By Shane Gaut

The Selma Times-Journal

Southside squeaked by Dallas County 20-18 Friday night because the Panthers, unlike the Hornets, were able to convert a successful two-point conversion following a touchdown in the game’s crucial minutes.

Both teams found the end zone on three occasions, but Dallas County was unsuccessful on every PAT, which ended up being the nail in the coffin for the Hornets.

“We didn’t play up to our potential tonight and made too many mistakes. That’s how you get beat 20-18,” Dallas County head coach Barry Colburn said. “Next year we’re going to have to play tougher and focus. Those are the things I know we can improve on.”

Both teams were focused on sending their seniors out on a winning note.

“Before the game, I stood with the seniors and they had that look in their eyes. They said ‘we’re going to go out the right way’,” Southside head coach Daniel Flowers said. “We fought hard tonight and this is a win we can build on, but it’s definitely one for the seniors.”

Southside’s Jhalandius Sullivan ran 13-yards for a touchdown with 8:22 remaining in the fourth quarter, giving Southside an 18-12 lead. The Panthers successfully executed a two-point conversion, giving them a 20-18 lead.

Dallas County answered the Panthers score with a 19-yard touchdown run by Xavier Knight, his second of the evening. The Hornets failed to convert the two-point conversion and Southside ran out the clock on their next possession making the final score 20-18.

The game was back and forth the entire way.

Dallas County fumbled on its first play from scrimmage and Southside’s Josh Hardy scooped it up and returned it 31-yards for a touchdown at the 9:23 mark in the first quarter. The failed extra point gave the Panthers an early 6-0 lead.

The Hornets were forced to punt on their following possession and Southside took advantage, putting together a 70 yard scoring drive. Quarterback Chris Raymond completed 4 out of 5 passes for 58 yards on the series before running back Khamari Gibbs scored with 1:41 left in the first quarter.

Late in the first half, Dallas County’s Marquel Brenson recovered a fumble on the Panthers’ 10-yard line. On the next play, Prince Tolbert Jr. rolled out of the pocket and found Trent Salter in the end zone for a 10-yard touchdown pass with just three seconds remaining in the first half.

Dallas County carried its momentum into the third quarter, as Destin Horstead returned the opening kick off 55 yards down to the 17-yard line of Southside. Xavier Knight scored two plays later to tie the game 12-12.

This game marked the end of both team’s seasons. With the win, Southside moved to 3-7. Dallas County fell to 2-8.