By Deunte Marshall/Sports Correspondent
Southside High defeated Saint Clair County on Friday with an emphatic 49-14 homecoming victory.
“It was nice to have a statement win like this in front of our fans and alumni,” said Southside head coach Ron Daugherty. “We did our job, which was win the game, even with all of the distractions that come with [homecoming].”
Southside (4-2, 2-0) scored early and often, as Aleric Williams found the end zone on the second play from scrimmage with a 47-yard run for a quick 7-0 lead with 10:58 in the first quarter.
The Panther defense looked to hold the Saints (2-4, 1-2), but a roughing the kicker penalty kept the initial St. Clair County drive alive. On the very next play, Taylor Mickens connected with Grayson Beatty for a 38-yard equalizer with 7:10 remaining.
The Panthers answered with another quick scoring drive, as Tristan Shaw connected with Holt Keeling for a 26-yard touchdown. With that score, the Panthers would be up for good.
The high scoring rate continued as Southside notched 21 points before the half, the first from Holt Keeling as he scampered 24 yard to the end zone with 8:36 remaining in the half. The next was a 39-yard touchdown pass to Hunter Gibbs from Shaw. The final score of the half was a 3-yard score from Aleric Williams.
Keeling scored his final touchdown on a 61-yard run with 5:05 remaining in the third quarter.
Keeling finished with 171 rushing yards and two touchdowns and a 26-yard catch and run for a score. Williams rushed for 86 yards on six carries with two touchdowns.
“Not to overshadow my guys, but we all want to say congratulations to Ms. Keyona Holt for winning homecoming queen,” said Daugherty. “It made us all feel great to see the Panther Nation give her a standing ovation.”
Southside travels to Albertville on Friday for a Class 6A, Region 7 matchup.