Northside's Ground Game and Late Stops Seal Region Title

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — Northside captured its second consecutive region championship for just the second time in school history and the first since 1990-91, defeating previously unbeaten Selma 31-24 on Friday night. The Rams relied on a powerful rushing attack and crucial second-half defensive stops to clinch the Class 4A, Region 3 title.

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Selma struck first on its opening drive when senior running back Cairen Curtis broke loose for a 50-yard run, bringing the Saints inside the Rams’ 20-yard line. A few plays later, freshman quarterback Kole Moody connected with senior tight end Michael Hosea for the game’s first touchdown. After an unsuccessful two-point conversion, a recurring problem for Selma, the score stood at 6-0 with 9:55 left in the first quarter.

Northside responded with a physical drive, capped by a 22-yard touchdown run from standout running back Bennett Green. After a successful PAT, Northside led 7-6 with 7:13 left in the first quarter.

Selma answered right back, as Moody hit Alabama Football’s 2027 wide receiver commit Cedrick Simmons for a 50-yard pass to the Rams’ 20-yard line. Two plays later, Moody found senior wide receiver Keithey Frye wide open for a 20-yard touchdown. After another failed two-point attempt, Selma led 12-7 with 5:41 remaining in the first quarter.

On the next drive, Northside controlled possession for the rest of the first quarter, orchestrating a 10-play, 64-yard march that consumed more than five minutes. A three-yard quarterback dive capped the series, and with the PAT, Northside led 14-12 with 11:49 remaining in the first half.

Selma could not answer, as the Rams’ defense stood tall in the red zone and forced the Saints to turn the ball over on downs after stopping Simmons a yard short on an out route. Northside took over at its own 21-yard line with 8:55 left in the second quarter.

Northside then maintained possession for nearly the rest of the half, executing a 13-play, 79-yard drive that spanned over seven minutes. A key 12-yard run by senior Miller Robison on third-and-10 kept the drive alive, and minutes later, Robison caught a 35-yard touchdown pass from Rhodes. With the PAT, Northside extended its lead to 21-12 with 1:13 left in the first half, putting the Rams in a strong position heading into halftime with the ball to start the third quarter.

But Selma’s explosive offense responded immediately. On the first play of the next drive, a double reverse pass allowed Moody to connect with the Crimson Tide commit for a 65-yard touchdown. After another failed two-point attempt, Selma cut the deficit to three, 21-18, with a minute left in the first half.

Northside soon found itself in field goal range after an electrifying run by senior Pate Hembree, who broke multiple tackles before being forced out of bounds at Selma’s 20-yard line. However, the Rams couldn’t capitalize: as time expired in the half, Rhodes targeted Green in the back of the end zone, but the pass fell incomplete. Northside went to halftime leading 21-18.

In the second half, Northside’s ground game continued to shine, but consecutive penalties derailed a promising drive. A tough seven-yard run by Green set up senior kicker Lynn Otero for a 32-yard field goal, extending the Rams’ lead to 24-18 with 8:11 left in the third quarter.

Selma’s offense answered quickly, as Simmons took a screen pass 30 yards into Northside territory. That set up a 10-yard touchdown pass from Moody to senior wide receiver Blaine Scott, tying the game at 24 after the Saints’ fourth failed two-point conversion, with 4:59 left in the third quarter.

Northside controlled the ball for the remainder of the third quarter and regained the lead, scoring a touchdown 40 seconds into the fourth quarter. Rhodes powered in from one yard out, putting Northside ahead 31-24 with 11:20 left in regulation.

Northside's defense held Selma scoreless throughout the fourth quarter, forcing two turnovers on downs, including a crucial stop inside its own 20-yard line.

Northside sealed the victory with a clutch three-yard run by Green on fourth-and-2, allowing the Rams to kneel out the clock after the Saints had exhausted their timeouts.

Northside improved to 9-0 and secured a first-round home playoff game. With a victory next Friday, Oct. 30, at American Christian Academy, the Rams would complete consecutive undefeated regular seasons for the first time in school history.

Selma suffered its first loss of the season and finished second in the region. The Saints will look to rebound next Friday when they host Keith in their regular-season finale.

Micah Nichols covers Alabama baseball, football, and basketball for Tide 100.9. Follow @MicahNichols0 on X for in-game updates, highlights, and more Crimson Tide coverage.