Pike County put its undefeated regional record on the line Friday night against the Straughn Tigers and ran away with the 42-7 win, clinching a perfect 7-0 record in regional play.

The Bulldogs, winners of eight in a row, are regional champions for the second time in the last three years.

“It took a lot of hard work,” Pike County head coach Fred Holland said. “The hard work that the coaches and the kids have shown, I’m proud of the kids for what they were able to accomplish.”

Pike County made quick work of finding the endzone against the Tigers, going 83 yards on eight plays on its first drive and capping it with a three-yard touchdown dive by Rayshawn Reynolds to give the Bulldogs a 7-0 lead.

Reynolds also finished off the next Bulldog touchdown with a one yard score following a 20 yard run by quarterback Jaidyn Wilson to give Pike County a 14-0 lead near the end of the first quarter.

The Bulldog offense wasn’t needed for their next touchdown as Darrick Myhand returned a punt 45 yards to the house to push the Pike County lead out to 21-0.

With 1:10 left in the first half, Pike County found the endzone once more by way of a one yard Wilson sneak.

The Bulldogs held a 28-0 lead at the half after dominating the line of scrimmage for the first 24 minutes. Pike County held the wishbone Tigers to just two first downs and 28 rushing yards on 16 carries.

Pike County had a commanding 207-37 total yard advantage at the break behind Reynolds’ 82 rushing yards and Wilson’s 55 passing yards.

The first sign of adversity struck the Bulldogs on Pike County’s initial second half drive. Wilson took a hit as he completed a pass and had to leave the game with an apparent left leg injury.

Running back Kevon Harris finished that drive with a one yard quarterback sneak while Reynolds used a 35 yard run and his third touchdown of the game for yet another Bulldog touchdown on the next possession. The scores gave Pike County a 42-0 lead at the end of the third quarter.

The fourth quarter went by uneventfully as a running clock was used for the entirety of the period. The Tigers were able to get on the board with a 22 yard pass as time expired, though, much to the chagrin of Holland who was upset with his defense as they lined up to shake hands.

“Always (coach to the end),” Holland said. “That’s the only way I know how to do it.”

Reynolds led the Bulldogs with 135 rushing yards and three touchdowns. Wilson completed eight of 12 pass attempts for 81 yards and added 18 yards and a touchdown on the ground.

Pike County will go on the road to play Sweet Water next week in its final game of the regular season before the playoffs begin.