Pine’s Raiders are at home Friday night, hosting Jonesboro-Hodge in the opening round of the Class 2A state playoffs.

The winner will play either defending Class 2A state champion and fifth-seeded Kinder, or No. 28-seeded Jeanerette.

This is the second time in school history that the Raiders are hosting a playoff football game. The first time came in 2014 when they won their first-ever postseason football game in school history with a 28-20 victory over St. Helena College & Career Academy.

“We’re excited to host a playoff game,” Pine coach Bradley Seal said. “It’s a nice reward for the season.”

The Raiders, who are the 12th-seeded team, are going for the second football playoff win in school history.

Pine went 6-3 in the regular season and was 3-3 in District 7-2A.

Last year, the Raiders made the playoffs, but lost 36-6 in the first round to East Feliciana, who eventually advanced to the quarterfinals.

Pine is coming off of a 19-17 win over St. Thomas Aquinas in last week’s regular season finale.

The Raiders’ defense has been solid all season long. The team has allowed fewer than 20 points five times this season, including the last two games.

Colby Powell recorded two sacks for the Raiders last week.

“Colby plays with a lot of high energy,” Seal said. “He’s a vocal leader on the team and his hard work has really paid off this year.”

Ethan Knight had a sack and Tate Roach intercepted a pass and took it down to the 1 to set up the Raiders’ first score of the game.

Offensively, quarterback Joey Seal threw for 85 yards, ran for 31 yards and rushed for three touchdowns.

Jakyran Handy had 86 yards on the ground, bringing his season total to 1,001 yards rushing with 18 touchdowns over nine games. He has also caught a touchdown.

Jonesboro-Hodge, the No. 21 seed, enters Friday night’s game with a 3-7 record. The Tigers lost to Calvary Baptist, 45-7 last week.

Last year, Jonesboro-Hodge reached the playoffs, but lost in the first round to Red River, 27-7. Red River made it to the second round.

Jonesboro-Hodge is 2-2 in its last four games.