By By Jeff Byrd / staff writer
Nov. 8, 2002
Patrician Academy out of Butler, Ala. and Southern Choctaw out of Silas will both play first-round playoff games on Friday, yet both are facing different circumstances.
Patrician squeezed its way into the AISA AA playoffs by beating rival South Choctaw Academy 19-13 last week in Toxey, Ala. The Saints, 5-5, earned the No. 4 seed from the AISA District 2-AA.
The bad news for coach Jim Archibald's team is that they now must face one of the AISA's best teams in unbeaten Edgewood Academy (10-0) on Friday in Wetumpka.
It's just been about all good news for coach Larry Boykin's Southern Choctaw Indians. The team finished the regular season 9-0 and enters the post-season as a the top-ranked team in the Class 2A playoffs.
The Indians open at home Friday in a first round game against visiting New Brockton (7-3) in Silas.
Patrician at Edgewood
Archibald says the Saints will have to prepare themselves for an Edgewood club that loves to throw the football.
The Saints have won two straight and running back Allen Gibson is a big reason why. Gibson rushed for 160 yards on 26 carries with one touchdown coming on a 44-yard run at SCA.
Anderson (6-5, 280) is one of the area's top prospects. He has committed to Mississippi State,
Right beside Brian is his little brother Brett (5-10, 175) at guard.
New Brockton at Southern Choctaw
The Indians become the hunted Friday when the Gamecocks of New Brockton visit. But unlike the two years where the Indians had to play all of its playoff games on the road in route to a pair of state titles, Boykin's boys will be at home.
Teams have been playing the Indians tougher of late. This includes last week's 19-0 win over Millry in the regular season finale. Millry made the 1A playoffs and will face Pleasant Home this week.
Southern Choctaw though did get scores from Terrell McGrew, JoJo Dozier and quarterback Bernard McGrew. The last score was set up by an interception return by Detric Causey.
Dozier finished with 150 yards rushing. The defense was led by linebacker Chris Pugh who had a dozen tackles.
If the Indians beat New Brockton they will advance to a second round game against the winner between Highland Home (9-1) and Sumiton Christian (5-5).