The Pike Patriots begin region play Friday as they travel to Fort Dale in Greenville.

The Patriots (2-0) have outscored their opponents 67-18, and excitement is growing as region play begins.

“They know this is a big game for us,” said Patriots head coach Gene Allen. “This is the first region game. Attention has been really good. Fort Dale throws a lot at you, so we have been working on a lot of stuff.”

The Patriots were 3-1 last year before going 1-5 in the region. Allen expects a better peformance this year, as the Patriots are ranked 10th in the AISA poll.

“Region play is the only thing that matters,” Allen said. “That ranking stuff is good and the kids like to look at it, but it doesn’t mean anything. If you don’t win your region games, you’re going to be sitting at home anyway.”

Fort Dale enters the game 2-0 record, having defeated Evangel Christian Academy and Wilcox Academy.

The two teams have played 18 times over the years, so there aren’t many secrets. Last year, the Eagles won 21-0 in Troy.

“They are going to be in a lot of shotgun,” Allen said. “The quarterback is really smart. He does a good job at running the offense. The offensive line does a good job at coming off the ground.

The defense has limited opponents, allowing only 19 points in the first two games.

“They show multiple fronts and always play hard,” Allen said. “We have to come and do our job and knock them off the ball and let our backs get some lanes. We feel like we can get some yards.”

Kickoff is 7 p.m. Friday Fort Dale Stadium in Greenville.