Southside Awaits Next Test In Greenwood

Big games are nothing new for Southside and coach Jeff Williams.

Since taking over as head coach in 2005, Williams has continued to put Southside in the state championship hunt. This year is no different as the Rebels have reeled off four straight wins heading into Friday’s tilt at Greenwood.

The Bulldogs and Rebels are the lone unbeaten teams left in the 7A/6A-Central with Friday’s winner being in the driver’s seat. Southside has already taken down Conway, which is currently a game behind both. Greenwood plays the Wampus Cats next week.

The two schools have played in a combined seven state championship games since 2006 and Williams knows what to expect Friday.

“We`ve both had great runs over the past few years,” Williams said. “Obviously they`ve won 31 in a row and done a great job. We`ve had a great run over the past five or six years also. The two guys meet. I know our guys are excited about it and I know they are too. It is just going to come down to who is going to execute the best and make the fewest mistakes.”

Southside has made a habit of late season runs at conference titles. The Rebels dropped two of their first three games this season but have won the last four by an average of 31 points.

“It seems like when the temperature gets lower we start getting hotter,” John Hunton said. “It is just how Southside is.”

Thursday Greenwood’s focus was all about continuing its success.

The River Valley’s game of the week is scheduled to kickoff at 7 p.m. at Greenwood’s Smith-Robinson Stadium.