Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

By NICHLOS CUTRELL | Special to the Selma Times-Journal

CAMDEN – Southside delivered a commanding performance Friday night, Oct. 17, overwhelming Wilcox Central 66-0 in a region matchup that showcased Southside’s explosive offense and opportunistic defense.

The Panthers (8-0) wasted no time seizing control of the game, scoring six touchdowns in the first quarter alone, a stunning display that left Wilcox Central (0-8) unable to recover.

Southside’s opening score came on a defensive highlight, when ArMari Towns scooped up a fumble and returned it for a touchdown, starting the Panthers’ lead. The onslaught continued when Micheal Hosea intercepted a pass and ran it back for another score, pushing the advantage further.

Quarterback Kole Moody was sharp throughout the opening frame. Cedrick Simmons caught two touchdowns in the first quarter, one through the air and one off an interception return, while Kendall Wilson capped the period with a rushing touchdown, giving Southside a 46-0 lead after the first quarter.

“I think we did a really good job,” said head coach Charles Moody. “I’m really glad with how we started and finished tonight.”

In the second quarter, the panthers showed no signs of slowing down. Just minutes into the quarter, Moody connected with Towns for a touchdown pass, though the two-point conversion failed, the Panthers extended the lead to an impressive 52-0. Just before halftime, Derrick Surles added another receiving touchdown, but the Panthers again came up short on the conversion, sending the game into the locker room with Southside comfortably ahead, 58-0.

Wilcox Central struggled to find any rhythm against Southside’s relentless pressure. The Jaguars’ offense was repeatedly disrupted by sacks, forced turnovers and a secondary that smothered passing attempts. The Panthers’ defense not only stifled Wilcox Central but also contributed directly to the scoring column, a key theme in the lopsided victory.

With the outcome all but decided by halftime, Southside rotated in several reserves during the second half. The Panthers continued to dominate time of possession and field position, relying on their run game to close out the contest.

In the fourth quarter, Ahmad Moore added a rushing touchdown with a little over 6 minutes into the game, and Southside converted the two-points to finalize the 66-0 victory.

Despite the score, the Panthers maintained focus and sportsmanship, using the game as an Opportunity to fine-tune their execution heading into the final stretch of the season.

“We work every day to make it to playoffs,” Moody said. “After last year we have hopes to make it all the way.”

The win built off of the team’s first-ever 7-0 start, extending the new record to 8-0, while it also sets up a home showdown with 8-0 Thorsby for the region championship next week.

“The biggest thing is working on us, and I think we’ve done a great job of that,” Moody said. “We still have some tricks in our bag for our future matchups.”