Box Score GOODMAN – The Les George era got off to a strong start Thursday as the Bears got over a bit of a slow start offensively, winning up front at the line of scrimmage, establishing a strong running game and displaying a tough defense, en route to a convincing 34-6 win over host Holmes in the 2025 season-opener.
"I'm just happy for these players," said George who picked up first ever win as a head coach. "They put in a lot of work with summer school and camp. This is a great opportunity for them to see the return on that. We have to keep improving, we have to keep getting better."
Early in the contest, both offenses tried to get established, but the opposing defenses shut the door on those opportunities. The third time was the charm for the Bears (1-0) as on their third drive they posted the first points of the contest. Southwest went on a 12-play, 75-yard drive which culminated with ann eight-yard touchdown run from Jalen Williams. Sergio Neyra connected on the extra point making the score 7-0.
With about 3:00 to go in the second quarter, the lead increased for Southwest as Neyra nailed a 47-yard field goal in less-than-ideal conditions as rainfall moved across the Goodman area.
It wasn't long into the third quarter before the Bears added to their advantage. Following three successful runs for Williams of nine, four and seven yards, respectively, Chris Hunter came on in relief before cutting through the Bulldog defense and racing into the end zone from 55 yards out making the score 17-0.
"I saw green grass and I got a good block from my receiver" said Hunter who led the Bear ground game with 19 carries for 169 yards and two scores.
The Southwest defense continued to be a thorn in the side of the Holmes offense on the ensuing drive, not allowing the Bulldogs to get anything established.
Later in the quarter, Hunter delivered again. An 11-play, 64-yard drive which consisted mostly of runs from Hunter and Williams wrapped with the former rushing into the end zone from seven yards out for his second score on the night. A Neyra PAT made it a 24-0 Southwest lead.
Early in the fourth quarter, Southwest continued to flex its muscle on the ground as Williams and Hunter were accompanied by Gavin Brown who joined the fray with big runs of his own. The drive wrapped with a nine-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Charlie Fair to Williams increasing the lead to 31-0.
Holmes got on the board during the ensuing drive on a 15-yard touchdown pass but the Bears answered with another field goal from Neyra, this time from 37 yards out making the score the eventual final.
Afterward the Bear defense stepped up once again with one final stop before the offense ran out the clock, preserving the win.
In addition to Hunter's big night, Williams also shined with 83 yards and a score on 17 carries. He also had one catch for nine yards and a touchdown.
BJ Mitchell led the defense with seven total tackles while Darius Owens and Jordan Magee each had six. Owens also added a tackle for loss.
Southwest returns to Summit on September 4, hosting Northeast at 7 p.m. in the home opener.
