By Robert Hudson

The Selma Times-Journal

The Southside Panthers football team will look to rebound from last week’s crushing loss against juggernaut Bibb County when they take the field again this Friday night.

The Panthers (1-7, 1-5) will travel to Holt to play the Holt Ironmen (2-7, 1-6) Friday at 7 p.m. in a region game.

Panthers’ head football coach Bertrum Crum said he’s looking to find something positive to build on for next season going into Friday’s game after last week’s 78-7 at Bibb County.

“Hopefully, we can try to build a foundation for next season,” Crum said.

Crum said the Panthers will face a Holt team that likes to spread the ball around.

“From what I’ve seen of them, they’re a spread team,” Crum said. “They like to throw it around a lot, and they’ve got a lot of good athletes. They’ve been competitive in just about every game they’ve played even though they haven’t won a whole lot of games. It’s going to be a challenge for us.”

One thing Crum said he and his staff have been focusing on during this week’s practices is building confidence in the players after another tough loss on the season.

“The main thing I want to improve on is getting the love of the game back,” Crum said. “We had a tough loss last week, so we’re trying to build morale and build team unity.”

Crum said the Panthers will have to play fundamentally-sound football Friday night in order to beat the Ironmen.

“I think our blocking and tackling, and sustaining blocks will be key,” Crum said. “Also, if we tackle well, I think we’ll be okay.”