Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

When Charles Moody became head football coach at Southside High School five years ago, he wanted to create a fun atmosphere.

The process worked as Moody was named The Selma Times-Journal football coach of the year.

“When I came to Southside, I wanted to change the culture,” Moody said. “We came here to win games and get scholarships for kids. We’re also going to have fun.”

Southside has made the Class 3A state playoffs every year under Moody, 33-23 during that span.

Moody said he appreciates his family, the Southside High Administration that includes Principal Cedric Brown, teachers, players  and assistant coaches.

“I thank the Southside Administration for supporting me,” Moody said. “I thank my family for supporting me being a football coach takes a lot of time away from your family.”

Panthers wide receiver Derick Smith, one of the state’s top junior football players, said he enjoys having Moody as his football coach.

Opposing coaches in Dallas County who face the Panthers under Moody know they are going to compete a well-coached and high-scoring squad capable of lighting up scoreboards.