All it took for South Pike was a win.
Now the Eagles have some resemblance of confidence heading into the final two weeks of the season.
“It helped our morale, having a victory, especially one that has playoff implications,” said South Pike coach Michael Andrews of the Eagles’ 44-20 win over Lawrence County last Friday, which snapped a seven-game losing streak.
South Pike looks to carry that momentum into Friday’s homecoming district game against Purvis.
The Eagles need to win at least one of their final two games to remain in the playoff hunt. South Pike, North Pike and Purvis are tied for third with identical 1-2 records. A win over Purvis could help South Pike clinch a playoff berth. A loss puts South Pike essentially into a play-in game at North Pike next Friday, with the winner advancing to the playoffs.
The win over Lawrence County not only got South Pike off the schneid, but lifted a huge weight off the Eagles’ back.
“There is no pressure,” Andrews said. “Everything that we had to endure during this time period, we have stayed positive and still believe.”
That carefree attitude can only help South Pike, which struggled to find any success during the first seven games of the season.
The Eagles came out of nowhere with 378 yards of total offense against Lawrence County, including 344 rushing yards.
Andrews hopes that performance will lead to several more.
“We are only worried about how we are going to finish,” he said. “Hopefully we can have a positive note to the end of the season.”
South Pike’s biggest challenge Friday will be controlling Purvis running back Thomaz Taylor, who has rushed for more than 1,000 yards this season.
Taylor isn’t a power back, but uses his speed and quickness to run behind Purvis’ massive offensive line. This should provide an even-keeled matchup with South Pike’s aggressive, physical defense.
“I’m aware of him. He’s been cutting on us for several years,” Andrews said. “He’s an excellent back ... a Division I player.”
Freshman Marquez Andrews will make his fourth straight start under center for South Pike. The youngster has finally gained control of the offense and has given the Eagles a reliable option.
