BAINBRIDGE, Ga. (WTXL) - It's high school football state championship week in Georgia.
We're following Colquitt County, Bainbridge and Clinch County to Atlanta in their quests to bring home a title.
When the teams step onto the gridiron in Atlanta this week, they'll have plenty of support behind them.
Fall Friday nights are made for football games, especially in Bainbridge Bearcat country. It wouldn't be the same without the team, the cheerleaders, or the marching band.
"Our dance line does a really good job sparking under the night lights. That's what they like to reference themselves as. I won't say we bring all the energy because we have the student section as well," said Gage Kempton, Senior Alto Saxophone player. "We bring a lot of energy to the football games and we make sure to do our best and just pep the football team up."
The group is over 200 strong. Members said they're just enjoying the moment, and hoping to inspire other students, current and future.
"It goes back to my eighth grade year, when I used to see all the upperclassmen jumping around and having fun. It's exciting," said Zac Wilson, Senior Alto Saxophone player.
Although the Bainbridge Bearcat Band helps hype up the crowd during football season, and provides halftime entertainment, they do so much more all throughout the year.
Hours and hours of practice before a successful performance. Just to be a part of this band takes hard work, discipline, and a lot of time during and after school.
"We practice usually three days every week, after school for two to three hours," said Hannah Sprenkle, Junior Flute and Piccolo player.
And the life skills they learn will stay with them long after they leave the band hall.
"I had to learn how to manage stress, and plan my schedule so I'm not stressing about 'Oh, I have practice, or I got to do this.' It also taught me how to be on time," said Yamaria Kincaid, Sophomore Clarinet player.
Nearly every student we spoke to was thankful for the "family" atmosphere within the band, and throughout the community.
"We see that the community gives so much to us and so we really care about giving back to the community and seeing the community get jazzed up when we come on the field and everything," said Makayla Ingram, Senior Trumpet and French Horn player. "It's just really cool to see that."
When WTXL launched its Band of the Week segment this year, no band received more support than Bainbridge.
Our Facebook video was viewed more than 35,000 times.
This band has a host of followers as well, so congratulations to them and good luck tomorrow Bearcats.
