The Pike Liberal Arts Patriots will host the Autauga Academy Generals tonight for what will be a key region matchup for the Patriots.

The Patriots are 6-1 for the season and 2-1 in the region, but a win tonight could mean a playoff bid. The Generals are currently 4-2 for the season and 3-2 for region play.

Head coach for the Patriots Gene Allen said the coaching staff kept it simple when it came to preparing for this week’s contest.

“We’re treating this just like any other game,” Allen said. “We’ve had the same practice we’ve been having, just trying to get better at what we do. We know the importance of it.”

Although Allen said the team had not changed much in way of practice, he said the team had continued to work on their fundamentals, especially their tackling abilities.

“We can’t turn the ball over, and we’re always working on that. We have to make sure we tackle well, because they have a real good defensive back.

“We have to pursue the ball, so we worked on that a lot this week.”

The Patriots are on a four-game winning streak and have just one loss to Monroe Academy early in the season. Allen said despite consistently being strong competitors, the team had remained level headed.

“They’ve done a great job at that,” Allen said. “The big thing is they know that the last three games we won were great to win, but they weren’t district games. Now we’re getting into district play that really counts. It’s not hard to keep them focused.”

The matchup could extend the Patriots’ winning streak, but a win could also help the Patriots meet their season goal of making it to the playoffs.

“They’re working hard,” Allen said. “If we win this Friday, we’re pretty much assured to be in the playoffs. That was the main goal at the beginning of the year, just make sure we get there and then anything can happen. They’re going to be focused and ready to play.”

Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. on Dewight Ward Field at Delaney Kervin Stadium.