By Justin Fedich | The Selma Times-Journal

Selma High hasn’t played a perfect game through the first two weeks of the season, but the Saints are still undefeated heading into Week 3.

Selma (2-0) hosts Paul Bryant High School (2-0) in its first 6A game of the season Friday at 7 p.m. Both teams are coming off strong defensive efforts, but Selma head coach Leroy Miles is hoping his offense steps up to the challenge this week.

“We need 100 percent of our offense doing their assignments,” Miles said.

Selma only put up 13 points in last Saturday’s 13-6 win against Dallas County, while Paul Bryant is coming off a 14-6 victory against Carver Birmingham.

Miles said he believes the strength of both Selma and Paul Bryant is defense. But after looking at film, Miles sees offensive weapons on the Stampede that could challenge Selma’s talented defense.

“They have a real good football team,” Miles said. “They are much improved than they were last year. They throw the ball well. They’ve got good running backs. They’re big. It’s going to be a good football game.”

The Saints’ offensive line isn’t the biggest, but Miles expects them to play big on Friday. After last week, when quarterback Marquell Moorer scored Selma’s only two touchdowns, Miles realized how important it is to keep Moorer upright.

“I’m expecting our defense to rise to the occasion and I’m expecting our offensive line to play better than they’ve played in the past,” Miles said.

While Selma’s offense is still working out its kinks, the defense makes the Saints a threat to extend their record to 3-0. Miles has noticed on film that Paul Bryant boasts a number of tall and fast receivers, but he is confident his defense will be up for the challenge.

“I think our defense played good versus the run and we can put pressure on them when they pass,” Miles said. “We’re playing together, we’re playing as a team and they’re hustling to the football. I’m very proud of how our defense is playing right now.”

Last season, the Saints defeated the Stampede 34-21 with 291 rushing yards. This season’s Saints’ roster looks different than it did last season, and Miles knows mistakes neeed to be minimized for Selma come out with a win this season.

“We’re going to have to play a complete ball game to be successful against them,” Miles said.

 

Keith (0-1) vs. Linden (1-0)

Keith suffered a crushing blow in its overtime loss to Southside last Saturday, and the games don’t get any easier moving forward.

The Bears play their first home game of the season against Linden in a 1A region game. The Patriots beat Washington County last week 13-12, and last season they defeated the Bears 53-16.

Keith will hope to start region play strong after a slow start last season.

 

Dallas County (0-1) vs. Jemison (0-2)

Dallas County was just a touchdown away from taking Selma to overtime last Saturday, and now the Hornets open 5A play at home against the Jemison Panthers.

Jemison lost its first game 42-6 and its second game 40-6, so the Hornets have a good chance to get their first win.

Dallas County’s defense was the star of last game, as it held Selma to only 166 yards.

 

Southside (1-1) at Satsuma (0-1)

Southside is coming off what may become the most exciting game of the season in Dallas county with a 38-32 overtime win against Keith.

The Satsuma Gators lost to B.C. Rain 35-19 last Friday, which is the same score the Gators beat Southside last season.

After splitting back-to-back games against Selma and Keith, Southside begins 4A play with a road game at Satsuma. All eyes will be on Southside athlete De’Quan Johnson, who is coming a five-touchdown game.

 

Ellwood Christian (1-0) at Winterboro (1-0)

The Ellwood Christian Eagles are coming off a bye week after beating Francis Marion in Week 1 to visit the Winterboro Bulldog, another 1A team that they have never faced before.

The Eagles will rely on running back Rayford Mitchell, who ran for over 100 yards in Ellwood’s first win of the season.

 

Morgan Academy (0-1) vs. Lee-Scott (1-0)

Morgan Academy is still looking for its first signature win under second-year head coach Jake Wingo.

A victory over AISA-3A opponent Lee-Scott would be just that, as the Warriors will be a favorite when the Senators host them.

Morgan lost to Monroe Academy 35-12 last week while Lee-Scott is coming off a 35-13 win against Kingwood Christian. The Senators hope to erase the memory of last year’s 41-14 loss to the Warriors.

 

Meadowview (1-1) vs. Clay County (0-1)

After a rough start to the 6-man season, Meadowview bounced back last week with a 40-12 victory over Marion Academy.

Meadowview will attempt to build on last week’s win when it plays its first home game of 6-man football . The Trojans play the Clay County Christian Eagles, who lost their first game of the season to Victory Baptist 43-19.