The Selma Times-Journal

Selma has, by far, its toughest test of the season this Friday.

The Saints (3-5, 1-5 6A Region 4) travel to take on Prattville in the season’s final region game.

Usually, when someone says a team’s record is deceiving, it’s in reference to a squad with a losing record that could possibly jump up and surprise an opponent.

But at 8-0, the Lions definitely have not caught many people on their heels.

There is an added element to the way Prattville wins games, and it mainly has to do with the mentality with which other teams approach things.

“People see that they’re 8-0, but you’re playing a name as much as anything else,” Selma coach Brian Montgomery said. “You’ve got to deal with those demons. They’ve got three guys returning on defense, but looking at the scores, you wouldn’t be able to tell that.”

Give the Saints this much: There hasn’t been a team all year that has flat out intimidated them.

The Lions could come the closest to doing that, but it’s not likely.

“Last year, our mental focus was ready for Prattville,” Montgomery said. “We were very, very, very physical, but we didn’t execute. If we can get them to be physical and execute, as long as they don’t go out there being scared, we’ll be fine. But I don’t think that’ll be a problem.”

The one thing Prattville has relied on all season – the mobility of its quarterback – may play right into the hands of the Saints.

Montgomery said the majority of Prattville’s passes are completed on rollouts and that there is no true secondary running threat.

However, the Lions might try sitting in the pocket and beating Selma downfield.

Selma’s pursuit defense will take that challenge with open arms.

Even if the Lions try to run away from the Saints’ sack leader, Deundre Benjamin, lineman Tobias Wilson will be somewhere close.

Dexter Blackmon, who was third on the team in sacks before an injury a few weeks ago, will be returning for this game.

Starting running back Mike Miller will also be returning.