Sports Writer

Three big plays and a defense that allowed one first down in the first half, helped boost Pike County past Lanett, 20-7, in a class 3-A Region 2 football game Friday night in Brundidge.

"This was a big win, " Head Coach Wayne Grant said. "I think this puts us in the drivers seat for the postseason, if we keep winning and playing well."

Both defenses dictated play in the first quarter, but Pike County’s Tyrone Boyd broke through with a 25 yard scamper with 3:33 left in the first half for a 6-0 lead.

"Tyrone had some big runs in crucial situations. He kept some drives alive for us, " Grant said.

That lead was stretched to 12-0 on the opening possession of the second half for the Bulldogs. Quarterback Marquez Foster hit wide receiver Joey Spikner with a 54 yard scoring strike and Pike County appeared ready to break the game open.

But on the ensuing possession, Lanett running back Richard Williams’ 31 yard run put the Panthers in the red zone for the first time. Three plays later, Williams punched the ball in from the one and with the extra point, Lanett cut the deficit to 12-7.

After each team traded defensive stops, Pike County ended any comeback hopes when Foster threw his second touchdown pass of the night, connecting with Shanton Redmon with ten minutes left in the game. Boyd added the two point conversion run for the final margin.

"They were pressing us so much on the run, they were leaving the pass open and we were fortunate to hit a couple of those, " Grant said. "Marquez threw a couple nice balls."

Pike County travels to Lafayette next week for another important Region 2 showdown.