Selma had its chances to stay in the game Friday against Bessemer City, but three big first half mistakes ended up being very costly. 

Bessemer City scored on a punt return and the Saints’ had two blown assignments defensively to take a 21-0 lead at the half. Bessemer City went on to win the game 43-0.

“If three plays don’t happen, we go into the half 0-0,” said Selma head coach Keon Handley.

The loss drops Selma to 0-2 and 0-1 in class 6A, region 4 play. Handley said the Saints had six or seven players get injured in the game, including two possible concussions.

After two long weeks, he’s giving the guys the Labor Day weekend off to recoup. The Saints will play Dallas County (0-2) Friday at Memorial Stadium.

“I’m going to give the boys a long weekend to get some rest. We’re going to look at film, try to give the coaches a chance to breathe,” Handley said. “On Monday, we are going to come in as a staff and we are going to work and we are going to figure this thing out.”