Pine is at home tonight, hosting Varnado in the only high school football game that takes place in Washington Parish, as both teams attempt to start 2-0.

The Raiders come in after defeating Pearl River, 54-43. Varnado defeated St. Patrick of Biloxi, Miss., 39-8.

“It was nice to start off 1-0,” Pine coach Bradley Seal said. “We thought it was important to start 1-0. We’d like to get to 2-0, because that puts you one step closer to your goals.”

Last week, Pine had to come from behind to capture the victory. The Raiders trailed at one point, 21-8. Seal said a comeback like that can help a team down the line.

“It makes you feel like at any time, the game is never over. At any point, you’ve got a chance,” Seal said.

Jakyran Handy put up a huge game for the Raiders, scoring eight touchdowns. Handy ran 20 times for 115 yards (5.7 yards per carry) and seven touchdowns. He also had a catch for 80 more yards and a score.

“He ran the ball hard,” Seal said. “I thought late in the third quarter, he started taking over the ball game. He’s a big back and he’s hard to tackle late in the game.”

Quarterback Joey Seal completed 6-of-16 passes for 141 yards and a touchdown. He also ran 11 times for 59 yards (5.3).

Damarea Odom posted 50 yards on seven carries (7.1) while Delvric Dillon had 46 yards on six attempts (7.6) and Jarwin Jordan ran four times for 34 yards (8.5).

Chris Gordon caught three passes for 50 yards (16.6).

Defensively, Tate Roach recovered a fumble.

Varnado won last year’s meeting, 39-17.

“It’s week two of the season,” Varnado coach Scott Shaffett said. “We’re going out to play ball. We’re going to try and correct some mistakes we had last week. We’re trying to eliminate mistakes and fine tune what we do. Power points are at stake.”

James Williams completed both of his pass attempts for touchdowns of 43 and 65 yards to Armontee Kemp and Travon Stokes, respectively.

Kemp also had an interception. Desmond Harry scored two touchdowns on runs of 52 and 39 yards. Jadarrell Magee tallied a two-point conversion.

Jeroderick Robinson had a 55-yard interception return for a score and Errol Varnado picked off a pass.

“Offensively, we looked pretty good,” Shaffett said. “Our line blocked really well. They were really disciplined in their blocking and following our rules. I thought our skill positions stepped up and played well.

“Defensively, I thought we played lights out. We went out there and did a good job. This week, the challenge is bigger.”