SOLID NUMBERS

For all the offense Southside created in last week’s 44-31 win at Bentonville West, the Mavericks’ defense wasn’t without a few stars as well. Senior Darin Davenport, in particular, had a terrific first game back with 14 tackles, including six solo stops, and two interceptions. Davenport returned one of his interceptions 23 yards for a touchdown. “When you get your defensive leader out there, that really helps,” Southside defensive coordinator Jacob Cox said. “He gets guys lined up. You know he’s doing everything right.” Davenport missed all of 2017 and half of his sophomore year with injuries. Sophomores Landen Chaffey, Parker Wehunt, Shawn Rogers and Eli Lyles played well, Cox said. “Both of those backers (Chaffey and Wehunt) played well,” Cox said. “Shawn played well at defensive tackle. His motor runs constantly. “I thought Eli came in and played well and got us lined up. It was good for those young guys to get some experience.” Senior Bennett Weindel, the team’s leading tackler from a year ago, had a dozen stops, and Chaffey added 10 tackles, including four unassisted tackles. Solid numbers Southside quarterback Taye Gatewood threw for 170 yards and a touchdown in the Mavericks’ win last week. In addition, he also ran the ball 13 times for 52 yards and a touchdown. Gatewood led the Mavericks with 17 rushing touchdowns in 2017. Senior Ricardo Savoy had the biggest day of any 7A-Central back last week. He rushed for 242 yards and three touchdowns. “Ricardo and Taye played great,” Southside quarterbacks coach Justin Key said. ”(Taye) played turnover free and I have been waiting on Ricardo to have a breakout game.” The speedy Savoy had a clinching 68-yard touchdown run. “Ricardo has the one thing you can’t coach, and that is speed,” Key said. “If he gets out in the open, there are not a lot of guys that can catch him.”

SOLID NUMBERS

BUCK RINGGOLD

Times Record | 9/5/2018

PHOTO CREDIT: File Photo