Following last week's tough 48-15 home loss to East Central, the Bears are aiming to bounce back on the road Thursday evening against another MACCC South Division opponent in the Hinds Eagles.
 
Thursday's game marks the first time that the Bears have faced the Eagles in Raymond since 2020 and the first time under Head Coach Cliff Collins.
 
"We're just ready to get back on the grass," Collins said. "We get another opportunity to get in the win column. They are a good football team. Hinds has established a winning program. I feel pretty good about it just like I do going into all of the games."
 
The difference for Collins, this time around is that his team had an extra day of rest due to Fall Break. Additionally, he believes his guys are not only rested well but hungry to pick up the win over the Eagles.
 
"We are ready for the challenge, it is the next team up," he said.
 
For Collins, the Eagles may be the next opponent that he and his players are preparing for, but looking back, Hinds holds a special place in his heart.
 
"I have a lot of friends up there, it was the first coaching opportunity that I had in this league, 20 years ago. I'm excited," he said. "I'm ready for my team to show up and play."
 
Last week against the Warriors, the Bears competed well early on, but could not keep up with East Central as the game wore on. One key highlight was the emergence of receiver Tyler Daniels who easily had his best game as a Bear finishing with 7 catches for 74 yards.  
 
Heading into Thursday, Collins wants to make sure that his team is in the right frame of mind something that he believes his team lacked last week.
 
"We always tell the guys that they have to show up," he said. "They thought that they (East Central) was going to lay down. They came out ready to play. Congrats to them and Coach (Jonathan) Webster, they did a great job. Their team was ready to play and we never left the locker room. We were never ready to play."
 
Collins adds that the Eagles will be a challenge for his team, especially on the defensive side as they have been a thorn in the sides of opposing offenses.
 
"Coach (Larry) Williams, the head coach who used to be the defensive coordinator, he does a great job," Collins said. "They are going to have a great defense every year. We have to go in and execute offensively and defensively."
 
Collins is also calling on the fans to attend the game and show support for the Bears.
 
"It would definitely help if we were the same way we were at Co-Lin," he said. "Let's get ready to roll and bring that same type of excitement. Let's get behind these guys and make sure that they give you what you deserve to see."
 
The Bears and the Eagles kick off at 6:30 from Raymond. Those who wish to attend the game are asked to purchase tickets ahead of time. Prices will rise at the gate and cash will not be accepted.
 
Tickets can be purchased by clicking here.