DAPHNE, Ala. — Bayside Academy weathered a tough 35-22 loss at home Friday night at the hands of first-time opponent Trinity Presbyterian. Like Bayside (5-2 overall and 3-2 Region 1), the Wildcats (6-1, 4-1) have suffered one loss against Washington County.

The unranked Wildcats had an impressive first half with quarterback Josh Watkins carrying for 107 yards on 15 carries and passing for three touchdowns of 21, 21 and 55 yards. Andy Pappanastos would score on all four extra point attempts.

With minutes remaining in the first half, the Admirals put their first points on the board in an attempted rally with an 8-yard Scooter Blake TD run followed by a Thomas Buchanon 2-point conversion.

The Wildcats’ Josh Watkins answered, connecting with Chris Jeter on a 55-yard TD reception followed by a Pappanastos extra point. The score would be 35-8 at the half.

During warm-ups, prior to taking the field for the third quarter of play, team captains were heard in booming voices, for the players to “not take a step on the field” without first looking at the scoreboard. They did, and they saw.

A renewed Bayside defense allowed the Wildcats a scant 41 yards offense, no scoring and only one first down in the second half. Compare that to Trinity’s first half of play, with 20 first downs seemingly at will, 35 points scoring and 369 yards offense. The Admirals were still there to play.

The Bayside offense had not given up either. Camp Campbell completed a 15-yard TD pass to Scooter Blake followed by a Ben Hughes 5-yard TD run. Trey Smith would put both extra points up as well for a final score of 35-22.

With T.R. Miller, Clarke County, Trinity Presbyterian and Washington County all having their sights set on the four remaining post-season slots, the Admirals are in a must-win position as they face Montgomery Catholic on Friday and Excel on October 22.