Sardis (1-0) at Saks (1-0)
Last week’s scores: Sardis 21, Sylvania 16; Saks 40, Wellborn 21
Last meeting: Saks 34, Sardis 14 (2011)
Series record: Sardis 2, Saks 1
By Gene Stanley/Sports Correspondent
A win is a win, but Gene Hill was looking for a bit more last week.
The Lions had several first-half chances to put the game away, yet went into halftime with a mere 7-6 lead over Sylvania.
“We had many, many opportunities on offense,” Hill said. “But we’d get a penalty or snap the ball over the quarterback’s head or something. We should’ve had 28 points at halftime.”
Sardis came out in the second half and made Hill a bit happier, scoring on two straight possessions. However, Sylvania came back with a touchdown, cutting the lead to 21-14.
“I think when we got up 21-6, that some of the younger players started coasting,” Hill said. “They’ve got to learn better.”
This week, the Lions face a Wildcat team that some say could win the Class 4A state title. Saks currently is ranked fourth in the state.
“I’d rate them as a favorite from the North,” Hill said. “They lost some players off last year’s team, but you can’t tell it.”
Last season, the Wildcats lost in the semifinals of the 3A playoffs.
There are a couple of areas in which Class 4A, Region 6 foe Saks is still a mystery, though.
No one has forced them to have to pass,” Hill said. “And so far, they haven’t had to punt. So we’re not sure how they line up for those things.”
For the Lions last week, Jesse Hubbard intercepted four passes and had 14 solo tackles. He was named the Alabama Sports Writers Association Defense/Special Teams Player of the Week. His four interceptions was one shy of the AHSAA single-game record.
Also, Keenan Lewis rushed 22 times for 251 yards and two touchdowns.