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The Black Belt Region is off to its best start in football over the last decade.

Two Dallas County schools–Morgan Academy and Keith–are both ranked in the Alabama Sportswriters Association Top 10 rankings.

The Senators (3-0) are ranked fifth among the AISA teams.

The Bears (3-0) are ranked ninth among the Class 1A teams.

Southside is unbeaten at 2-0, received votes among the Class 3A teams.

Keith made headlines last week with a 43-0 spanking over No. 5 Linden last week at J.V. Caldwell Stadium in Orrville.

It was a rare win over the Patriots for Keith, who trail the all-time series 10-3.

Keith coach Anthony Lumpkin was proud of the victory, but he refused to celebrate.

“We’re not going to belittle them, they’ve got a championship in their trophy case,” Lumpkin told the victorious Bears after the game.

We realize there’s a long way to go, but we’re proud of all three teams and their unbeaten records at this point.

When you throw in COVID-19, it is truly amazing what the Bears, Senators and Panthers are doing.