MAVERICKS GET NEEDED CONFIDENCE BOOST IN HERITAGE WIN

Southside coach Jeff Williams was hoping to build a little momentum during the team’s rugged nonconference schedule. After a slow start, the Mavericks hit on all cylinders during last week’s 50-17 win over Heritage. Southside scored on all four of its first half possessions. “I thought we were able to run it when we wanted to and throw it when we wanted to,” Williams said. “I thought defensively we stepped up and made some plays. We wanted to get a win, but we also wanted to play good football, and I thought we did that.” The Mavericks (1-2) open 7A-Central play Friday with Conway. In fact, the Mavericks play three of their next four games on the road. “Getting that win and going into (playing) a good Conway team is important,” Williams said. “We’re going on the road with a young bunch, but our guys are excited about it.” Quarterback Taye Gatewood threw three touchdown passes and ran for a fourth in the Mavericks’ victory. The team is averaging 42½ points at home. Junior receiver Tyrese Solomon caught seven passes for 105 yards and three touchdowns, including an electrifying 86-yard catch and run play. Good balance Solomon isn’t the only Maverick snagging passes. Mason Love pulled in two catches in last week’s win over Heritage to give him four for 58 yards and a touchdown. Dylan Wyatt has four receptions for 22 yards, and Jordyn Jackson has seven receptions for 74 yards. Ricardo Savoy also has 10 catches for 102 yards. Brenden Ulrich, who had but one carry for six yards in the Mavericks’ loss to Greenwood, carried 15 times for a career-high 87 yards and a TD last week against Heritage. “I thought Ulrich came in and really did a great job,” Williams said. “We feel like we’re going to be able to run it a little bit, and Ricardo did well also. You have to credit the offensive line for that.”

MAVERICKS GET NEEDED CONFIDENCE BOOST IN HERITAGE WIN

KEVIN TAYLOR

Times Record | 9/20/2017

PHOTO CREDIT: USA Today High School Sports