By Adam Crocker/Sports Correspondent
Barney-Hood Stadium was buzzing on Friday, as Southside High defeated Arab, 41-13, to pick up its first Class 6A, Region 7 win of the season.
“I think you win football games when you run the ball,” said Southside head coach Ron Daugherty.
The Panthers (2-2, 1-2) started off the scoring with Holt Keeling ran it in for a 26-yard touchdown.
After forcing a punt by the Knights (2-2, 1-2), Southside took over at the Arab 27, and a touchdown run by Williams upped the score to 14-0 with 4:07 remaining in the first period.
Hunter Armstrong‘s interception on the next Arab drive led to a 9-yard touchdown run by Keeling for a 21-0 Panther lead at the end of the first quarter.
The Southside defense came up with another big play when Austin Winningham’s interception resulted in a 30-yard field goal by Carter West, making the score 17-0.
West added another field goal, this time from 29 yards out, with 22 seconds remaining in the first half for a 20-0 lead.
The hosts made it 27-0 midway through the third quarter on Keeling’s 16-yard touchdown run.
The visitors finally got on the scoreboard by way of a 27-yard touchdown pass from Hyatt to T.J. Carr, making it 27-6.
The Panthers answered back almost immediately with a 46-yard touchdown pass from Daugherty to Williams.
A lost Southside fumble led to an Arab touchdown with 8:33 remaining in the game, but the hosts tacked on one more score later in the fourth quarter.
Keeling ran for 142 yards and three touchdowns on 13 attempts. Williams ran for 113 yards and two touchdowns on 13 carries. He also had one reception for 46 yards.
Southside continues region play next week at Brewer.