When opportunity knocks, let it in.

That’s exactly what the Selma Saints did last week in a 21-14 win against Greenville. The victory put Selma right in the middle of the Class 5A, Region 3 playoff race, giving the Saints a real chance of reaching the postseason.

Now, sitting at 2-3 in region play, the Saints are within one game of third place in the region standings. With Demopolis and Greenville facing stiff tests over the next two weeks, Selma could sneak into the postseason with wins over Sumter Central and Satsuma.

Despite the playoffs being a hot topic, Selma head coach Leroy Miles said his team is focused on the task at hand, which is Sumter Central.

“As it relates to the playoffs, we pretty much control our own destiny. What we need to do is win out and take care of one game at a time and I think it will take care of itself, “ Miles said. “We aren’t worried about playoffs right now. We are just worried about this one game against Sumter Central.”

Miles said the Cougars, despite being 0-5 in region play, offer a lot of challenges for the Saints.

“They’ve got some good athletes and they throw the ball well,” Miles said. “ They’ve got a good quarterback that can run and he can pass the ball. They’ve got some good receivers that I see getting behind defensive backs, so we have to be very careful.”

This week is also Selma’s homecoming, something that worries Miles a little bit.

“Homecoming tends to distract you a little bit and it does worry me a little,” Miles said. It is always a challenge to try to keep kids focused during homecoming but they have been doing a good job of being where they are supposed to be during the school day and coming to practice, so right now everything is going as planned.”

Last season, Selma defeated Sumter Central 35-16.

 

Keith at Autaugaville

After defeating Akron last week, Keith controls its own destiny to make the playoffs. The Bears are 3-2 in regional play and 4-3 overall, but face arguably their toughest challenge of the season Friday night at Autaugaville.

The Eagles are 4-1 in area play and second in the Class 1A, Region 3 standings. Last week, Autaugaville lost to Maplesville 51-26. The Eagles will look to get back on track defensively this week after giving up 51 points to Maplesville. The Eagles had only given up six points over the previous three weeks combined.

Last season, Keith defeated Autaugaville 28-6.

 

Ellwood Christian at Sunshine

Ellwood Christian is now in a must-win situation to make the playoffs.. The Eagles are 2-3 in Class 1A, Region 3 play and in need of two wins and a little help to make the postseason.

Friday night, Ellwood travels to Sunshine to take on a Tigers team that has struggled in area play this season.

The Tigers are 1-4 in region play but should be riding high following a 55-9 drumming of Holy Spirit last week.

Last season, Ellwood Chrisitan defeated Sunshine 26-0.

 

Meadowview Christian at Pickens Academy

Coming off their first victory of the season last week against Pickens Academy, the Trojans will look for their second consecutive victory this week at Pickens Academy.

Meadowview isn’t in contention for a playoff spot, but the Trojans could play spoiler against the Pirates, who are 4-1 in area play.

Pickens Academy lost to Marengo Academy 28-0 last week for their first loss of the season. The Pirates are 6-1 in the season and 4-1 in Class A, Region 2 play. Meadowview is still winless in region play at 0-4.

Last season, Meadowview Christian defeated Pickens Academy 47-19.

 

Morgan Academy at MonroeAcademy

Barring any unforeseen tiebreaker that may allow the Trojans to sneak in, Morgan Academy’s playoff hopes ended last week with a loss at Hooper Academy. Now, the Senators focus in on undefeated Monroe Academy, who looks to defeat Morgan on its way to winning Class AAA, Region 2.

The Volunteers have been hard to stop on offense, scoring 35 points in all their games this season.

Last season, Monroe Academy defeated Morgan Academy 37-0.

 

Excel at Southside

Southside lost at T. R. Miller 54-14 last week but are looking to bounce back this week against Excel, who is winless in region play.

Southside has not scored over 20 points in a game this season, but has defeated Keith and Cottage Hill.

Excel has struggled to score in recent weeks, scoring only 21 points over the last two games in losses to W.S. Neal and Straughn.

Last season, Excel defeated Southside 41-14.

 

Dallas County at Childersburg

After falling in a close game against Holtville last week, the Hornets will travel to Childersburg. Dallas County is still searching for its first region win of the season.

The Hornets are 0-5 in area play. Childersburg is 3-2 in area play.

Last season, Childersburg defeated Dallas County 48-21.