South Gibson football tops Milan, clinches home playoff game

MILAN — Before this year, South Gibson had its doubters.

One look at Region 7-3A before the season started and you would be hard-pressed to pick the Hornets to host a playoff game.

The likes of Milan, Bolivar Central, and Covington had more talent on paper. But on Friday night, South Gibson silenced those doubters.

The Hornets defeated Milan 27-14 at Johnnie Hale Stadium to clinch the No. 2 seed in Region 7-3A. South Gibson will host Trezevant (4-6) in its second-ever playoff game and the first one since 2012.

“To finish second in that region, I don’t think very many people picked us to do that,” South Gibson coach Scott Stidham said. “So proud of our kids and seniors and how hard they played and we found a way to get it done somehow.”

Milan finished third and will travel to Wooddale (6-4) for the first round of the playoffs.

South Gibson was playing at its biggest rival, which also had a chance to clinch a home playoff game with a win.

The weather didn’t cooperate, either. There was a driving rain in the first half, followed by a temperature dip into the 30s in the second half.

However, South Gibson (8-2, 4-1) didn’t let any of those elements faze it, even after going into halftime down 14-13.

“We had 20 seniors that believed they could do it,” Stidham said. “We’re very fortunate to be where we are and very excited to be able to play at home next week.”

A blocked punt shifted the momentum. From there, running back Dre McAllister took over.

McAllister had 15 carries for 158 yards and one touchdown. He also converted a two-point conversion run.

McAllister is one of the seniors who’s been overlooked because of his size. But the talent has always been there. There’s been no shortage of bulletin board material to use as motivation.

“They doubted us, but we just used that as motivation,” McAllister said. “We’re the only ones who believed in ourselves in the locker room. … (The win) builds confidence so we go into next week with a big confidence boost. Just carrying and keep getting better every week.”

Milan (5-5, 3-2) came into the game following a three-touchdown loss to Lexington last week. But the Bulldogs got off to a great start, thanks to running back Anthony Ballard Jr.

At halftime, Ballard had 20 carries for 139 yards and a touchdown. The second half was a different story. South Gibson’s defense locked down on Ballard. He finished the game with 29 carries for 165 yards.

The Bulldogs weren’t able to establish a run in the second half. Turnovers cost them as well against their rival.

“Of course, it’s personal”, Milan coach Jeff Morris said. “It matters a lot. It sends us on the road in the playoffs. Obviously, it hurts. All we do is move on and go make an effort next week.”

Reach Luis Torres at ltorres1@jacksonsun.com or 731-425-9638 and follow him on Twitter @LFTorresIII.