Southwest hosted Co-Lin for its homecoming game on Thursday. Co-Lin won the coin toss and deferred to the second half. After the Bears received the opening kickoff, the teams exchanged punts three times before the Wolves scored on a long pass, taking a 7-0 lead.
Following another series of punts, Co-Lin scored again on a long pass, extending its lead to 14-0. Southwest responded with an 80-yard drive, culminating in a 52-yard touchdown pass from Jakhari Williams to Deori Pope, making the score 14-7 with 7:20 remaining in the first half.
The Bears forced a Co-Lin punt before attempting a 51-yard field goal that was blocked at the line. The Wolves took a knee to end the half leading 14-7. In the second half, Southwest’s defense started strong, forcing a turnover on downs on Co-Lin’s first drive.
Southwest then intercepted a pass, with Bernard Lackey returning it 11 yards to the Co-Lin 24. A few plays later, Ronde Baker rushed for a 24-yard touchdown, but the extra point was blocked, leaving the score at 13-14.
Co-Lin scored again just before the third quarter ended, pushing the lead to 21-13. The Wolves added a final touchdown midway through the fourth quarter to secure a 28-13 victory. Despite missed opportunities, Southwest remained scoreless in the second half.
Jakhari Williams led the team with 198 passing yards and one passing touchdown. Ronde Baker had 53 rushing yards and a rushing touchdown on 14 carries. Deori Pope led in receiving with 60 yards and a touchdown on two receptions. AJ Lewis and Zay Martin also contributed with 60 and 48 receiving yards, respectively. Keena Galloway Jr. returned two kickoffs for 38 yards, while Bernard Lackey recorded an interception. Alan Long punted six times for 234 yards, with two inside the 20.
The Bears, now 1-5 overall and 0-3 in division, will travel to Perkinston to face Gulf Coast on Thursday, October 8.
