CAIRO — There’s something to look forward to this Friday night for Cairo football fans … hopefully. After weeks of being sidelined, the Syrupmakers are scheduled to return to the field this week in their Region 1-AAAA opener at Bainbridge; barring any last minute postponements because of COVID-19.

“We prepared for one (game) one time and then found out that Friday we weren’t playing. I’m hoping that doesn’t happen this week,” said Cairo coach Steven Devoursney, referring to the scheduled game this year against Dothan (Ala.) that was canceled the day of. “We’ve been off for three weeks. That’s tough, right in the middle of the season. On top of that, we’ve got to play Bainbridge, which doesn’t help matters. It’s just been a crazy year, crazy time.”

Devoursney has been very complimentary of his team, which hasn’t played a game since Sept. 18.

“That’s one good thing about it is our kids have been great,” he said. “I think we’ve gotten better the past three weeks. We put pads on for the most part, which we haven’t done all year. I think we’ve gotten a lot better, a lot more physical. I don’t know if it’s going to show Friday or not but I think moving forward, we’re going to be a lot better football team.”

The Syrupmakers are 0-3 heading into their region schedule. Their most recent defeat was a 30-7 decision against rival Thomasville. But now, after almost a month in between games, the Syrupmakers are basically starting over heading into the region part of their season.

“You take three weeks off; you haven’t played in three weeks. Your games, you get so much better, so much better film, so much quality reps, and you’re able to correct things and get better. We haven’t been able to do anything; special teams, offense or defense; all three phases,” Devoursney said. “All of the false starts and penalties you got in the first two games, we’re hoping they don’t come back because you started back over.”

Bainbridge is off to a 1-3 start with its only win a 21-7 decision over Thomasville on Sept. 25. Devoursney called the Bearcats “athletic” and noted “they have athletes everywhere.”

“They’ve got a really good football team,” he said. “They could probably be the best team in 4-A as far as athlete wise and everything.”