Southwest Football Defense Shuts Out Hinds in Second Half to Secure Win
Southwest Football hosted Hinds on Thursday, September 17, for their fourth game of the season. Hinds deferred after winning the coin toss and received the second-half kickoff. The visitors scored on their first three drives, taking a 17-0 lead over the Bears with 11:26 remaining in the second quarter.
The Bears’ defense responded by forcing three consecutive punts, allowing Southwest to enter halftime trailing 17-0. The third quarter remained scoreless for both teams. Southwest opened the second half with a fourth-down stop near midfield, continuing their defensive momentum.
Both teams traded punts until the fourth quarter, when Southwest finally found the end zone. The Bears kicked a 32-yard field goal by Simon Naylor to cut the deficit to 17-3. With 4:09 left in the game, Southwest’s offense came alive on a key third-and-22, when quarterback Jakhari Williams completed a 29-yard pass to Bryhsen Smith for a first down.
The next play saw Williams connect with Tahj Williby for a 45-yard touchdown, Williby’s second score of the season. After the extra point, the score was 17-10. The Bears attempted an onside kick with 59 seconds remaining but were unable to recover it. Hinds ran out the clock, sealing the division win as the game ended with Southwest falling short.
Southwest’s record moved to 1-3 overall and 0-1 in division play. The Bears will travel to face Pearl River on September 24. Williams finished with 265 passing yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions. Zay Martin led receivers with 78 yards on four catches, followed by Williby with 74 yards and a touchdown, and Bryhsen Smith with 73 yards on six receptions. Ronde Baker led the team with 34 rushing yards.
Defensively, Albert Sparkman and Caleb Bryant each recorded a sack. Kemon Folse and Kavion Newson contributed pass breakups, with Newson also saving a touchdown. Special teams saw Alan Long punt six times for 198 yards with three inside the 20, while Keena Galloway Jr returned three kickoffs for 53 yards. Kainen Rush added a 38-yard return. The Bears will look to bounce back next week against Pearl River.
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