First place will be on the line this evening when the Pike County Bulldogs head to Dothan to take on the undefeated Providence Christian Eagles.

Both teams sport an undefeated record, Providence Christian 6-0 and Pike County 5-0. The Bulldogs arrived at practice this week knowing what is at stake when the two teams meet up this evening.

“It’s been a really good week and the guys have been focused,” Bulldogs head coach Fred Holland said. “Hopefully it will transition to tomorrow night. It’s a big game for us. We are both on top of the region. After Friday night, one of those top teams are going to have one loss. We realize it’s going to be a tough game. It’s hard to go into someone else’s place undefeated and come away with a win.”

The Bulldogs won their fifth game of the season last week when they knocked off Rival Abbeville 18-12.

“It was great,” Holland said. “It can really prepare you for a game like this one tomorrow night. It was a tough, physical game and a lot of things happened. I told the guys it will be the same way this Friday night. I was glad we played in a game like that.”

The Bulldogs were able to hold off the Yellow Jackets with a key goal line stand.

“It was big,” Holland said. “We made a lot of mistakes, but when it really boiled down to it, we withstood the test. A lot of times in those situations guys doubt themselves. It just shows a lot of toughness that the guys have. You are always going to have adversity in the game. You have to overcome those things.”

Both teams will feature a heavy run game. Because of that, offensive possessions will be at a premium, meaning winning the turnover battle and winning third downs will be key.

“You have to get teams off the field on third and fourth downs,” Holland said. “Being able to get teams in third and long situations will be key. Keeping them to where they don’t get four or five yard at a time. You have to be active. It’s going to be tough with both of us running the ball.”

The Bulldogs have won each of the last two contests with the Eagles including last year 25-14. The Bulldogs have won 15 consecutive region games. They hope to make it 16 when they kickoff against Providence Christian at 7 p.m.