We tell you everything you need to know about the 2023 Bainbridge football team, including roster changes and what fans can expect from the Bearcats this season.
2022 Stats
- Overall Record: 8-5
- Points Scored: 436
- Points Allowed: 227
Key Losses
Coach Jeff Littleton and the Bearcats will surely miss linebacker Dontavious Broadnax, who was a tackling machine during his four seasons as a Bearcat defender. He leaves Bainbridge with 272 career tackles, including 44 tackles for loss and 19.5 sacks. As a part-time running back, he rushed for 6 TDs.
QB Bo Smith was a productive weapon for Bainbridge, throwing for 3,762 and 37 TDs as the Bearcats signal caller the last three seasons. He also ran for 451 yards and 11 TDs. Defenders Devon Smart and Dariyon Smart will be missed, as will their tackles and sacks – Devon leaves with 70 career tackles and 8 sacks while Dariyon leaves with 91 and 5. Tackle Devin Pugh will be missed for his outstanding line play while a Bearcat.
Who’s Back
The 2023 Bainbridge football team returns some playmaking weapons on offense and special teams this year, starting with RB Keenan Phillips, who has rushed for 2,018 yards in three seasons. He also has 31 rushing TDs during that time. WR/CB Antavious Murphy caught 69 passes last season, and he has 100 receptions for 1,600 yards over the last two years. He caught 15 TDs last season and has 18 for his career. Murphy also has 3 INT returned for TDs and a rushing TD.
Despite losing Smith, Bainbridge should be fine with QB Cam Sanders returning. He played a good bit in relief of Smith, and he had 582 yards passing along with 6 TDs last season. Two-way standout Javon Cox will return at LB/RB with 5 sacks in the past two seasons to his credit. OL Kahleem Murphy is a big presence returning up front.
On defense, Bainbridge will be solid also, with the Bearcats returning LB Braylon Phillips, along with DBs James Jackson and Jace Weaver. Up front, defensive linemen Donterius Williams and Bradley Mashburn return in 2023. Kicker Nick Tyre is back after being named as one of the top five kickers in the state by ITG Next.
What to Expect
Littleton said he has a solid group to work with this season: “We have a strong nucleus of seniors returning, and they’ve really bought in on the process as leaders on the field, in the weightroom, and in the classroom.”
Speaking of the weightroom, Littleton said his team has been working hard this offseason, and it’s paying off with a bigger and stronger team ready to take the field in 2023.
“I really like the attitude this team has,” Littleton added.
Prediction
Look out for the Bearcats in 2023. This team is loaded, and this could be the best Littleton team since the 2018 state championship squad. A 13-2 record and a trip to the 4A state title game is very possible.
Game to Watch
Look for Bainbridge vs. Coffee in Week 2.
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