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Southside completed its sweep over Hale County schools in impressive fashion.

Running back Sam Taylor scored two touchdowns as the Panthers smacked Hale County 42-13 on Friday night at Memorial Stadium.

The Panthers (3-1, 2-1) won a crucial Region 3, Class 3A game. Southside beat Greensboro 55-23 two weeks ago.

Remnants from Hurricane/Tropical Storm Ida forced the Panthers to play at Memorial Stadium because their field wouldn’t be ready in time. Southside officials got approval from the City of Selma to play at Memorial Stadium since Selma was on the road. “We practiced all week in the gym because it was raining,” Taylor said. “The coaches and players had a great week of practice.”

Southside head coach Charles Moody Jr. said he was impressed how the Panthers responded from a 49-26 loss at Montgomery Academy last week. “It was a great bounce back win,,” Moody said. “The players came in focused. It was good to come back and get another Region win.”

Southside took a 6-0 lead 43 seconds into the second quarter on Taylor’s 3-yard TD run.

Hale County (1-3, 1-2) tied the game at 6-6 on Matt Swartz’s 50 yard touchdown pass to Aziyah Winn five minutes later.

The Panthers took a 14-6 halftime lead on Taylor’s second 3-yard TD run and two-point conversion run.

Damarion Davis’ 3-yard TD run put the Panthers up 20-6.

Derick Davis’ 40-yard interception return and KeAndre Williams’ 2-point conversion gave Southside a 28-6 lead after three quarters.

Thomas’ 31-yard TD run and  Williams’ 35-yard TD run and Thomas’ 2-point conversion run closed the Panthers’ scoring in the fourth quarter.

Southside’s defense stood tall throughout the game.

Smith scored on a 70-yard interception return, but a holding penalty negated the score.

Southside kept Hale County out of the end zone on the final play of the first half.

Hale County scored on a interception return in the fourth quarter.