By Justin Fedich | The Selma Times-Journal

A strike of lightning prematurely ended a night that was dominated by Keith High School.

The Keith Bears (0-0) got off to an early 8-0 lead over the Southside Panthers (0-1) before a lightning delay put a stop to the game with 6:05 left in the first quarter.

Although the first quarter hadn’t even reached the halfway point, Keith was already rolling. The Bears only had one drive and they made the most of it.

On the third play from scrimmage, Keith, known for its traditional run-based offense, completed a 56-yard touchdown pass. Quarterback Brian Crum connected with wide receiver Jeremiah Campbell on a long pass and Campbell outran the Panthers’ defense for the score.

The Bears tricked the Panthers by faking an extra point and running it in for the two-point conversion.

Keith continued its trickery by attempting an onside kick that was recovered by Southside. The Panthers tried to counter with a risk of their own by going for it on fourth down on Keith’s 10-yard line.

Ultimately, the Bears forced a turnover on downs and the game was delayed immediately after for lightning.

Fans and players waited for hours afterwards as coaches debated how long to wait for the lightning to pass.

The lightning hovered in the area for the rest of the night and the game was eventually postponed until Saturday at 2 p.m.

Keith head coach Harry Crum was satisfied with the energy his team came out with in the first quarter.

“They were very intense, very focused and they came out there just ready to play,” Crum said.

Southside head coach Daniel Flowers wasn’t happy with the way his team showed up against Keith, but he’s confident that if weather permits the game to resume Saturday, his Panthers will be ready.

“They’re going to be fired up when they get back on this field,” Flowers said.