By Robert Hudson

The Selma Times-Journal

Coming off a dominating 46-8 win against rival Southside to open the season, the Selma High School football team is now setting its sights to Friday and the beginning of its quest for a playoff berth.

The Saints will hit the road Friday to face Paul Bryant High School in Tuscaloosa at 7 p.m. This will be the first regional game for both teams.

Selma head football coach Leroy Miles said last week’s win built some confidence that he hopes to carry over to the next game.

“Hopefully the kids will go into the game with a little confidence,” Miles said. “We were able to put up a few points, and were able to score in every phase of the game.”

Paul Bryant is coming off a 41-23 win over Holt High School, and Miles said they will present a considerable challenge for his team.

“They’ve got a very, very good football team,” Miles said. “They’ve got good athletes, linebackers and defensive linemen. Their coach does a good job.”

Miles said he and his staff have already watched film on Paul Bryant, and he said the Saints are going to have to play mistake-free football in order to win.

Offensively, the Saints will hope to continue the success of the running game, which totaled 353 yards and four touchdowns.

Miles said his team will also have to be strong defensively.

“I think we’ve got to play good defense, hold them under 21 points, control the football and keep their offense off the field,” Miles said. “We’ve got to neutralize their running game. They do a lot of short passes and screens. We’ve got to neutralize the screens and short game, and be able to contain and tackle well. If we play assignment football, I think we’ll be successful.”