The Southwest Bears open the 2024 football season Thursday at 7 p.m. in familiar fashion, against not only the same team they closed the 2023 campaign with in the Holmes Bulldogs, but in the same location as well at John I. Hurst Stadium in Summit.

This time around, however, Bear head coach Cliff Collins is hoping for a different outcome as Southwest fell 45-21 to Holmes on Nov. 2.

Collins said that he and his staff are making last minute preparations for the Bulldogs.

"Just making sure we are looking over everything for the final preparations for the game," he said. "We are making sure that we have our I's dotted and T's crossed. It is the first game and there are going to be some mistakes made. We want to limit them and have as few as possible. We are trying to make sure that we have the right personnel on the field."

Collins admits that even though he is laser-focused on the season opener, part of him feels a certain level of excitement to begin now his fourth year as the Bears' head coach.

"It seems like this year has been forever and quick at the same time," he said. "So, its been a busy year. In junior college, every other year, you are going to lose half of your team. I am excited about these guys that we have in here and I am excited to see them play."

Collins knows that his guys will once again be tested by the Bulldogs. "They are a very talented football team," he said. "They did a great job recruiting and they are going to be young also. It is just going to be whoever is ready to play that day. Our guys will be ready to go."

Leading up to this point during opening week, Collins has been pleased with his group and believes they will have the right mentality entering the season opener.

"We had a great camp, the guys were locked in and I just want us to continue that," he said. "Sunday's practice was great, great focus and they were ready to go. Just keep that and worry about us, don't worry about anything else."

Collins is also calling on the community to attend and support his team.

"It is really important," he said. "Be loud, it has to be loud! It should be rocking. They should hear us off of Exit 20A on I-55. It should be louder than the construction that's going on off of the Summit exit! Come out and be ready to lose your voice!"