Last week: Southside 35, Hokes Bluff 14; Lee-Huntsville 52, Columbia 20
2012 result: Southside 43, Columbia 30
Series record: Southside 1, Columbia 0
By Gene Stanley/Sports Correspondent
Despite Columbia High’s runners having a bad game last week, the Huntsville squad still concerns Ron Daugherty.
In their opener, the Eagles were held to minus-9 yards rushing until the final seconds of the game.
“They’ve got a lot of athletes at the skill positions,” said Daugherty, the Southside head coach. “They’ve got guys on the bench who are good enough to start at most schools.”
Expect to see a lot of action out of the skill positions, too.
“Their style of play really showcases the athleticism,” Daugherty said. “They literally scare me to watch them on film.”
Michael Pryor is in his second year as Columbia coach.
As for Southside, Daugherty said that the defense is still learning.
“We’re moving guys around, trying to find the right combinations and the right places for substitutes to come in,” he said. “The whole defense is a work in progress.”
Last week for the Panthers, Blake took the game’s opening kickoff for a 91-yard touchdown. He later scored a 90-yard touchdown run. Dantley Coker finished the game with 177 yards on 22 carries.
Daugherty noted that the offense still has work to do to get better.
“We had the typical first-game troubles,” he said. “I think we’re going to be okay as long as we learn something each game.”