Tonight marks the first time two Pike County area schools have played in the second round of the football playoffs in the same year since 2007 (Charles Henderson and Pike County) and the first time two have played in the second round at home since 1991 (also Charles Henderson and Pike County).

Fans across the county will have plenty to cheer about but Charles Henderson and Goshen are concentrating on one thing … making the third round.

“We could make a statement with a win,” Goshen head coach Brat Snyder said.

Goshen (7-4) hasn’t reached the third round since 1991 and were left with a sour taste after last year’s 48-26 first round ejection at the hands of Mobile Christian.

“Our guys weren’t too happy with themselves about that one,” Snyder said. “They want to prove they’re better than that.”

Goshen plays host to Flomaton (10-1), who finished second in Class 2A Region 1 behind perennial power Leroy. The Hurricanes only loss came in week seven to Leroy, 14-13.

“Our guys are excited about playing a big time team,” said Snyder. “And they’re excited about the opportunity to make the third round.”

One reason for the Eagles success this season has been the stellar rushing attack led by Reginald Foster. Foster, who broke the 1,000 yard mark in the eight game of the season, rushed for 224 yards on 17 carries in Goshen’s first round victory over G.W. Long.

Foster was held back due to injury down the stretch but only completely sat out one game.

“He wasn’t 100 percent and we just wanted to make sure he was healthy before we put him back out there,” Snyder said of not allowing Foster to dress the final game of the season.

Charles Henderson faces a rival made so by the trio postseason meetings since 2002.

St. Paul’s has won all three games between the schools but the Trojans are looking to snap that streak.

“They’ve, obviously got a quality football team,” head coach Hugh Fountain said of his 10-1 opponent. “We’ve got to play well and take care of the football.”

The Saints come in after winning Class 5A Region 1 and with an offense clicking on all cylinders.

St. Paul’s has scored 410 points in their 11 contests and finished with the sixth stingiest defense in 5A, allowing just 12.2 points per game.

“They has a unique quality of athlete,” Fountain said. “They have a lot of great weapons.”

While the Trojans are 0-3 all-time against the St. Paul’s, Fountain’s personal record is a bit better.

In his seven seasons at W.S. Neal, Fountain compiled a 3-3 record against the Saints, outscoring his opponent from Mobile 88-56 in those six meetings.

Both games are set to kickoff at 7 p.m.

Goshen and Flomaton from the Eagles Nest and Charles Henderson and St. Paul’s from Veterans Memorial Stadium.