South Pike has skated on thin ice the entire 2011 season.
The Eagles could have easily won 10 games or lost close to that number.
And to make matters more interesting, they barely squeezed into the 4A playoffs.
But none of that seems to matter as the 7-5 Eagles are riding a hot streak into Friday's second round matchup against powerhouse Forrest County AHS (11-1)
South Pike ironically will play host, despite Forrest County being the higher seed (No. 1 from Region 8-4A).
According to the Mississippi High School Activities Association website, in the second through fourth rounds, "the team that has played a fewer number of home games will be designated the home team."
South Pike has played fewer home games and therefore receives the home game in Magnolia where fan support should be in full effect.
"Eventually when the fans get behind you and the community gets behind you and everyone in the school gets behind you, it's good for everyone," said South Pike coach Willie Brown. "In order to get that, you have to earn that. It doesn't come easy."
If the Eagles have earned any respect during the past two weeks, it has been from their opponents. The Eagles have racked up 891 rushing yards in the past two games and it is safe to say the offense is firing on all cylinders.
"We are finally getting an understanding of the Wing-T," said running back Dewayne Pounds. "We just know our assignments better than we've been doing. We are just executing. Everybody is on the same page."
Brown has seen big improvements from his offensive line, which he says has been the biggest difference.
On the field, Pounds has received well-deserved support from Raheem Magee, Russell Roberts and Virgil Dawson. The foursome have totaled a blistering 2,677 yards and 22 touchdowns in 12 games.
"The better teams you play, it's hard to rush for 400 yards," Brown said. "We love it. We don't have a problem with it. We want to run the football. That's our game."
It is also the game of Forrest County, who also run a version of the Wing-T. The only difference between the two is the Aggies actually have a passing game. Besides averaging 220 rushing yards per game, they account for 127 yards through the air.
Conversely, South Pike is only 5 of 25 for 131 yards.
Chances are the Eagles won't even attempt a pass, so it may take another 400-yard rushing performance for the upset.
Either way, Brown insists the yards won't matter if his team can't hold onto the football.
"We understand that this is win or go home. This is elimination time," he said. "The mistakes we were making earlier, you can't afford to make those same mistakes."
