Bulldogs handle Wicksburg

Published 7:45 pm Monday, September 23, 2019

The Pike County Bulldogs kept rolling in their 33-6 win over Wicksburg last Friday night.

The win for the Bulldogs gives them an undefeated record at 4-0 and their region record improves to 3-0.

After winning a tight game against Geneva 14-6 the week prior, Bulldogs head coach Fred Holland liked how his team responded in their win over the Panthers.

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“We looked a whole lot better than we did last week,” Holland said. “Offensively we looked better and defensively we looked better. We had a great week of practice and the coaches did a good job preparing the kids for the game. It showed on Friday night.”

The Bulldogs had big plays on each side of the ball in the win. They had a big punt return by Rayshawn Reynolds, one of two long touchdown runs. Derrick and Darrick Myhand each had long touchdowns as well.

“We scored some points which allowed us to play free and not be so tight,” Holland said. “We realized it was a region game. You have to be able to play well in region games in order to come out victorious.”

Friday’s game was just the second road game for Pike County. It was the first of three-straight road games for the Patriots. After two more home games, they will close out region play on the road against Straughn.

“We just try to win them one by one,” Holland said. “You have to face a lot of adversity. When you play at their place they have a lot of momentum with their fans. Our job is to not worry about that and stay focused. If something bad happens put it behind you and look forward to the next play.”

This week, the Bulldogs step out of region play when they travel to take on rival Abbeville Friday night.

The teams match up on a yearly basis, not just on the football field, but on the baseball field and basketball courts as well, making these two teams really familiar with one another.

“We play a lot,” Holland said. “They know a lot about us and we know a lot about them. We look for it to be an exciting game. Both teams will be prepared for it.”

The Yellow Jackets come into the game undefeated in Class 2A Region 2. They are coming off a 56-7 win over Houston County last Friday night.

“They have a mixture of juniors and seniors like we do,” Holland said. “they have won a lot of games over the last few years. It was a really close game and we look for it to be the same this year. A lot of team speed on both sides of the ball.”

The Bulldogs got the better of the Yellow Jackets last season, defeating them 20-14.

Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.