Pike County faces Daleville for region supremacy

For a six-year period from 1988-93, Daleville and Pike County football teams dominated the Wiregrass landscape, along with the state scene in south Alabama.

Three times in that stretch, one of the two teams won the Class 4A state title. One other year, one was a state runner-up.

Three times during that time frame, the road to the state championship game went through the other.

That traveled path may be back.

Tonight, the two state-ranked teams battle for Class 3A, Region 2 supremacy when the two meet at Brundidge’s Bulldog Stadium.

Both teams are region co-leaders with 5-0 records. Pike County, 7-0 overall, enters ranked sixth in the state poll. Daleville, 6-1 with a loss to Class 5A Rehobeth, is No. 7.

As was often the case in the legendary period in the late ’80s and early ’90s, both teams thrive on defense.

Pike County is tops in Class 3A in fewest points allowed, having given up only 57 total points. Daleville is not shabby either, allowing just 85 points, tied for
seventh best in 3A.

“The strengths of both teams is defense,” Pike County head coach Eddie Stephenson said. “So whichever team will be able to move the ball best will probably
have the advantage.”

Both defensive units are led by the linebacker corps, though talent is spread throughout. Spencer Bright, LaCori Mcguire and Sway Rodriquez lead the Pike County unit, while Charlie Stewart, Roderick Craig and Joe Beckham spark the Warhawk defense.

Not only have the defenses been stingy, but greedy too.

Pike County’s secondary has picked off eight enemy passes, led by Josh Parker, who has three, and Marlon Meadows and Jerelle Bailey with two each.

“On defense, we are hitting on eight cylinders,” Stephenson said. “Those guys are doing a great job. Coach (Anthony) Ellison, our defensive coordinator, and the defensive coaches have come up with great game plans every week and the kids have executed.”

Daleville’s defense has not only caused turnovers, but scored off them. The Warhawks have five defensive touchdowns and one off a blocked punt.
Beckham and Stewart both have returned an interception, and Stewart has returned a fumble for a score. Craig and Brandon Burks both have one fumble return for a TD.

On the other side of the ball, both offenses have shown a knack for racking up points in bunches, though the styles are different.

Pike County prefers to go exclusively on the ground. Running back Martavious Knox and Parker, the Bulldogs’ senior quarterback, both have nearly 1,000 yards and Chris Griffin is another threat in the backfield.

While it doesn’t throw much, Pike County has been proficient in its passing behind Parker.

Daleville tries to be a bit more balanced, relying on running backs Ryan Soles and Brandon Burks (combined 140.8 yards a game) and the passing of Matias Flowers (426 yards, 7 TDs). Chris Stone (14 receptions, 214 yards, 2 TDs) and Beckham (10 passes, 158 yards, 3 TDs) are the top targets.

Pike County’s offense has struggled with injuries in recent weeks, but Stephenson feels that won’t be a factor tonight.

“We got a lot of the guys back and we will be close to full strength for the game,” said Stephenson, noting most of the injuries were slight ankle sprains that limited action for some.

Stephenson said he has been impressed with Daleville in watching film of the Warhawks.

“They are athletic and they play hard,” Stephenson said. “They get after you. They remind us of our team speed. We feel speed is probably equal in the game. The other thing that sticks out is that they have won games in all three phases, including the kicking game. They are a dangerous club.”