By Robert Hudson

The Selma Times-Journal

With the playoffs out of reach, the Selma Saints will look to gain experience and finish the year on a positive note Friday night.

The Saints (3-6, 2-5) will travel to Millbrook to play 6A opponent Stanhope Elmore (4-6, 3-5) Friday at 7 p.m.

Saints head coach Leroy Miles said the goal entering the final game of the season is to get some experience for younger players.

“We’re just trying to do things right, and give some younger players an opportunity to play,” Miles said. “Hopefully we also can get a win to get back on the winning streak.”

Miles said the Saints will also look to try and send their seniors out with a win.

“The mindset is going to be continuing to do things right and try to be focused going into this game,” Miles said. “I know some of the seniors will play their last game at Selma High School and for some of them it will be the last time they play in their life, so you want your seniors to go out with a win.”

Miles said Stanhope Elmore is always a tough opponent, even in spite of its losing record this season.

“Traditionally, Stanhope is a very, very well-coached team,” Miles said. “Stanhope isn’t doing very well this year in terms of record, but that doesn’t matter when it’s a 6A school versus a 5A school. They’ve played top competition all year. It’s going to be a tough football game.

“I think a win would mean a lot for our program,” Miles said. “To be able to compete with a team of Stanhope’s caliber and stay on the field and come home with a victory would do a lot for our confidence.”

Miles said the Saints will have to minimize mistakes in order to win Friday night.

“I think we’ll have to play a mistake free football game and I think we’ll have to have a complete team assembled with no kids suspended,” Miles said. “I think it’s going to take a complete team effort to be successful against Stanhope.”