The Tigers nearly pulled off a fourth-quarter, come-from-behind road victory last week over potent Mansfield Timberview before losing in the final minute, 34-33.

On the other side, coach Todd McVey of 0-3 Harker Heights wishes that his youthful, inexperienced squad could start the season over after three defeats by a combined 53 points.

Tonight’s District 12-5A opener at 7 at Leo Buckley Stadium between winless Belton and Heights provides each team an opportunity to start anew and offers a subtle reminder that it’s now or never if playoff possibilities are to become reality.

“They (players) understand you’ve got to step up,” said Southern, whose team has lost seven straight games dating to last season. “Now everything counts.”

In order to be competitive in 12-5A, the Tigers can’t afford any disastrous defensive efforts, such as allowing 488 yards in a season-opening 43-8 loss to Ennis. And Belton can’t afford to miss opportunities and give away easy points, as it did in a 35-6 home loss to Round Rock McNeil.

Simple execution, just as the Tigers displayed in scoring 25 fourth-quarter points against Timberview, is what has Southern so optimistic.

“When you’re building a program, there has to be a trust factor,” Southern said. “If you really believe and trust it, it’s going to work. I think there was some of that that came about (at Timberview). I think we found out if we execute right, we can play this game.”

Sophomore quarterback David Ash went 16-of-21 passing for 220 yards and three touchdowns in the second half. Receiver Kevin Thornton caught nine passes for 125 yards and Jarrett Crowell had two TD receptions.

Sophomore Kenny Shuler gave the offense, which had tallied 36 rushing yards in the first two games, a much-needed boost with 28 first-half yards, including a 10-yard touchdown run.

“Just having the ability to do that helped,” Southern said. “That played a part in us being able to throw the football later in the game. Now you’re not 100 percent sure we’re going throw it every down.”

The offense should continue its success against a Heights defense that has allowed 457.3 yards per game, including 686 passing yards in losses to Austin and Round Rock Westwood.

“We’ve struggled because of our young guys and lack of communication,” McVey said. “Defense is about reaction. We need to react because we’re really small up front. Against Killeen, their defensive line wore us down in the end.”

Belton’s defense showed improvement last week. The Tigers didn’t allow a third-down conversion on seven attempts and had 12 tackles for loss, led by linebacker Kyle Voss’ three and two sacks.

“Defensively, they’re all over the place,” McVey said. “No. 44 (Voss) is a stud.”

That defense will be tested by Heights quarterback Tommy Seigman, running back Kerry Sloan and receiver CJ Akins.

Seigman is 21-of-30 passing for 248 yards and five TD passes. Akins has 15 catches for 180 yards and three TDs.

“He’s like our Jarrett Crowell,” Southern said of Akins. “When they need a big play, he usually delivers for them.”

Sloan, who wasn’t expected to contribute much at the beginning of the season, has been a pleasant surprise, rushing for 314 yards.

The Knights own an eight-game losing streak and have lost 14 of their last 15 games, but they’ve won their last two district openers, both against Belton. Heights’ only win last season was a 25-22 victory over the Tigers.

“We have to play together,” McVey said. “They just have to be mentally prepared. We’re still growing as a football team and nowhere near polished like everybody else.”

cmeister@temple-telegram.com