Scottsboro (0-2, 0-1) at Southside (2-0, 1-0)
Last week: Southside 43, Columbia 30; Arab 35, Scottsboro 25
Last meeting: 2011 – Southside 24, Scottsboro 21
Series record: Scottsboro 12, Southside 6
By Gene StanleyMessenger Sports Correspondent
Here’s a short history lesson.
The last time that Southside started a season 2-0 was 1996. The Panthers also won their third game of that season and went on to go 6-6 under Phil Lazenby’s tutelage. That year was also the last time Southside won a playoff game.
This week’s opponent is Scottsboro, and Southside has had recent luck against the Wildcats. A victory tonight gives Southside four in a row in the series.
“It’s great for the fans and the community,” Panthers coach Marty Smith said. “But the players are doing a real good job of not getting caught up in hype. They understand and are keeping a positive attitude and work ethic.
“The players have done everything we’ve asked of them and they want to continue to win, so they’re focusing on what it takes to win.”
Flip the coin and there sits Scottsboro with a winless record. But with a little better luck, it could’ve been different for the Jackson County squad.
“We haven’t been able to close the deal,” Wildcats coach Swane Morris said. “We’ve played well but just haven’t gotten the wins.”
Scottsboro had their chances in both games but found a way to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory.
In the season-opener against Buckhorn, the Wildcats had a late touchdown on a fumble recovery called back. That 80-yard return would’ve given them the win.
Last week against Arab, Scottsboro led with less than two minutes remaining and wound up losing.
“We are playing well but so far have given up big plays when it matters,” Morris said.
Southside, obviously, will be hoping that trend continues for at least one more game.
Last week against Columbia, Dantley Coker finished with 202 rushing yards and two touchdowns on just 11 carries. Blake Devine also eclipsed the century mark, gaining 115 yards on six attempts.
Patrick Lister completed 5-of-8 passes for 100 yards and a touchdown. He also rushed 55 yards and a score. Justin Denson and Austin Abernathy each had two catches.
Hunter Armstrong had nine tackles, followed by Chase Nobles with eight and Ryan Clark with six.