Is Bainbridge-Guilford for real in 2007? The 2-0 start to the season bears a great resemblance to the 2006 squad that began with three straight wins – two of those shutouts. Coming off a 27-0 shellacking of Seton Catholic Central, tonight’s home contest against Deposit opens a rigorous Class D division schedule that includes Walton, Delhi, Oxford, and an improved Harpursville club.

Perhaps the biggest difference this year is the maturation of B-G senior quarterback Chris McGinnis, and the emergence of home run running back Dustin Ross. Already a vocal leader on the team and in his third year as a varsity starter, McGinnis is leading by example with much-improved statistics. He has three TD passes and one rushing TD against just one interception. Last year, he did throw six TD passes, but was also intercepted 13 times.

Ross, meanwhile, has TD runs of 31, 54, 61, and 61 yards, and is averaging nearly nine yards a carry. “Chris is growing in confidence and has improved a lot over last year,” said second-year B-G coach Tim Mattingly. “We have some pretty good skill kids, and we’re trying to get the ball in the hands of kids who can make plays.”