CAIRO — Cairo’s defense pitched a shutout against Thomas County Central, but one key player threatens to break that streak and do much more this week.

The Syrupmakers (1-1) host rival Bainbridge (1-1) tonight at West Thomas Stadium, as they look to stop the Bearcats and their offense led by a Division I running back.

“Anytime you shut somebody out it’s a good thing,” Cairo coach Steve DeVoursney said. “Our defense played well all night, but it’s a different offense this week.”

Dameon Pierce will be the focal point tonight. Bainbridge’s senior running back is one of the best offensive players in the state. He recently committed to play college football at Florida after decommitting from Alabama during the offseason. So far, he has rushed for 487 yards and six touchdowns over just two games.

During last year’s meeting, Cairo’s defense was able to halt Pierce for the most part, with a single 80-yard touchdown run being the only real damage taken. This year, with almost all of those defensive players gone, the challenge to stop Pierce will be even greater.

“We’re probably gonna pray a lot,” DeVoursney joked. “He’s just a special back, one of the best running backs in the state of Georgia. He’s hard to tackle, great vision, great moves. He ain’t the only one though — they’ve got some good players all around.”

DeVoursney highlighted the Bearcats’ quarterback, Mark Leoffler, as well as their offensive line, fullback, and linebackers as key threats. He feels like the team has the weapons to go far.

“They’re kind of like that same team that went to the final four that year,” DeVoursney said.

Against Central, the Syrupmakers decided to split quarterback reps between Jackson Hand and Robert Peters. Peters started the game and finished with two touchdown passes against the Yellow Jackets. Hand received some reps later in the game, mostly contributing with his legs. Cairo will continue with the rotation strategy against the Bearcats as it tries to identify a full-time starter.

Cairo’s offense has relied heavily on its running game during the last two weeks, with Jamarcus Vicks and Quay Edwards both leading the charge against Central. They and the rest of the Syrupmakers will have to be at the top of their game to beat the Bearcats.

“Bainbridge is probably a lot better than both of the teams we played so far,” DeVoursney said. “It’s going to be a big task for us.”