By Robert Hudson

The Selma Times-Journal

Following a disappointing 18-13 loss at Chilton County, the Selma Saints will return home Friday night searching for a homecoming win to keep their playoff hopes alive.

The Saints (3-3, 2-2) will celebrate homecoming at Memorial Stadium when they play the Brookwood Panthers (2-4, 2-2) Friday at 7 p.m.

Saints head football coach Leroy Miles said his team lacked emotion in its loss to Chilton County.

“We’re just going to have to go back to the drawing board,” Miles said. “I just think we’ve got to find ways to be on an emotional high. We went in the game and it seemed like we were emotionally lost.”

Miles said his team has to stop thinking the game is already won before they get off the bus, and he’s hoping homecoming will give them an emotional boost.

“Hopefully it will be a boost for us that it’s homecoming and maybe that’s the edge we need,” Miles said. “Kids have to understand what their role in homecoming is. Everyone else comes and enjoys the festivities, but the football team’s job is to win the game. A homecoming is not a good homecoming without a victory.”

Miles said Brookwood will be a tough opponent comparable to Chilton County and Central-Tuscaloosa.

“Brookwood is a good football team,” Miles said. “They beat Chilton County. We’re looking at the same caliber team that’s going to be well coached, that’s going to be disciplined and is going to try to come in the game and control the football and get a victory.”

Miles said the Saints will have to be fundamentally strong and tough on defense to win.

“What we have to do is stop them and get the ball out of their hands and into our offense’s hands,” Miles said. “If we don’t block and tackle well, we’re not going to be successful.”