Pine is back on the road tomorrow and heads to Amite to play the Warriors in a District 9-2A contest with kickoff set for 7 p.m.
The game was originally scheduled for Friday, but was pushed up a day because of the Tangipahoa Parish Fair.
“This is a good challenge for us,” Pine coach Bradley Seal said. “This is one of the top teams in the state. We’re excited to see how we stack up against them.”
The Raiders enter this week with a 3-2 record overall and 1-1 record in district play. Pine is eighth in the unofficial LHSAA Class 2A power rankings.
Pine continued its pattern of alternating wins and losses last week, with a 48-12 victory over Springfield.
Pine was strong offensively and defensively last Friday against Springfield. The Raiders had a 100-yard rusher and receiver in the game.
Joey Seal continued his strong season in the passing game against Springfield, throwing for three touchdowns. Seal has thrown for eight touchdowns this season. Seal finished with 137 yards passing. Seal also ran for 40 yards and a touchdown.
Markell Cotton caught the three touchdowns in a six-catch, 103-yard performance. Cotton has four touchdown receptions this season.
“(Cotton’s) a big physical receiver,” Pine coach Bradley Seal said. “He’s fast. He’s a complete receiver.”
Jordan Anderson caught two passes for 38 yards.
The Raiders’ running game was strong as well. The team ran for 331 yards on 36 carries, led by Jakyran Handy, who had 11 attempts for 149 yards and a touchdown. Damarea Odom rushed four times for 56 yards and a score. Demillion Williams recorded 48 yards on five carries and a touchdown. Ricardo Handy had 33 yards on five attempts.
Defensively, Spencer Hunt recovered a fumble in the first quarter that led to Pine’s second touchdown. Zavier Elzie tackled a Springfield ball carrier at the 1, which led to a safety.
Coach Seal said that linebacker Dakota Brooks played well Friday night.
“He’s been a linebacker that has been rotating in and out,” Seal said. “He got a start this week and took advantage of it. Sometimes, those option teams can be challenging.”
Amite enters Thursday’s game seeking to stay undefeated. The Warriors are 5-0 overall and have won both district games.
Amite is ranked second in the Louisiana Sports Writers Association poll. Amite is fourth in the unofficial LHSAA Class 2A power rankings.
The 2016 Class 3A state runner-up defeated Northlake Christian School, 20-7. Amite scored two defensive touchdowns in last Friday’s win.