SUMMIT – For 60 minutes, the Hinds Eagles produced one the mostaggressive performances ever witnessed in John L. Hurst StadiumThursday night as they produced a 28-9 South Division championshipvictory over the Southwest Bears.

The Eagles forced the Bears to throw four interceptions causingan additional two fumbles in the rout.

“Our guys played well on defense,” said Eagle head coach GeneMurphy. “Southwest gave us problems, until Tyrone took theinterception back.”

With the win, The Eagles (9-1, 6-0) are the South Divisionchampions and host the state playoff game against Mississippi Deltanext week. As the Bears must travel now to Itawamba for the a firstround playoff contest.

The Eagle took control early as Chauncey Stovall returned theopening kick 33 yards to the Bear 41. After a three-yard gain byEagle sophomore tailback Thomas McKnight on first down, the Eagleshit paydirt off a 38-yard quarterback option. After the Trey CrumPAT, the Eagles led 7-0.

Crum’s foot would be called on three minutes later as he booteda 37 yarder.

The Bears (8-2, 4-2) responded to the Eagle attack with a66-yard, 7-play drive that was highlighted by sophomore runningbackAlonzo Ard with runs of 21 and 26 yards. After a Rad Boyd PATattempt failed, the Bears trailed the Eagles 10-6.

The Eagles defense would tighten the rest of the first halfallowing the Bears a total of 24 yards on 14 plays. The Eaglesoffense continued their offensive showcase as McKnight scored fromseven yards for the 16-6 lead.

After several minutes of moving the ball, the Bears forced threedowns and punted to the Eagle 38. The Eagles used two passinterference plays against the Bears to end the half on a Crum47-yard kick for the overwhelming 19-6 lead.

The Bears came out fired up under the direction of backupquarterback Steven Erdey who replaced sophomore starter AndricoHines. Hines threw two interceptions during the first half.

After a quick 25-yard first down strike by Erdey to sophomorewide-out Joe Hill, the Bears seemed in business. That business wasquickly shut down by the Eagle defense as Hinds retained the balloff a mishandled faked punt by the Bears.

The Eagles would answer five minutes later as Crum connected ona 43-yard field attempt. Not to be out done, the Bears would do thesame five minutes later a Boyd booted a 47 yarder for the trailing22-9 deficit.

After playing tough defense, the Bears produced a lightningquick connection from Hines to Ard of 50 yards as the third quartercame to a close.

As the fourth quarter began, the Bears hit the good luck stickoff a pass interference call on the Eagles that set up first and 10at the Eagle 11-yard line. On first down, Ard blasted the Eagledefensive front for a quick five-yard gain. After a mishap onsecond down, the Bears dodged a bullet as Ard recovered the ball onthe four. Those bullets would appear a down later as Hines wasstripped of the ball on a keeper by Eagle freshmen AndrewWilliams.

After runs of 22 and 38 yards by McKnight, the Eagles appearedto be on a another scoring strike. But fate turned on the Eagles asBear defensive end Roy Williams mugged Banks, forcing a fumblewhich he recovered. The Bears could only gain four first downsafter a Hines to Hill pass drifted into the hands of Eaglesophomore defensive back Randy Williams.

After an exchange of punts, the Bears looked to get back into itbut an Erdey pass hit Eagle cornerback Tyrone Robinson for a32-yard pass interception return. After a Crum PAT sailed wideright, the Eagles led 28-9.

After regaining the ball, the Eagles reeled the last fiveminutes off the clock on Ard and Erdey runs.

“We turned the ball over too many times tonight,” said Southwesthead coach Ken Edenfield.

Offensively, the Eagles were led by McKnight with 25 carries for125 yards. Banks chipped in with 39 yards on seven carries.

For the Bears, Ard led with 83 yards on 13 carries.

On defense, the Eagles were led by Randy Davis with 10 tacklesand an interception. Jason Myers chipped in with six tackles andtwo sacks.

For the Bears, Nick Tynes led with eight tackles. Chad Mascoechipped in with a fumble recovery and six tackles. Arthur Smithgained a a sack and four tackles.