Every single time American Christian would get back in the game, Pike County would make a play to take them right back out of it. 

 Pike County and American Christian Academy went toe-to-toe in an old-school, smash mouth, in-your-face throw down in the first round of the Alabama High School Athletic Association Playoffs, with Pike County downing the Patriots 27-22.

 “Our guys played well-enough to win,” said Fred Holland, Pike County head coach. “We had a tough time stopping them, but we were able to get just enough. The offense did a good job of capitalizing on those situations to get points on the board. I’m proud of my kids.”

 ACA rallied in the fourth quarter with a 14-play, twelve of the tem being rushes, to pull within five midway through the fourth quarter. The Pats pounded in a two-point conversion to bring the score to 25-22 with 5:31 to go.

 The ensuing Pike County possession began at its own 6-yard-line after a muffed kickoff. However, the Bulldogs wouldn’t remain in the shadow of its own goalpost for long.

 On the first play of the drive, Jahazarian Lampley dashed around right end and raced down the sideline for a 73-yard rumble to put Pike County in a spot to ice the game away.

 But, ACA just wouldn’t go away. 

 The Patriots stuffed Lampley on fourth down inside the ACA five, giving them one last hope. But, this time it was Pike County’s turn to make a game-changing play.

 After quickly working out to the 19-yard line, ACA snapped the ball over the quarterback’s head. The ball rolled all the way to the end zone before being picked up by an ACA player. A host of Bulldogs swarmed the ball carrier, forcing a game-clinching safety.

 The Bulldog defense was gashed by the Patriot run game throughout the game, but Holland was pleased with how his defensive unit seemed to come up with big plays when it needed them.

 In addition to the safety, Pike County notched one interception and a fumble recovery.

 “It’s always tough in the playoffs,” said Holland. “We got stops when we had to get them, and made plays when we had to make them. In the playoffs, you get everyone’s best shot and that was definitely true tonight.”

 Lampley led the way on the ground for Pike County, rolling up 174 yards and two scores on 20 carries. Jaidyn Wilson added 47 yards and a TD on the ground, to go along with 122 passing yards and a score.

 “He (Lampley) always accepts the challenge when we get on him to make plays,” Holland said. “That long run was a huge play in the game. In games like this you want your big-time players to make big-time plays. He did it for us tonight.”

 With the win, Pike County moves on the second round of the AHSAA playoffs to face Bayside Academy in Daphne. Pike County and Bayside have met once before, a 32-18 Admiral win in the second round of the 2013 playoffs.

 Holland knows his team is in for a fight next Friday.

 “Bayside is well-coached and extremely smart,” said Holland. “They don’t beat themselves too often. We played them a few years back, so we know exactly how talented they are.”

 Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. at Freedom Field in Daphne.