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After splitting its first two games of the season, both on the road to the Tuscaloosa area, the Demopolis Tigers are preparing for its home opener this Friday against Bibb County, which is also the first region game for DHS.

In a very close contest last week against Northridge High School, the Tigers overcame three turnovers to get by the Jaguars, 22-20.

One of the keys to the Demopolis victory was a successful running attack led by A.J. Besteder who finished the game with 110 yards on the ground and three touchdowns. Brandon Franklin added 42 while quarterback Peyton Stevenson added another 30.

Stevenson went 13 of 21 passing for a total of 91 yards.

“We definitely want to get things started with the running game and it is good to build some confidence in our runningbacks and offensive line,” said DHS Coach Brian Seymore.

The defense also played a big role in the victory with C.J. Williams hauling in two interceptions and Allen Pruitt adding another.

Fred Haywood finished the game with two sacks while Tavian Brown was the teams leading tackler with six, including one sack.

“It was a group effort. I think everybody stepped up. We certainly have things we need to get better at, but that’s why you play two quality non-region opponents that will help you get better going into region play,” Seymore said.

The Tigers hope to take the positive momentum from last week’s game into their contest against new region foe Bibb County (1-1), which is coming off a loss to Pelham. Their first game of the season was a victory over Greensboro.

“This could end up being one of our biggest games of the year,” Seymore said. “(Coach Mike McCombs) does a tremendous job … they will have a great game plan and we’ll have to match their intensity, have no turnovers, and play sound fundamental football. There is a lot at stack as far as the playoffs and possible seeding,” Seymore said.

Demopolis holds a record of 15-22-2 all-time against the Choctaws, with the latest game being a 56-28 DHS victory in 2007.

Sweet Water (0-1) opened its regular season last week with a loss to Thomasville, but looks to rebound this week on the road to St. Luke’s (1-1)

After a bye week, A.L. Johnson (0-1) will open region play on the road against Maplesville (1-0).

Linden (1-0), coming off a big win in its season opener against Sumter Central, is also on the road for its first region game as the Patiots travel to Keith (1-0).

Marengo High (2-0) is off to a strong start with consecutive wins, including last week’s 14-8 victory over Southern Choctaw. This week the Panthers travel to J.F. Shields (0-2) for a region contest.

Marengo Academy (0-3) seeks its first victory of the season as they travel to Southern Academy (1-1).

(This article originally appeared in the Wednesday, September 5 issue of the Demopolis Times.)