by Michael D. Gunnell

Southwest Sports Information

In a crucial MACJC South Division contest, Patrick Larsen scored on a penalty kick with 3:34 left in overtime Wednesday night to give the Bears a huge win over the host Pearl River Wildcats.
          The win gave the Bears a team-record sixth straight and moved them to 6-0 on the season and 3-0 in the South. Pearl River dropped to 7-1 and 3-1.
          "Tonight's game wasn't about the (winning streak) record," said Bears assistant coach Denver Bankston. "It was about proving who we are as a team. The guys showed great tenacity in a hard-fought game against a quality Pearl River team. All year the guys have worked hard and bought into the program here at Southwest and, tonight, all that hard work paid off in a great team victory."
          "That was such a physical and emotional battle," said Bears head coach Alex Brown, "and time and time again we show up and we fight until the final whistle. I can't emphasize how much of team win this was."
          The game was intense from start to finish with both teams having several chances to win in regulation. With time winding down in the extra period, Larsen was fouled in the box, resulting in the penalty kick.
          An understandably emotional Larsen said "I can't believe it; it's amazing. With those minutes we put in, the 90 minutes plus the extra time, it was an incredible team win. It wasn't just me, the team put in 100 percent effort the entire game. That's all I can say; it wasn't me, it was the entire team."
          Conner Smothers had four saves in goal for the Bears.
          The Bears to extend their winning streak Friday in Decatur when they take on East Central Warriors in a non-division matchup. The starting time is set for 7:00.