The Times-Journal

This time last year, the Panthers of Southside High School were getting set to pounce into Plantersville and keep their playoff hopes alive by dashing those of Dallas County High. After 48 minutes of football, Southside appeared to have done just that, posting a 21-14 victory and saddling the Hornets with yet another regional loss.

This year things are only slightly different. Both teams are battling for the playoffs. The parody is, however, that both teams have two wins &045; one regional and one non &045; and both teams have a boatload of losses.

In a nutshell, Friday’s game will keep one team’s hopes of the No. 4 slot in the playoffs alive and puts the other team this much closer to the start of basketball season.

On the other side of the county, coach Christopher Raymond and his Southside Panthers are equally ready for Friday night’s game.

While both teams have three regional games remaining on their schedules counting this weekend’s game, a loss will not put them out of the playoff hunt, it will however, turn both teams hopes to anemic at best.

Both teams match-up player-wise, the difference is in the schedules. Southside will remain at home and host the buzz from Plantersville. Southside is coming off a 35-0 defeat by defending 4A state champion Demopolis.

The Panthers trailed 14-0 for a majority of the game until the Tigers began to capitalize on mistakes, en route to a 21-point fourth quarter.

The Hornets, on the other hand are coming into the game with two straight wins. They defeated county rival Keith two weeks ago in Orrville and then last week, gave their playoff hopes a shot of adrenaline with a victory over Greene County.

When the whistle blows on Friday’s game, Southside will get set to face a very bearable Livingston squad on the road. The next week, they are back at their place, playing host to Bibb County.

Dallas County travels to Greensboro and the plays host to currently unbeaten Jemison.

The Panthers may not be that way by the time they roll into Plantersville.

Prior to the Dallas County game, the Panthers have a road trip to Demopolis to face unbeaten Demopolis High School.

Kickoff for Friday’s game is set for 7 p.m., and will be played at Southside High School.