CAMDEN – In their first spring football game in years both the Selma Saints and the Wilcox Central Jaguars had the opportunity to showcase their progress from spring practice, with the Jags coming out on top 14 – 0. “We have a young team this year,” says Selma head coach Woodrow Lowe, “we only have four senior starters this year, but we will improve and we will grow.”

The Saints ended last season with a record of 1 – 8. The Jags coming off a 2 – 8 season, feature the return of head coach John Moten, who lead them to a 12 – 1 season and an advancement to the third round in the 2001 state playoffs. “Our team is young and inexperienced,” said Moten, “we have poor work habits, but will play better and have already showed signs of improvement.”

In the first quarter of the game the Jaguars scored on a 20-yard touchdown run by Reggie Johnson at the 6:49 mark. With a two-point conversion, took an 8 – 0 lead. In the next possession the Saints were able to move the bal with a drive l that included two first downs and a 25-yard run. But they a lost fumble that ended their drive. Both defenses begin to step up their aggressiveness.

The second quarter was played even as the hard hitting continued. Both teams gained one first down and both teams turned the ball over once in the quarter. Selma was able to advance the ball to the Jag 13-yard line, but Wilcox Central defense held them there.

The defensive stand off continued in the opening of the third quarter as both teams punted in their first possessions. The Jaguars turned the ball over once in the quarter, while the Saints turned the ball over twice. One of Selma’s turnovers was crucial as they fumbled the ball at the Jag two-yard line. That drive included a 45-yard pass and two first downs.

In the final twelve minutes WC punted in their first possession, while Selma after gaining a first down, lost the ball on another fumble in their first possession of the fourth quarter. The Jags put together a drive that included three first downs, and runs of 25 and 14 yards. They scored on a one-yard run by Alfred Pettway. The conversion failed. That put the Jaguars up at a comfortable 14 – 0 advantage with 3:22 left to play in the game. In the Saints next possession they were able to record a first down, but a defensive sack on the quarterback by the Jags set them back and forced a punt. Wilcox ran the clock down to end the game.

“We made plays, did what we set out to accomplish,” said Jag Moten after the game. “We executed well. Both teams looked much improved. This is what spring practice is about.”

“Our team looked better than we did last year at this time,” commented Selma coach Lowe, “we made a few mistakes, got some bad breaks. Our kids need to know what championship teams do to get through adversities.”

Both teams hit the gridiron again in August.