Last week did not go as planned for Head Coach Cliff Collins and the Bear Football team after falling to Coahoma 37-32. In order to get back on track, the Bears must endure a very tough test in Thursday's home opener against the No. 5 Mississippi Gulf Coast Bulldogs.
 
"It is the first home game, the first time that we get to play in front of our home fans. They are excited about that, they are pumped up," Collins said. "I'm glad to be off of the road with those long trips. They are excited about being here for the home opener."
 
Collins and his staff have put in extra work making sure that the Bears are in the right frame of mind entering Thursday especially coming off of a tough loss to the Tigers.
 
"Our mindset is worrying about us, eliminating our mistakes and getting better," he said. "It's not about any opponent we play. Gulf Coast is Gulf Coast, just like Mississippi Delta and Coahoma and anybody else we are going to play. We have to be ready to play but we are worried about us."
 
Thursday's game also marks the opening of conference play for the Bears.
 
The Bears have been tested thus far not only with the challenges of travel and facing quality football teams but also trying to get over injuries. Quarterback Jordan Mills and running back Jalen Williams are out but their absences have presented chances for others to step up.
 
One of those individuals is Quez Goss who got the start as the signal caller last week against the Tigers. He completed 25-of 39 passes for 267 yards and two touchdowns. Stepping in and taking the bulk of the carries for Williams was his running mate in Keeghan Rodgers who had 12 rushes for 64 yards and a score.
 
Collins looks at the situations as opportunities for the next man up to shine.
 
"We had one of our best practices on Monday and it is just football. We are going to have injuries and people are going to get hurt," he siad. "That is the name of it. It is the toughest and most brutal sport. The next guy has to be ready."
 
The Bulldogs boast a talented offense led by quarterback Eli Anderson (35-of-56, 550yds, 7 TD) and receiver Jay Dupree (13 rec, 255yds, 4 TD) along with a tough defense.
 
Collins wants the stands of John I. Hurst Stadium packed with Bear fans Thursday.
 
"Let's be loud, let's cheer," he said. "We don't need golf claps or anything like that. We need to be loud. Let's make it loud, pump the music up and be ready to go."
 
The Bears and Bulldogs kick off at 7 p.m. The game will be streamed on BearTV.