By Robert Hudson

The Selma Times-Journal

MONTGOMERY — When the Selma High School Saints football team arrived in Montgomery Friday night, it did so without a significant portion of its team, which helped lead to a 48-6 loss to the Sidney Lanier Poets at Cramton Bowl.

The Saints (3-2, 2-1) started many young freshman and sophomores due to 16 starters being suspended for violating team rules before the game.

Selma head football coach Leroy Miles said he knew his team would have a tough challenge entering the game without a number of key starters.

“It was rough because we went in tonight without a loaded gun,” Miles said. “We came here without 16 starters to play a 6A school … we knew it was going to be rough. I’m just glad we got out of here with no injuries, and we’ll get our team back next week and our gun will be loaded going into Chilton County.”

Miles said he thought his young players performed well, given the circumstances.

“We played some guys tonight who have never played (on the varsity level),” Miles said. “The last time some of these guys played was in middle school, and I think they came over here and did a fine job. I think they played with great character. We just didn’t have enough to compete at a 6A level.”

The Saints held the Poets to one score in the first quarter, but ultimately their youth got the better of them, as Lanier would score 28 points in the second and at least one score in each quarter.

The Saints allowed 320 yards of total offense including 190 yards through the air.

Selma gained 146 yards on offense, but also turned the ball over five times and accumulated 55 yards on penalties.

The Saints only touchdown came late in the third on an 11-yard fade pass by backup quarterback Jesses Boggs to starting quarterback Darion Alexander, who was lined up at wide receiver.

The Saints suspended starters will return next Friday when Selma travels to Chilton County for a region game.