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The Southside Panthers are continuing to build on the momentum of last season as they rolled through the seventh annual Black Belt 7v7 Tournament.

Southside’s varsity went a perfect 7-0 on the day defeating Park Christian in the championship round. They also faced competition from Greensboro, Wilcox-Central, Linden and Ellwood Christian Academy.

Head coach Charles Moody said he was pleased overall with the event from the turnout of the teams. He was also pleased to see his team perform in the 7-on-7.

“We use the 7-on-7s as a teaching tool to make sure our guys know the plays and where they’re supposed to be,” Moody said. “I was pleased to see that they seem to be ahead of schedule.”

The Panthers won their spring game against Midfield, and they have been working throughout the summer lifting and working on their conditioning.

“The guys have really been great,” Moody said. “We’ve had a good turnout. They’ve worked pretty hard. Everybody has bought in.”

Also during the summer, several players have turned the heads of college coaches. Amari Towns, Cedric Simmons, Derrick Surles and Jaderious Wilkins have all gotten offers, and Moody said more are on the way.

Towns, a 6-6 senior tight end, has received at least 19 offers so far. That includes offers from Purdue, Troy, Florida State, South Alabama, Arizona, Southern Miss, Memphis, Ole Miss and South Florida, among others.

Other Panthers could get looks as they will be attending the UWA 7-on-7 on July 10.

“My goal is to play at least one 7-on-7 on a college campus,” Moody said. “I wanted to go somewhere like Alabama, Auburn or Troy, but the scheduling didn’t work out. But we will definitely be there at UWA.”

Southside also plays other 7-on-7s at Tallasee on July 1, Park Crossing on July 8 and at the FCA camp on July 17.

The goal for July is to get work on conditioning and to get stronger in the weight room, Moody said.

The Panthers will open the 2026 football season on Aug. 22 with a jamboree game before they travel to Memorial Stadium for the rivalry game with Selma on Aug, 29.