The 2011 regular season officially begins tonight. Here is a preview of the action happening around Pike County.

Pike County @ Notasulga
The Bulldogs look to rebound from last week’s 27-0 loss to Charles Henderson in the Pike County Classic. This will mark the second ever meeting between Pike County and Notasulga with last year’s 36-0 Bulldog victory counting as the first.

Notasulga (Class 1A, Region 3) finished 5-6 last season falling to Maplesville in the first round of the AHSAA playoffs 73-6. The Blue Devils, under second year coach James Lucas, will run a spread offence that averaged 21 points per game in 2010.

Beauregard @ Charles Henderson
The Trojans, who produced over 250 yards last week, will put their rushing attack to the test against a perennial 4A playoff contender.

The Hornets are 2-1 all time against Charles Henderson. The Trojans defeated Beauregard last season 27-12.

Under fifth year head coach Smitty Grider, the Hornets set a school record with 375 points in 2010 and defeated 6A Benjamin Russell 31-28.

Lyman Ward @ Pike Liberal Arts
The Patriots come into their season opener looking to improve upon their 28-21 victory over Crenshaw Christian in last week’s jambore. Head coach Steven Kilcrease is still uncertain on the amount of playing time quarterback Josh Starling will receive but has two very capable candidates to turn to in Nick McLaughlin and Taytom Barnes.

The Patriots are 3-0 against the Rangers and have yet to surrender a point.

Pike Liberal Arts has an inexperienced offensive line that needs to show improvement if the Patriots hope to make another run in AISA Class 3A.

Pleasant Home @ Zion Chapel
Zion Chapel fell 27-0 last season to the Eagles but have a much improved offence in 2011.

The Rebels lead the all-time series 5-4 including a streak of four straight from 2004-2007.

Pleasant Home finished with a 5-6 record falling in the first round to Sweet Water 48-0.