completed 13 of 24 passes for 150 yards and rushed for 31 yards. James Smith ran for 105 yards, 93 of them in the fourth quarter. All-state receiver Marcayll Jones caught four passes for 42 yards.
Dutchtown wins in shootout: The 6-ranked Bulldogs outlasted Hughes 41-27, but did not have the same defensive punch they possessed a year ago in leading the state in scoring defense. Hughes was able to run for 163 yards and thrown for another 144.
Barnes big for Veterans: Julian Barnes scored two quick touchdowns to set the pace and Veterans rolled to a 48-13 win over Upson-Lee.
Winder-Clarke game moved to Saturday: Rain forced No. 8 Clarke Central to move its season-opener at Winder-Barrow.
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