By Robert Hudson

The Selma Times-Journal

In a battle between rivals searching for their first victory of the season, it was the Southside Panthers that came out on top, as they celebrated homecoming with a 31-6 win over the Dallas County Hornets.

The Panthers (1-6, 1-4) stood their ground at home to defeat the Hornets (0-7, 0-5) on homecoming night.

“I think the guys came out and once they saw that they were about the same physical capabilities of Dallas County, it seemed to me they had a little more confidence in their abilities to get accomplished what we worked on in practice,” said Bertrum Crum, head coach of Southside.

After holding the Panthers to a three and out on their opening, the Hornets would get inside the red zone on the ensuing possession, but failed come away with points after a fake field goal attempt.

After a scoreless first quarter, it was the Panthers who struck first, as they blocked a punt deep in Hornets’ territory and Panther defensive lineman Kendal Smith recovered it and took it in 15 yards for a touchdown with 5:25 left in the second to make the score 6-0 after a failed two-point conversion attempt.

The Panthers would force the Hornets to go three and out, and on the ensuing possession would drive 74 yards in eight plays capped of by a 15-yard touchdown pass from Rajadavia Phillips to Antauris Smith to give Southside a 12-0 lead, which they would take into halftime.

Hornets’ coach Willie Moore said his team had opportunities but couldn’t capitalize.

“We had an opportunity when we held them to three and out the first time,” Moore said. “We got the ball, drove down and stalled out. Missed an opportunity in the red zone to score. They blocked a punt and turned it into a score, and from then on out they stole the momentum and we were never able to recover.”

The Panthers were able to pad their lead in the second half with a touchdown run from Zollie Glover and a 12-yard touchdown pass from Phillips to Smith.

The Panthers racked up 453 yards of total offense on the night.

The Hornets only touchdown came on a 9-yard touchdown catch by Trent Salter late in the fourth quarter.

The Panthers will hit the road to play Bibb County next week, while the Hornets will be at home against West Blocton.