By By BRIAN HAINES
Sports Writer
My how things have changed since the last Anchor Bowl.
At this time last season Southside headed into the 20th annual bowl game with crosstown rival Northside riding a 21-game losing streak, and were considered by most to be big underdogs when the Seahawks took the field in Yeatesville.
Two quarters into the contest, the underdog label seemed appropriate as the Panthers had jumped out to a 26-6 halftime lead.
Then it happened.
Southside, realizing it had nothing to lose, played all out. It became evident to the seniors on the team that they would never play another football game again, which inspired them to dig deep into their reserve tank and erase a 20-point first-half deficit to pull out a 34-33 overtime victory.
The win was the first in coach David Hines’ career with the Seahawks, snapping a near two-year winless streak during his tenure at Southside.
Senior Dash Spruill led the charge as he scored on TD runs of 8, 56, 72 and 90 yards.
Out of all those highlight reel plays, none was more important than his goal-line plunge for the game-winning two-point conversion at the end of OT. The play followed a 6-yard TD pass by senior quarterback Kevin Sparks to Willie Ruffin.
Fast forward a year.
The Seahawks now own a record of 4-6 (2-4 Four Rivers), and will no doubt make the NCHSAA playoffs.
“I think that win last year helped us a lot this season,” Hines said. “I think it did a lot for our confidence and gave us something to build on during the summer.”
Southside has showed that it can be competitive with most teams on any given night, and even rallied back from a 30-8 halftime deficit to beat perennial powerhouse Plymouth earlier this season.
Meanwhile, last year’s favorites to win the Anchor Bowl are the ones who possess an extended losing streak.
The Panthers (2-8, 0-6 Four Rivers) have not won a conference game in over two years, and after their Monday night loss to Roanoke, now have a six-game losing skid.
Northside coach Keith Boyd said defense has been the key to his team’s demise. Boyd noted that the Seahawks have an explosive offense, and his primary focus tonight will be on stopping the run.
“Everything starts with the run,” Boyd said. “From tackle-to-tackle we are solid, but we have to contain the edges. We have to do a better job of covering the options and sweeps.”
The Seahawks love to attack with speedy running back Lonnie Williams, along with mobile sophomore QB Terrill Moore.
Hines said that limiting mistakes will be crucial.
“We have to cut back on our turnovers,” Hines said. “We have been pretty good on offense; we just need to stay the course. We are averaging around 27 to 30 points per game. We just can’t give the ball away.”
Offensively, the Panthers have been solid and have had no problems scoring all season. Boyd said he will not alter his offensive game plan much in the regular season finale.
Northside is led by two terrific runners in DeMarques Martin and TaMichael Tonge, along with quarterback Isaiah McCullor.
Southside’s defense has been suspect at times, too. The Seahawks recently lost a heartbreaker to Roanoke despite having a 45-20 lead in the fourth quarter.
“Defensively, we have to stop Dee Martin and Isaiah McCullor,” Hines said. “We need to make them one dimensional in their attack. A big key for us would be to get pressure on their quarterback and put them in second or third-and-long situations.”
When these two teams kick off at 7:30 p.m. at Southside High School, there is no doubt it will be a shootout. Each team will take the field equipped with a loaded arsenal on offense, but whoever plays the best defense will likely take home the anchor.
Southside holds a 6-2 lead over Northside in the Anchor Bowl.
ANCHOR BOWL
1989
Washington 30, Northside 0
1990
Northside 31, Washington 12
1991
Northside 30, Washington 14
1992
Northside 42, Washington 6
1993
Washington 18, Northside 6
1994
Washington 29, Northside 16
1995
Washington 17, Northside 14
1996
Washington 20, Northside 6
1997
Washington 53, Northside 0
1998
Washington 32, Northside 7
1999
Washington 20, Northside 6
2000
Northside 28, Washington 6
2001
Northside 47, Southside 25
2002
Southside 36, Northside 0
2003
Southside 22, Northside 17
2004
Southside 30, Northside 8
2005
Southside 46, Northside 19
2006
Southside 27, Northside 8
2007
Northside 32, Southside 7
2008
Southside 34, Northside 33 OT