SUMMIT – Co-Lin kicker/punter Nolan Long had not scored a touchdown since he was in high school and that didn’t happen very often. Thursday night Long became an unexpected hero, racing 20 yards for a TD on a fake field goal attempt and sparking the Wolfpack to a 23-10 victory over archrival Southwest Community College, on McElveen Field in Hurst Stadium.

     Most importantly, the victory qualified Co-Lin (7-2, 5-1) for the MACJC State Playoffs, which begin Nov. 3. The Wolfpack will be seeded either No. 1 or No. 2 out of the South Division. It all depends on how Gulf Coast (7-1, 4-1) fares Saturday in its homecoming game against East Central (4-4, 3-2).

     A Gulf Coast victory would secure No. 1 seeding for the Bulldogs and send the Wolfpack to East Mississippi at Scooba for the opening round. EMCC (8-0, 5-0) is the North Division champ, plus the defending state and national champion.

     Long preferred to brush off the heroics. “I just did what the coaches said. We saw it on film. I just ran it in. I was tired.”

     Co-Lin, nursing a 14-10 lead over the winless Bears (0-8, 0-6), lined up for a 37-yard field goal attempt by Long on the third play of the fourth quarter. Holder Chandler Rogers handled the snap, flipped the football to Long and he circled right end untouched to the end zone.

     “I played wide receiver in high school but we ran the ball most of the time,” said Long. “I didn’t score many touchdowns.”

     Long later added a 37-yard field goal to match his jersey number, with 8:17 left in the game.

     Co-Lin offensive coordinator Robert McFarland shouted with joy over his headphones as Long sprinted for the goal line. “I knew it would work!”

     Southwest was trying to win its last game for head coach Charles Anthony who had announced plans to retire in late September after seven years at the helm. The Bears took a 7-0 lead when defensive back Brennan Dunklin picked off a Rogers pass in the flat and galloped 65 yards to paydirt with 4:22 left in the first quarter.

     Co-Lin responded after the Pack’s defense turned back Southwest on fourth down at Co-Lin’s 32-yard line, halting a fake punt and run by Dunklin.  Thirteen plays later, Rogers hit receiver Joe Craig Jr. with a short pass, which saw Craig diving across the goal line.

     Long’s PAT kick gained a 7-7 knot with 1:41 left in the first half.

     Southwest started strong in the third quarter and took a 10-7 lead on a 27-yard field goal by Paul Johnson. A 51-yard pass completion from quarterback Steven Joiner to leaping receiver Greg Johnson had gained Southwest a first down at Co-Lin’s 11-yard line but the Bears were forced to settle for a field goal.

     The Wolves answered quickly. Darius Guy returned Paul Johnson’s sky kickoff to the Co-Lin 49. On first down, Rogers hooked up with wide receiver Marquis Hayes on a 51-yard, tackle-breaking jaunt to the end zone.

     “I knew Rogers was going to me,” said Hayes. “I saw the cornerback. When I turned, I saw an open field and I knew I could take it all the way.”

     Hayes, a sophomore from Brookhaven (Loyd Star), smiled and said he was happy to make the playoffs. “It feels good.”

     Long’s PAT pushed Co-Lin ahead 14-10 with 10:36 left in the third quarter.

     The Pack’s defense grew stronger as the game continued. Southwest was turned back on fourth down at Co-Lin’s 31-yard line with 11:57 left in the game.

     Long’s field goal arrived on the next series and Co-Lin had its final margin with 8:17 left in the game, enabling the Wolves to avenge last year’s last-minute defeat.

     Co-Lin coach Glenn Davis said he was pleased with his team’s must-win triumph. “We found a way to win. We knew Southwest would play us tough because it was Coach Anthony’s last game.

     “I’m proud of our kids. They were able to adjust to something new from Southwest.”

     Davis said the Bears lined up in a split-back formation for the first time this season. “They usually came out in a shotgun or one-back.”

     Asked about Long’s dash to paydirt, Davis replied. “It was a mighty big play at this time. Coach Mac (McFarland)  said (Bears) were giving it to us.”

     Rogers finished with 20 completions in 26 attempts for 189 yards. Hayes had 4 catches for 83 yards. Darren Anderson caught 5 passes for 53 yards.

     Running back Darius Guy had his best game, rushing 22 times for 169 yards.