Series record: First meeting
Last week: Southside 63, Brewer 20; Pinson Valley 40, Moody 14
By Gene Stanley/Messenger Sports Correspondent
After last week’s turn of events, Southside is understandably feeling a bit of the blues.
Two things had to happen last week for the Panthers to make the postseason – a Southside win coupled with a Boaz victory over Etowah would’ve put the Panthers in. They did their part but unfortunately for the Panther nation, Etowah prevailed and claimed the berth.
“Things don’t always work out the way you want them to,” Panthers coach Marty Smith said. “It would’ve been nice to make the playoffs, but I feel like this team made big strides this season and we’re headed in the right direction.”
To finish the season, Southside is headed to Moody to play another team that missed the playoffs by only one game.
“They’re very athletic,” Smith said. “They play in a tough region and very well could’ve made the play-offs. Like us, they lost one or two they felt they should’ve won and thus, missed out.
“Their record doesn’t indicate how good they really are.”
Finishing up what has been a very exciting season for the Panther nation, Smith thinks his athletes will keep a positive attitude and finish strong.
“We’ve had great practices this week,” he said. “They seem to be really excited about the direction this program is headed.”
Against Brewer, Dantley Coker scored four touchdowns and finished with 120 yards on 11 carries.
Blake Devine led the Panthers in rushing with 137 yards and two touchdowns on three carries, while Chase Nobles ran three times for 112 yards and a TD. Holt Keeling added 100 yards and two touchdowns on five attempts.