Wildcats pick off Bears on opening play to secure victory in Poplarville

The Pearl River Wildcats defeated the Southwest Mississippi Bears 24-16 on Thursday night in Poplarville. The Wildcats took an early lead after a pick-six on the second play from scrimmage, which put them ahead 7-0.

On that play, Nemo Sowders intercepted the Bears’ quarterback and returned the ball to the Wildcat 43-yard line. Pearl River capitalized on the turnover with a quick touchdown, but Southwest responded with a 34-yard rushing score from Ronde Baker to tie the game at 7-7.

The Wildcats regained the lead after a fumble recovery on the Bears’ 4-yard line, scoring a touchdown to go ahead 14-7. Southwest answered with an 8-play, 77-yard drive, culminating in a 34-yard touchdown run by quarterback Kaison Koenenn, though the extra point was missed.

In the second quarter, Pearl River extended its lead with a field goal and a touchdown on a pick-six early in the third quarter. The Bears fought back with a 52-yard field goal from Simon Naylor and a late drive that ended just short of the goal line in the final seconds.

Kaison Koenenn led the Bears with 107 passing yards and 57 rushing yards. Ronde Baker totaled 112 rushing yards and a touchdown. Nyrikius Johnson added 49 rushing yards, and Baker led receivers with 48 yards. Nemo Sowders contributed an interception, and Keena Galloway Jr. returned four kickoffs for 93 yards. Southwest, now 1-4 overall and 0-2 in division play, will host Co-Lin for homecoming next Thursday.

Source: Original Article