The Pike Liberal Arts Patriots (1-0) welcome two-time defending AISA state champions Abbeville Christian this Friday for the home opener.

“It’s always good when you are coming off a win,” said Patriots head coach Gene Allen. “It’s always good to be playing at home. Abbeville will be a challenge for us. They have won the state championship the last couple of years. We have to come out and play our responsibilities.”

The Generals (0-2) come into the game averaging 19 points per game.

“They are a spread offense,” Allen said. “They have two or three really good athletes that run the ball really well. It’s going to be really important for us to play our assignments.”

Allen said the Generals’ athleticism will play a key role in the game. “They are going to cut back and they are going to reverse field. They do things that really good athletes are able to do. It’s very important for us to be where we are supposed to be.”

The Patriots also will be tasked with going up against a talented set of receivers.

“They have a couple of guys that are good receivers,” Allen said. “They can throw the ball up and go get it.”

Offensively, the Patriots are expecting a strong running game. Last week against the Gators the Patriots compiled 296 yards on the ground.

“Right now we are running the ball really well,” Allen said. “We are doing a lot of things that are giving some people some problems.”

Patriots quarterback Reed Jinright will face a defense much like his own.

“They do a lot of the same things that we do,” Allen said. “They run a lot of multiple fronts. They are really athletic and they get to the ball. Offensively our lineman needs to get on blocks and stay on blocks.”

Allen said Friday night’s home opener will give the Patriot faithful a chance to come out and see the team for the first time.

“I think everybody is excited,” Allen said. “It’s always great. You have the pep rallies and all the little kids are excited because they are always fired up. We are expecting a lot of people here and lot of excitement.”

The Generals and the Patriots will kick things off at 7 p.m. Friday at Dewight Ward Field at Delaney Kervin Stadium.