Keith’s defense was the difference in its 29-20 victory over Southside on Friday night at JV Caldwell Memorial Stadium.

The Bears (3-2) forced six turnovers, converting the miscues into 21 points for their first win over Southside in five years.

Keith head coach Anthony Lumpkin Sr. said the victory showed the Bears are capable of producing a strong season.

“I’m glad we won the game, but we can do more,” Lumpkin said. “We all have to buy in and sell out. We can run the table, but it’s up to them.”

Bears quarterback Jared Edwards had a strong performance, rushing for two 1-yard touchdown runs and throwing an 80-yard touchdown pass. He also had a game-changing interception.

“It was a hard-fought game,” Edwards said. “Southside played us tough, but we had to step up. It’s been awhile since we beat them.”

Southside (0-6) remained winless, but Panthers head coach Daniel Flowers continues to keep pressing forward.

“The turnovers were big,” Flowers said. “We made big plays, but it was followed up with either a penalty or turnover. Hats off to Keith. They played a great game.”

The Panthers took a 6-0 lead midway through the first quarter on Malik Johnson’s 72-yard touchdown pass to Derrick Griffin.

Keith converted a Southside fumble into its first touchdown of the night. Keith bounced back to grab an 8-6 lead after one quarter. Edwards’ 1-yard touchdown run and Kendarius Perry’s two-point conversion run gave the Bears a two-point lead.

Keith converted a second Southside fumble into another touchdown. The Bears extended their lead to 14-6 at halftime as Edwards and Perry connected on an 82-yard touchdown pass.

Southside had two chances to possibly tie the game in the second quarter. The Panthers were inside the Bears’ 30-yard-line twice, but failed to capitalize on the scoring opportunities.

Perry’s 1-yard touchdown run and Jaylin Jones’ 2-point conversion extended the Bears’ lead to 22-6 in the third quarter.

Southside closed the third quarter with Markendrick Williams’ 18-yard touchdown run and Johnson’s 2-point conversion run, cutting the lead to 22-14.

The Panthers had another opportunity to tie in the fourth quarter on Johnson’s 23-yard interception. Southside had the ball at the Bears’ 10, but Edwards’ end zone interception ended the Panthers’ chance.

“We needed to make a big play on defense at that point, but I still feel bad after throwing the interception,” Edwards said.

Keith turned the Panthers’ miscue into points as Edwards’ second 1-yard touchdown run and Anthony Lumpkin Jr.’s extra point gave the Bears a 29-14 lead.

Southside climbed within 29-20 on Williams’ 23-yard touchdown pass to Griffin.

Johnson passed for 225 yards and rushed for 114 to lead the Panthers. Griffin had eight receptions for 227 yards, including two touchdowns.