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Southside strengthened its Class 3A State Playoff bid with a 30-20 victory over Prattville Christian Academy on Friday night at Panther Stadium.

The Panthers (4-2, 2-2 in Region 3, Class 3A) can clinch a playoff berth with a Homecoming victory over Greensboro next Friday.

“Crazy as this may sound,  we’re in the playoffs,” Panthers coach Charles Moody Jr. said. “We’ll be a three seed if we beat Greensboro next week for Homecoming and beat Alabama Christian.”

Behind Derick Smith, Southside jumped out to a 22-0 first quarter lead and never looked back.

Smith accounted for over 200 yards of total offense and four touchdowns.

Smith scored on runs of 8 and 70 yards. He also threw a 70-yard TD pass to twin brother Erick Smith. Jay Moore scored on a pair of two-point conversion runs.

MJ Reese relieved Derick Smith in the second quarter after arriving on a trip. H ran and passed to keep Southside drives going.

Reese connected with Derick Smith on a 42-yard TD pass in the second quarter. Moore’s two-point conversion run gave Southside a commanding 30-7 halftime lead.

As PCA scored two fourth quarter touchdowns, Moody sent a  message to the  Panthers.

“If you want to be a championship team, don’t get caught up in winning,’’ Moody said. “Get caught up in a winning mentality.”

Cornerback Raquez Broadnax led the Panthers’ defense that forced three turnovers. Broadmax,  a junior, had an end zone interception and recovered a fumble.