The Sidney Lanier Poets began the 1961 season with a 27-7 win over Selma High School. Jack Boyd returned a pass interception 85 yards for a touchdown and Ashley Cook completed all eight of his passes in the easy win to start the season.

Week two saw the only loss of the season when the poets fell to a strong Tuscaloosa Black Bear team by the score of 13-0. Normally the loss would have knocked the Poets out of championship talks but the team from Tuscaloosa faded late in the season to get Lanier back in the hunt for a title.

Sidney Lanier ran through the next seven opponents to set up a season ending matchup between the Poets and the Lee Generals of Montgomery. Lee had been the team to beat in the state for a number of years and a victory would go a long way towards a successful season for either team.

Both squads were highly ranked entering the game and it was setup to be a great game. It did not disappoint as Ben McDonald booted two extra points to seal a 14-13 hard-fought victory for the Poets. Jim Scott scored the first touchdown after a muffed punt by the generals had set up the offense in good field position.

Later in the first half, Lees Charles Crysel ran for a touchdown to knot the score at 7-7. Jimmy Poole ran eight yards for a score by the Poets early in the third quarter and McDonald was perfect on the PAT.

Lee scores a little alter but the extra point was partially blocked and went wide right for the final margin of 14-13.

The Sidney Lanier Poets were named AAA State Champions after that game by the Alabama Sports Writers.