Courtesy of Cullman Times
Cullman High knew that Southside’s Alaric Williams was going to get his yards last Friday (Oct. 14), and get them Williams did.
But the Bearcats had several explosive playmakers of their own and proved that point to the visiting Panthers in the form of a 56-35 Class 6A, Region 6 victory.
Cullman (5-3, 3-2) can clinch a playoff berth with a win next week at Brewer and finish as high as second with some help. Southside (5-3, 2-3) must defeat Albertville this week and hope for a Cullman loss in order to qualify for the state playoffs.
The Bearcats scored on five of their first six drives to take a 35-21 lead into halftime.
Though the hosts led by three touchdowns for much of the second half, Williams gave the Bearcats a couple of reasons to sweat. The first was a 30-yard sweep right for six points immediately following a Jennings interception. The second was an 80-yard touchdown catch from Triston Shaw following a fumbled snap.
Each score cut the Southside deficit to 14 points. But in both instances, the Bearcats ballooned their lead back out with TD runs by Ezra Burks, including one on fourth down.
Williams concluded the evening with four touchdowns and 217 total yards – 150 on three catches and 86 on 15 carries – to go with a forced fumble on defense.
Southside closes out region play against Albertville at home this week.