Counselman’s OT goal beats Hinds

Mississippi Gulf Coast's attempt to win a state championship last year was thwarted by Hinds, but the Bulldogs didn't really see Tuesday's 2-1 overtime win in Raymond as revenge.

Caleb Counselman (So, Pass Christian/Pass Christian) scored 92 seconds into the first extra period for the clinching goal.

"We lost last year, but it goes back further than that," Gulf Coast coach Chris Handy said. "We lost is 2015. We lost in 2013 to them. It goes back further. It's always going to be a challenge. If we want to accomplish anything, for us it always going through Raymond."

Gulf Coast has won seven straight after a season-opening loss to then-No. 1 Tyler. It also claimed its second straight overtime win in similar fashion.

Counselman was on the receiving end of a ball over the top from Gage Switzer (So, Gulfport/Gulfport). He brought it down in a crowd and slotted it home.

"It kind of shows you we were there all night, we just didn't do a very good job executing in front of goal," said Handy.

He said Gulf Coast hit the post four times.

Hinds (4-5) scored the opening goal just 20 seconds before halftime, pouncing on a Bulldogs mistake.

"Their style is hard to defend based on the way we play," Handy said. "One ball, over the top, and they have athletic guys up top. It was difficult for us to play the way we want, spread out and keeping the ball."

Jordan Hall (So, Manchester, England/Royton and Crompton) scored his 18^th goal of the season seven minutes into the second half. Max Johnson (Fr, Rugby, England/Harris Church of England Academy) had the assist.

"A year ago, we won 4-0 and that meant nothing in the finals," Handy said. "If we have to play them again, which is very possible, they for sure won't be going into the game overconfident."

Gulf Coast, which had its perfect season against MACJC competition spoiled last year by Hinds in the state championship game, has won seven straight.

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