CAIRO — A win over a quality program came at just the right time for the Cairo Syrupmakers, who open Region 1-AAAA play Friday. For the fourth straight week, Cairo played an undefeated team. For the second time in that four-week stretch, the Syrupmakers handed the opposing team its first loss. 

Cairo mustered more than 350 yards of offense, recorded four interceptions and held a powerful Merritt Island Mustangs squad to just a field goal in a 22-3 romp at West Thomas Stadium last week. The performance garnered praise from head coach Steven Devoursney just ahead of the Syrupmakers’ region showdown with Bainbridge this Friday.

“I think it was good. Anytime you win, it’s a good thing,” Devoursney said. “I think defensively, to hold those guys to three points with an All-American kicker … I thought our defense played really well. Our offense moved the ball at times, did some good stuff, too.”

Cairo looks to win consecutive games for the first time this season when it welcomes the Bearcats to Cairo on Friday. Bainbridge is the defending region champion after finishing 5-0 in 1-AAAA a year ago. The Bearcats have struggled to find the win column this year, however. Bainbridge is 1-3 with its only win a forfeit victory over Valdosta.

Despite the Bearcats’ struggles, they still have Devoursney and the Syrupmakers’ attention. Deyon Bouie, a four-star athlete rated as the No. 5 prospect in the state by 247sports, has committed to Texas A&M.

“They’ve got five-star kids and stuff like that. We just don’t have those type of athletes like they’ve got,” Devoursney said. “Our kids will play hard and give us a chance.”

Cairo is still dealing with COVID-19 protocols as well. Devoursney projects three starters out for Friday’s game.