Class AAAAA football blog: Bainbridge ready to get back to work

ajc.com

It’s been a fun off-season for the Bainbridge Bearcats. Now it’s almost time for the defending state champions to get back to work.

The team recently loaded up three buses with players and coaches and had a police escort take them to Atlanta, where they were honored by the Georgia legislature. They had already received their state championship rings and become local celebrities around the community.

“There have been a lot more engagements, but that’s a good problem to have,” coach Jeff Littleton said. “These kids have had a great attitude and have handled it well. That’s been nice to see.”

They can enjoy it for a few more weeks before spring practice begins on May 1. The Bearcats will complete the spring with a scrimmage against visiting Thomasville on May 17.

Bainbridge have 11 starters returning from last year’s Class AAAAA championship team and another seven or eight who saw significant playing time. Much of the work will be spent finding offensive and defensive linemen and replacing two receivers, including Aaron Spivie, an all-region pick.

Among those lost to graduation were linemen Jacob McLaughlin and Brad Mitchell, along with tight end Bowen Dodson. Each was chosen to the All-Region 1 team, as were departed linebackers Randy Fillingame and Bryce Worthy.

“We’re going to be going back to basics,” Littleton said. “We’re losing four on the offensive line, including the tight end, so that will be a big push in the spring. But we did go through a lot of injuries on the offensive line, so a lot of young guys got a chance to play.”

They young players also benefited from the team’s extensive run in the playoffs. It was like they experienced another half-season of practice.

“They got five extra weeks of practice,” Littleton said. “It especially helps those ninth and tenth graders.”

Littleton said the off-season training program has been beneficial, too.

The defense does have two All-Region 1 players returning in defensive backs Jaheim Jenkins and Deyon Bouie, a sophomore.

Bainbridge has its backfield intact: quarterback Quayde Hawkins and running backs Caleb McDowell and Rashad Broadnax. All will be juniors. McDowell and Hawkins were both on the All-Region 1 team. McDowell in particular has game-changing skills; he rushed for 964 yards and 12 touchdowns in 2018 and threw a touchdown pass in the state championship game.

“Caleb is a dynamic player,” Littleton said. “He’s a humble kid who works hard and likes to do the little things that it takes to win … a great leader.”

The defense must replace Roman Harrison, the Class AAAAA Defensive Player of the Year. Harrison was a disruptive force who played with a high motor. He signed with Tennessee.

“We don’t have any Romans … you’re lucky to have one like that in your lifetime,” Littleton said. “I hope we have kids who are ready to step up and play.”

The Bearcats were one of the most inspiring football stories of 2018. They started the season 2-4, endured the effects of Hurricane Michael, and won seven straight to take the school’s first state championship since 1982. Bainbridge won all five of their playoff games away from home and defeated Warner Robins in the final.