Alabama teams begin to eye playoffs
By By Jimmy Boone / EMG Sportswriter
Oct. 3, 2003
As the 2003 football season reaches the halfway mark, some teams are beginning to think playoffs.
South Choctaw (4-1) believes that a win against Marengo Academy (5-0) could assure it of a playoff berth at the end of the season.
However, two-time defending Class AA champion Marengo will not be quick to cooperate as the Rebels visit tonight.
South Choctaw claimed a big area win when it defeated Southern Academy 26-0.
South Choctaw's offensive line controlled the offensive tempo, allowing Justin Bonner to run for over 145 yards and a touchdown.
Quarterback Rob Dahlberg ran for two touchdowns and added another on defense when he grabbed an interception and returned it for a score.
Now, South Choctaw has to do it all over again. This week, second-ranked Marengo Academy will be the challenge.
The Rebels will face one of the top runners as they will have to stop Patrick Cannon.
Marengo defeated Lowndes Academy 48-21 last week.
Southern Choctaw
at Washington County
When Southern Choctaw travels to Washington County, playoffs hopes could also be at stake.
After losing its first game in over a year and a half, Southern Choctaw head coach Larry Boykin feels like Washington County (5-0) is a must-win game.
Southern Choctaw (3-1, 2-1) lost to Georgiana but was idle last week.
Against Washington County, the Indians will face a potent rushing attack led by Timothy Hicks, who has rushed for over 1,000 yards in five games.
Livingston
at Greene County
After collecting its second win of the year, Livingston (2-3) is ready to play neighboring Greene County, which was formed when Paramount and Eutaw merged.
Livingston had to use a defensive stand to take a 30-28 double-overtime win over A.L. Johnson. Greene County took a 49-6 win from Linden.
Greene County will offer a strong challenge for Livingston.
Choctaw County
at Gulf Shores
After losing to the third ranked team in a row, Choctaw County will travel to Gulf Shores.
Both teams are winless for the season. Choctaw County (0-5) will pin its hopes on a defense that has been strong all season.
Sumter County
at West Blocton
Sumter County will take its search for the first win of the year on the road as it travels to West Blocton.
Sumter County (0-5) fell to Holt 31-12 last Friday, and West Blocton (2-3) fell to St. Clair County 42-0.
Sumter Academy
at Escambia
Sumter Academy will seek to rebound following a spanking at the hands of top-ranked Pickens Academy.
Pickens defeated Sumter Academy 48-0 last week. This week the Eagles (1-4) will travel to Escambia.
Hard-running Robert Hardy carried the ball 16 times for 170 yards and four touchdowns for Escambia against Sparta.
Lowndes
at Patrician
Last week, Patrician fell to fifth-ranked Wilcox Academy 28-0. Patrician head coach Jim Archibald said his team played much better than the scored indicated.
It will be homecoming at Patrician, so Archibald hopes to keep the Saints focused on the game.
Lowndes Academy (1-4) fell to Marengo 48-21 last week.
