It is a historic year for the Pike County area, as the Charles Henderson Trojans, Pike Liberal Patriots, Pike County Bulldogs and Goshen Eagles are all going to the playoffs in the same year for the first time ever.

The Patriots and Trojans will be hosting playoff games after their 33-7 and 10-0 victories over the Macon-East Knights and Eufaula Tigers, respectively.

Pike Liberal has really only had one roadblock this year in the form of the Lee-Scott Warriors. Other than that loss, the Patriots have looked unstoppable and it should be an interesting run through the playoffs this year for them.

The Trojans fought to get in the playoffs and ended up in the No. 2 seed, which is great for Charles Henderson.

Pike County and Goshen will be hitting the road for the playoffs after losing last week. And to top it all off, the Troy University Trojans stomped the North Texas Mean Green to the tune of 45-17, which made this sports reporter look smart. I predicted that game would end in a 45-14 Trojan win.

All the playoff push madness led to a 4-1 week for Nascone’s Predictions in week 9. Another winning week bumps the season record to 25-9.

This week I think the Troy Trojans will continue their winning ways with a 35-17 victory over the University of Louisiana-Monroe Warhawks Saturday.

Before the collegiate action kicks off Saturday, the Charles Henderson Trojans, Goshen Eagles and Pike Liberal Patriots all end the regular season. Pike County will be idle this week.

The Class 5A Trojans host 6A Northview at Movie Gallery Veterans Stadium and will win a close battle with the Cougars, 17-14.

Class AAA Pike Liberal hosts the Class AA Autauga Generals and should win convincingly to tune of 45-7.

The Class 2A Goshen Eagles will hit the road for a game with the 4A Montgomery Catholic Knights Friday and I think Goshen’s losing streak will hit two against the playoff-bound Knights, 35-30.

Matt Nascone is the sports editor for The Messenger. He can be reached at 670-6315 or online at matt.nascone@troymessenger.com.