The Pike Liberal Arts Patriots ride into Friday night’s contest against the Hooper Colts with a potential playoff spot on the line.

The Patriots (4-3, 1-2) have lost their last two regional games and have work to do to finish in the top four of their region to earn a playoff spot.

“It’s a big regional game and we can’t afford to drop another one,” said Patriots head coach Gene Allen. “We have to come out and play with a purpose. If we don’t come out and win on Friday night, next week is not going to matter. We are trying to take things one game at a time.”

The Patriots, who have struggled tackling in recent games, have worked on their physicality during the first three days of the week.

“Monday and Tuesday were great practices,” Allen said. “We came out and tried to be more physical because I think that is one of the things that have been hurting us. I think that is one of the reasons the tackling hasn’t been that good. We got physical this week and Monday and Tuesday were great.”

Hooper enters Friday’s contest with a 3-4 overall record and are still looking for their first region win after starting 0-3.

The Patriots are looking to improve defensively this week and they are going up against a team that has averaged just 10 points per game over the last five games.

“They are a spread team,” Allen said. “They are going to try and throw the ball around a little bit, but they are going to run the ball. It’s going to be stuff that we have seen the last few weeks.”

On the offensive side of the ball, the Patriots hope to continue to make big plays and run the football.

“We feel good offensively,” Allen said. “We have had a few bad plays but we have had a lot of big plays. We have five good backs, including Reed (Jinright) who have potential to score on every play.”

The Patriots hold a slim 12-11 advantage in the 23 meetings between the two teams. The Patriots beat the Colts last season 33-10.

Kick off is scheduled for 7 p.m. from Dewight Ward Field at Delaney Kervin Stadium.