The Pike County Bulldogs and undefeated South Selma Panthers will battle tonight for first place in Class 3A, Region 3.

“We are both on top of the region,” said Bulldog head coach Fred Holland. “We have had a good week of preparation. We know this is a big region game. Right now we are the only two teams that are undefeated. We are trying to come out victorious.”

The Bulldogs, 2-1, started the season with several new and inexperienced players. Earning two wins in the region has boosted their confidence.

“We are always excited about getting on the field,” Holland said. “It feels good to have two region wins under our belt.”

The winning start for the season has surprised Holland. “We are still taking baby steps. We are making mistakes on both offense and defense. We are doing enough to stay in the win column.”

The Bulldogs and Panthers have only met only once, in 1989 when the Bulldogs won 43-19.

“We have watched some film on them and they are really athletic,” Holland said. “They are coming from 4A so they are used to a tough brand of football. Us not knowing each other adds another thing to what we have to prepare for.”

The Panthers have averaged 31 points per game over their first three games, and they have done it primarily through the air.

“We have been struggling a little bit defending the pass,” Holland said. “They have momentum coming into this game. Our job is to stop them from passing. We have had a good week of preparations and we are excited for the game.”

The Bulldogs are in the middle of a five road game stretch and Holland knows the importance of playing well with home games on the horizon.

“If you can hold you own on the road, you know the day is coming when you know you will spend more time at home,” Holland said. “It means a lot to be able to play well on the road and look forward to the day when you have several games at home.”

Kickoff is 7 p.m. today at Memorial Stadium in Selma.