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Southside has never beaten Selma High three straight years in football.

The Panthers will get a chance to make history Friday night when the Saints visit Panthers Stadium for a 7 p.m. kickoff.

Southside won 28-24 at home in 2020 and 44-16 last season at Memorial Stadium.  Selma has a 30-8  all-time record in the series.

The Panthers also beat Selma in 2003 and 2004, but never three straight.

Selma coach Wil Gandy is already fired out for the contest between crosstown rivals.

”It’s our time, I have nothing  to say about that school across the water,” Gandy said.

Southside head coach Charles Moody said he’s looking forward to the contest.

“We are very excited about this game! It’s an honor to be part of this rivalry, The Battle of the Bridge, The Queen City Classic,” Moody said.

Selma (0-1) is coming off a 21-16 loss at Beauregard in its season opener last week, which Gandy said mistakes and missing two offensive line starters were the difference.

“The kids played hard. We played without our Left guard and tackle,” Gandy said.

“Overall Beauregard played four quarters and we didn’t. However I saw a lot of great things on both sides of the ball.”

Moody said that the Panthers expect the Saints will bring the intensity.

“We know Selma has experience, great athletes, and they are always big,” Moody said. “They have added coaches to their staff as well! We know it will be a tall task! We are young and inexperienced and trying to grow into a football team.”

Both teams have Division I prospects.

The Saints are led by safety/wide receiver DaKaari Nelson, a Penn State verbal commitment.

Southside is led by sophomore wide receiver Derick Smith, who has a scholarship offer from Alabama.