By By BRUCE HIXON – Sports Editor
At least they will not have to tackle a 350-mile round trip this week. That may be the only item that is easier for the W.S. Neal Blue Eagles Friday when they host the Pike County Bulldogs in both their home and Class 3A Region 1 opener Friday at 7 p.m.
Pike County's number three preseason ranking in Class 3A, a veteran roster and last week's 27-6 win over Class 5A member Booker T. Washington probably indicate the Bulldogs are poised to make another bid for not only the region championship, but the state crown as well.
The Bulldogs biggest weapon against Booker T. Washington was the running game, as they amassed 304 of their 340 total offensive yards on the ground. Fullback Jarmon Barrow (5-8, 175 lb. sr.) accounted for 176 of those yards with one score. Tailbacks James Jackson (5-7, 160 lb. jr.) and Darrell Reynolds (5-6, 170 lb. soph.) accounted for most of the remaining yards.
Although most of its production came on the ground, Pike County quarterback Alonzo Foster (5-8, 175 lb. jr.) did throw one touchdown strike to Fred Caffie (5-10, 160 lb. sr.) and a two-point conversion to tight end Tobias Lee (6-2, 205 lb. jr.) against Booker T. Washington.
The Blue Eagles will try to bounce back from their 10-7 loss to Class 5A member Eufaula.
W.S. Neal's offense generated only 106 yards of offense and only 31 rushing yards against Eufaula.
W.S. Neal's defense surrendered 142 yards to Eufaula on its first three possessions, but only 35 more the rest of the game.
Hathcock indicated field position hurt the Blue Eagles most of Friday's game.