The Pike County Bulldogs have advanced to the quarterfinals for the first time since the 2007 season and they hope to make the most of it against Flomaton on Friday night.

Coach Fred Holland wasn’t the head coach the last time the Bulldogs made it this far in the postseason. After beating Thomasville last week, Holland and the team are excited about the accomplishment.

“We are very excited,” Holland said. “It’s been a long time since we have been here. The guys have been working, but it just never worked out. This year it did and I am proud of the kids and the coaches for what they have done. We still have a lot of work to do and we have a tough game on Friday, but we are just glad to be here.”

The Bulldogs beat the Tigers of Thomasville 21-14 and they did it on short rest. The Bulldogs were forced to play their opening round game just four days prior against Oakman.

“I am extremely proud of them,” Holland said. “It was a tough Monday game and to be able to turn around refocus in a short amount of time. We had leadership from some of our older players and it allowed them to stay focused.”

After playing two games last week, the Bulldogs will enjoy the friendly confines of Bulldogs Stadium.

“It’s great coming from having to play two games in a week,” Holland said. “You can get back into form and get ready for the game. When you’re on the road you have a lot more things to consider. The ride is another thing that is hard to overcome, especially when you’re going several hours. It’s great being able to play at home.”

The Hurricanes finished the regular season with a 7-3 overall record and a second-place finish in Region 1.

The Hurricanes have averaged 30 points per game in their 12 total games this season, while their defense has allowed 17.

“They are a real good football team,” Holland said. “They do a really good job of scheming for the game. They have some really good play makers. They do a good job at spreading you out and running the ball. When they get behind, they have a really good receiver they can throw the ball to. He does a good job of route-running. It will be a real tough task for us.”