Southside (6-0, 4-0) at Boaz (1-5, 1-3)
Last week’s results: Southside 31, Arab 10; Fort Payne 33, Boaz 0
2012 meeting: Boaz 27, Southside 13
Series record: Boaz leads 11-9
By Gene StanleySports Correspondent
The Southside High football team is experiencing some rarefied air, being the only undefeated team in Class 5A, Region 7.
“It really feels no different,” coach Ron Daugherty said. “We’ve still got to get better and focus on the things we need to focus on.”
Southside took sole possession of first place when Etowah lost to Scottsboro last week. The Panthers are a game ahead of the Blue Devils and Wildcats in the region standings and two games up on Fort Payne and Brewer.
Now comes Boaz – a team that is struggling with its identity under new coach Eric Whaley.
The Pirates have had chances to win a few more games but couldn’t pull them out.
“They’re one of those teams that the breaks go against,” Daugherty said. “They play real hard and are very good but just haven’t come out on top much.”
As for the Panthers, coming out on top has become a habit this season.
“There are still a lot of little things that we want to try and correct,” Daugherty said. “The big thing about this team is the leadership of the older guys – not just on the field but in the community. The little kids are watching and wanting to be successful like the high school players.”
Last week against Arab, Devine rushed for 149 yards on 12 attempts, while Aleric Williams carried the ball nine times for 122 yards.
