Ricardo Savoy had himself a night Friday.

So did Taye Gatewood.

The Mavericks’ speedy back ran for two touchdowns and caught a 76-yard TD in Southsidse’s season-opening win, spoiling the Wolverines’ home opener.

The Mavericks built a 13-0 lead on Gatewood’s 2-yard touchdown run and Savoy’s 27-yard scamper.

After West countered with the first of two Dalton McDonald touchdown passes to Tyrese Smallwood, the first covering 70 yards, the Mavericks added to their lead with Darin Davenport’s 22-yard interception return for a TD with 6:44 to play in the half.

A field goal extended Southside’s lead to 23-7 with 2½ minutes to play in the half.

But another McDonald touchdown to Smallwood just before the half to cut the deficit to 23-14.

Savoy’s second TD gave the Mavericks a 30-21 lead, and after the Wolverines closed to within 30-28, thanks to Smallwood’s 1-yard run, Savoy got loose for a 68-yard scamper and a 37-28 lead.

The Mavericks host Greenwood in their 2018 home opener Friday. It’s the first time Southside has won its season opener since beating Alma, 35-19, at Reynolds Razorback Stadium in the 2015 opener.
