No matter the outcome of the remainder of the season, the 2015 Bainbridge Bearcats (Bainbridge, Ga.) have made a name for themselves. Currently sitting at a record of 8-0 (3-0 in Region 1-AAAA), their eight-game season-opening win streak is the highest for the school since their 10-game streak to begin the 1960 season.
As the popular saying goes, there are two sides to every story. In this case, both sides scream hard work, determination, and success. The Bearcats are powered by a tremendous offense, averaging over 35 points per game. Their defense is no pushover, either; the team is allowing a mere 11.8 points per contest.
Two key components of the team’s success are their star receiver, Tyler Storey, and defensive lineman Calvin Isom. Each holds down his respective side of the field, and each is a big reason why this season’s Bearcats are setting the standard for years to come.
Tyler Storey
Wide Receiver
6’0”, 180 lbs
Family: Samuel and Patricia (parents); Tauhadah and India (sisters), Trey (brother)
Tyler Storey is a three-year letterman for the Bearcats. Lining up at wide receiver, he is a key component of the success that the team has earned. Through the first eight games, he leads all receivers with 50 catches (totaling 930 yards) and six touchdowns. However, if you ask him, he is but a mere cog in the machine that is the Bainbridge offense.
“It’s all about the team,” Tyler says. “I’m a ‘team first’ type of player. I just want to be sure that I’m doing my part so that we can all succeed together.”
Away from the gridiron, Tyler is also a four-year member of the school’s baseball and wrestling teams. However, football is the current focus. The Bearcats are undefeated in region play and hold a four-game advantage over their closest competition in the overall standings.
“It’s all about hard work and focus,” he says. “We push each other. Our coaches tell us that we have to take things a day at a time. It’s all about the next practice, the next game. Adversity is going to come. But it’s not about that. It’s all about how we face it and fight through it.”
After graduation, Tyler would like to pursue a career in physical therapy. He is undecided as to which college he will attend, but he knows that he would like to include football in his collegiate plans.
“This team is like a family,” he says. “I’ll never forget my teammates. I know that this is a group of guys that I’ve gone to war with, and they have never let me down. I’ll keep those types of memories with me for the rest of my life.”
Calvin Isom
Defensive Tackle
6’2”, 245 lbs
Family: Calvin, Sr. and Cynthia (parents); Shakira (sister)
Simply put, Calvin Isom loves the game of football. It is what he eats, sleeps, and breathes. In that regard, it is only fitting that he is such a dominant force on the defensive line. At defensive tackle (and occasionally defensive end), he has totaled 36 tackles on the year, including two tackles for loss.
The hot start for the Bearcats is almost expected when a player of Calvin’s caliber is lining up for the team. He is a two-time All-Region team member and is shooting for his third consecutive nod this fall. He has been playing the game since he was 12 years old, and he has no intentions of stopping any time soon.
“I would love to play in college,” Calvin says. “We’ll just have to see where I end up. But college football would be a dream come true for me.”
Calvin is the epitome of leadership for the team. He is constantly boosting his teammates, keeping them motivated and focused. Off the field, he is regarded as a good student that is big on grades.
“When it comes to this team, we’re successful because, from the top to the bottom, the grind is the same,” he says. “From the coaches on down, we have our minds made up. It’s all about focus, prayer, and hard work.”
Although it is his final season suiting up in the Bainbridge purple and gold, Calvin makes it known that the Bearcat way will forever be cherished. He is grateful to be a part of the program for four years, and looks forward to the opportunity to make the community proud in whatever he does in the future. And, most of all, he says he will always treasure the bonds that he has built with his teammates.
“These aren’t teammates; they’re my brothers,” he says. “I couldn’t do any of this without such a strong team. I’m blessed to be here, and I thank God every day for the opportunities that I have been given in my life.”
Sidebar:
Tyler Storey on Calvin Isom: “(Calvin) is my boy; we’re very close. He’s a dedicated player and, overall, a really good guy. He’s one of my best friends; I have a lot of respect for him.”
Calvin Isom on Tyler Storey: “(Tyler) is an awesome athlete. Not just a football player. Everything he does on the field, he does it on the wrestling mats and on the baseball field, too. On top of that, he’s just a great person. He’s always positive, and he always keeps his head held high. I’m proud to call him my friend.”
Most important lesson learned at BHS:
“You can’t give up, ever. Success is a daily task, and it requires daily effort. Remember, every time you take a break, there’s somebody getting closer to passing you.” (Tyler Storey)
“Success comes from within. You’ll never advance if you only measure your success by the next person’s failure. You have to want to be the best that you can be at all times.” (Calvin Isom)
South Georgia / November 2015
Tyler Storey
Calvin Isom
Bainbridge High School
Bainbridge, Ga.
Senior Bearcats a Big Part of History-Making in Bainbridge
By James Washington
Photography by Micki K Photography
To God be the Glory for all the successful wins of the Bearcats. These 2 young men made a big contribution to the teams efforts. I pray much success in whatever road you decide to take. Always keep God first and everything else will work in your favor.