Bainbridge Stuns Dougherty in 28-21 Halloween Showdown
UPDATE: In a thrilling Halloween matchup, the Bainbridge Bearcats defeated the Dougherty Trojans 28-21 at Hugh Mills Stadium, dashing the Trojans’ playoff aspirations in a dramatic homecoming clash on October 31, 2023.
The game unfolded under chilly skies as the Trojans (2-8) fought fiercely against the Bearcats (1-9) but were ultimately undone by missed opportunities, including two critical field goals and costly penalties.
Bainbridge struck first with a 38-yard touchdown run by X’zabion Jackson, establishing an early lead. Dougherty’s defense responded, forcing two consecutive punts, but a missed field-goal attempt left them trailing 7-0 at the end of the first quarter.
The Trojans’ quarterback, David Burgess, electrified the crowd with a thrilling 49-yard touchdown run midway through the second quarter, leveling the score at 7-7 after a successful extra point from Christian Hernandez. Burgess briefly exited the game after a hard hit but returned to lead his team for the remainder of the match.
As the game progressed, both defenses tightened their grip, resulting in a scoreless third quarter. Dougherty’s Armeen Walker and Trevon Williams generated crucial yardage, but another missed field goal kept the game tied.
Late in the third quarter, Bainbridge’s Rye’Heem Lowe scored on a 5-yard touchdown run, putting the Bearcats ahead 14-7. The Trojans answered back with a powerful drive, culminating in a touchdown by Williams, tying the game once more at 14-14.
However, penalties began to plague Dougherty, allowing Bainbridge to capitalize with a 9-yard touchdown run by Bryce Olds, regaining the lead at 21-14. With just 3:55 left in the game, the Bearcats extended their advantage to 28-14, leveraging a series of penalties against the Trojans.
Despite the setback, Dougherty refused to surrender. With only 1:18 remaining, Burgess connected with Zeterria Kegler for a late touchdown, narrowing the gap to 28-21. Unfortunately for the Trojans, their onside kick was successfully recovered by Bainbridge, sealing the victory for the Bearcats.
Burgess’s determination and playmaking ability were standout features in this heartbreaking loss. His ability to scramble and deliver clutch passes kept Dougherty competitive, but the missed field goals and penalties ultimately proved too costly.
As the season wraps up, the emotional impact of this defeat lingers for the Trojans, who now look to regroup and reflect on missed opportunities. Will they bounce back next season? Fans will be watching closely for updates on their journey ahead.
