We tell you everything you need to know about the 2024 Bainbridge High School football team in this preview, including roster changes and what fans can expect from the Bearcats this season.
2023 Stats
- Overall Record: 9-3
- Points Scored: 446
- Points Allowed: 168
Key Losses
New head coach Jay Walls will need to replace four big-time performers who have moved on from their successful Bainbridge careers. They are running back Keenan Phillips, cornerback and receiver Antavious Murphy, quarterback and defensive back Cam Sanders, and offensive and defensive lineman Kahleem Murphy.
“Those guys were All-State players last year,” said Walls, who takes over for former head coach Jeff Littleton. “It’s tough losing them.”
Other top players who Walls said will be missed are tight end and defensive end Samuel Haire, nose tackle Don’Terrius Williams, star (linebacker) Javon Cox, and cornerback Jace Weaver.
Who’s Back
Walls said the Bearcats welcome back linebacker Braylon Phillips, safety TaShaun Carter, and defensive lineman De’Shaun Smith on the defensive side this season. Phillips and Carter are seniors, while Smith returns for his junior season.
On offense, the Bearcats will be young, returning offensive lineman Truman Butler and receiver Camryn Scott, who Walls said could be starters this year.
Sophomore quarterback Vontrey Willingham, junior running back Markavion Johnson-Smith, and junior wide receiver and defensive back Jah’Bari Smith could be in the mix at some point this season, although Walls conceded that they “have not yet played any meaningful snaps.”
What to Expect
The Bearcats have some big time holes to fill for 2024, but Bainbridge seems to produce great athletes year after year regardless of losing talent to graduation.
That is the case this season with returning linebacker Braylon Phillips, who will be a leader on defense, and Camryn Scott, who will be a factor on offense and special teams again.
Walls has an excellent track record of building winning programs wherever he has coached, as evidenced by his time at Suwannee High School in Live Oak, Florida; at Tift County High School in Tifton, Georgia; and at Navarre High School in Navarre, Florida.
With an experienced coach like Walls coming into a solid program like Bainbridge, Bearcat fans shouldn’t expect anything but another winning season in 2024, even facing one of the toughest schedules in the state.
Prediction
The Bearcats keep on winning with Walls and finish 8-3 overall.
Game to Watch
Sept. 6 versus Tift County
