The Pike County Bulldogs kick off the Class 3A state playoffs tonight when they host the American Christian Patriots.

The Bulldogs (8-2, 6-0) are the No. 1 seed in Region 3. The Patriots (5-5, 3-3) are fourth seed in Region 4.

“We have been working pretty good this week,” said Bulldogs head coach Fred Holland. “We have been trying to get acclimated to what they try do. We feel like we have had a good week trying to prepare for them.”

The Bulldogs started and finished the season with losses to Elba and G.W. Long, but won eight straight games in the middle.

“We had slow journey,” Holland said. “Our guys worked very hard over the summer and the effort the guys put in really showed during the season. I am extremely proud of the guys.”

Holland believes his team learned a lot heading into the playoffs.

“(The loss) allowed the guys to see how much preparation goes into a game and how much it takes to beat good teams,” Holland said. “This week we didn’t change anything that we do, but it gave the guys an opportunity to put more work in.”

The Patriots enter the game having lost three of their last four games.

“They like to run the ball even though they have some tall receivers,” Holland said. “I feel like they are going to attack our defensive backs. They are more into pounding the ball. They have some big offensive lineman, and I feel like they think they can attack us.”

Defensively, the Patriots will feature 4-3 and 5-2 looks.

“The do a whole lot of stunting,” Holland said. “They really play off their front people because they are so big. We understand what they are trying to. They will play a base up front and try to control our offensive line.”

Tonight’s game will be the first time the two teams meet. Kick off is set for 7 p.m. in Brundidge.