Selma working on problems caused by mental mistakes

By George L. Jones

The Selma Times-Journal

Selma is 0-for-2 so far in its attempts to get that first taste of region success.

The Saints are hoping the third time will be a charm.

Friday night’s game against Carver-Montgomery represents a chance to get back in the race for the postseason.

As long as the Saints only have to worry about the opposition from the other side of the field, they might be all right.

“We just have to quit being our own worst enemy,” said coach Brian Montgomery. “We have to quit throwing interceptions, dropping punts – stuff like that. The kids feel good about the game. They know this is a team they can beat.

“This is a tough region, but you can’t make excuses.”

Carver comes in as a team that is also struggling offensively. The Wolverines (1-2, 1-1 6A Region 4) just got their first win of the season last week against Wetumpka.

The Saints (1-2, 0-2) have been mixing things up in practice this week trying to find a formula that will bring them more success than they’ve had recently.

One of the major emphases has been on the running game. Montgomery wants Mike Miller to be more of a factor and help out quarterback Justin Brown.

Defensively, there isn’t much to complain about.

The Saints had 11 sacks last week against Sidney Lanier and gave up a respectable 21 points.

Deundra Benjamin had four sacks alone in that game and is sitting on 11 for the season.

“I was happy with the defense, no doubt,” Montgomery said. “They definitely kept us in the game. These last two games, if we score a couple of touchdowns, we’re right in it.”

Montgomery is also proud of the halftime exhibition the two schools’ bands are planning.

The “Battle of the Bands,” as it’s being called, should bring some excitement to what may already be an interesting game.

“It’ll be something fun for the fans to see,” Montgomery said.