Coming off of a thrilling 35-20 home win over Pearl River to open MACCC South Division play, the Bears are hoping to carry that momentum over into just their second road contest of the season Saturday at Gulf Coast.
 
Even though the Bears want to carry over the momentum, they enter the week against the Bulldogs with a clear mind, focused on the task at hand in the next opponent.
 
"The result of the last game doesn't really dictate the next week of practice," Southwest head coach Les George said. "We're like most teams, I'm sure, who has the 24-hour rule where after that game is over with, you move on. It is about re-channeling your focus on the next opponent."
 
The Bears (2-1, 1-0 MACCC South) will face a tough Bulldogs (3-0, 1-0 MACCC South) team coming off of a 28-24 win over Jones.
 
"They are extremely talented," George said of Gulf Coast. "Looking at their roster and watching them on film, they are going to be the most talented team that we have seen thus far this year."
 
The Bulldogs are led by quarterback Landon Varnes who leads the MACCC Conference in passing with 999 yards on 51-of-78 passing. Alan Woods leads the ground game with 214 yards and four scores.
 
"They are multi-personnel, they have the ability to hurt you through the passing game, the quarterback is extremely talented, and they've got some really good receivers," George said. "They use a lot of misdirection and motion and things like that. (And) they've got a really good running back."
 
Southwest also boasts a strong rushing attack that ranks fourth in the conference in yards with 670 and tied for second in the conference in rushing touchdowns with 10. The ground game is led by Jalen Williams who, through three contests, has 328 yards and two scores on 54 carries to go along with four catches for 79 yards and two scores.
 
Quarterback Charlie Fair is coming off of his best outing of the season against Pearl River where he threw for 185 yards on 14-of-22 passing. Fair completed passes to six different receivers and he also added a rushing touchdown.
Saturday's game will be the homecoming contest for the Bulldogs and for Coach George, co-offensive coordinator Earvin Moore and defensive line coach Terrence Cody, it will be a true homecoming as all three played at Gulf Coast. George,who also spent time coaching the Bulldogs earlier in his career,  adds that his team will not be deterred by any outside distractions.
 
"To be completely honest, my approach for the team is that you can be motivated or driven but to me, being driven where you have more consistency is more important than being motivated," he said. "Obviously for them (Southwest players), they know that they are the homecoming opponent. We try to focus on the factors that are more driven-based."
 
The Bears and the Bulldogs kick off Saturday at 7 p.m. from A.L. May Stadium in Perkinston. For those traveling to attend the game, tickets can be purchased at http://mgcccbulldogs.com/tickets. It is encouraged to purchase tickets ahead of time to avoid higher prices at the gate. Those who can't attend can watch the stream of the game on BearTV at https://go.smccbears.tv/.