Southside football

The Southside High School Panthers kept their perfect season alive Thursday night, powering past the Dadeville High School Tigers 32–15 in the first round of the Class 3A state playoffs.

The victory pushes Southside to an impressive 11–0 record and secures the team’s spot in the second round, extending what has already been a historic season for the Panthers.

From the opening kickoff, Southside’s energy was unmistakable. The Panthers’ defense set the tone early, forcing two key turnovers that helped the offense build a first-half lead. Quarterback Kole Moody delivered a balanced attack, connecting with Cedrick Simmons for a long touchdown pass and adding another score on the ground.

By halftime, Southside held a 26–7 advantage, and the home crowd at Panther Stadium roared with every big play. In the second half, the defense tightened further, holding Dadeville’s explosive offense in check while adding another touchdown from Michael Hosea and Amari Towns. 

“We had a lot of adversity, but we fought through it," said Coach Charles Moody, who claims the other team used racial slurs. "Those situations can definitely make you stronger. We are grateful for the win and the opportunity to continue to chase the dream. There are only 16 teams in 3A, and we are one of them.”

Southside now looks ahead to round two, where they’ll face Cottage Hill on Friday, Nov. 14 at 7 p.m. in Selma with a chance to continue their unbeaten run.

Letti Hasberry is a Community Correspondent based in Dallas County.

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