The Houston County Bears opened their 2025 season in dramatic fashion Saturday afternoon, defeating Brookwood 31–24 in the Corky Kell-Dave Hunter Classic. Quarterback Ryan Maxwell and wide receiver MJ Mathis delivered the decisive blow, connecting on a last-second touchdown to seal the win.
Back-and-Forth Battle
HoCo would score on the opening kick-off when Jordan Smith took the rock 95 yards to give the Bears an early 7-0 lead. Maxwell connected with MJ Mathis on a 35-yard touchdown strike to give the Black, Silver, and White a 14-7 lead late in the first half. Brookwood answered before halftime when Gary Chapman found Jeremiah Brinson for a 48-yard strike, sending the teams into the locker room tied 14–14.
The third quarter was filled with big plays. HOCO’s defense forced a turnover on Brookwood’s opening drive, setting up Harrison Ludwig’s 22-yard field goal. But Brookwood responded quickly, as Brady Palmer made a 48-yard field goal to tie the game at 17 all.
The Bears answered with an explosive play of their own. Running back Collin Anderson broke loose for a 73-yard touchdown run to give HoCo a 24-17 lead with 3:22 to go in quarter three
Sealed in the Final Seconds
Brookwood clawed back with a touchdown to tie the game in the fourth, but the final word belonged to the Bears. With just seven seconds left, Maxwell once again connected with Mathis — this time for the walk-off touchdown that sent HOCO’s sideline into celebration.
The win moves Houston County to 1–0, powered by a dynamic defense and clutch offensive execution. The Bears make the long road-trip to take on Effingham Co next week.
Scoring Summary
1Q – HOCO: Jordan Davis 95-yard kick-off return TD (7-0 HOCO)
1Q – Brookwood: 25-yd TD Pass (7-7)
2Q – HoCo: Maxwell 35-yd TD pass to Mathis (14-7 HOCO)
2Q – Brookwood: Touchdown late in half (14–14)
3Q – HOCO: Ludwig 22-yard FG (17–14 HOCO)
3Q – Brookwood: Palmer 48-yard FG (17–17)
3Q – HOCO: Anderson 73-yard TD run (24–17 HOCO)
4Q – Brookwood: TD (24–24)
4Q – HOCO: Maxwell TD pass to Mathis :07 remaining (Final 31–24)
