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The Pike Liberal Arts Patriots (6-3, 3-3) will look to close out the 2024 regular season strong this Friday, Oct. 25, on the road at the Loachapoka Indians (4-4) in a non-region game.

Both Pike and Loachapoka have clinched playoff berths and will end the regular season next week with a bye. So, this is the final chance to build up some momentum heading into the playoffs for both sides.

Pike is coming off a frustrating 41-0 loss to Highland Home last week. Despite the lopsided score, PLAS head coach William Moguel was proud of his team’s fight.

“I was really proud of our kids,” Moguel said. “They came out and played hard against a really good team and a really good offense. We were able to sustain some drives but we also gave up some big plays and gave up a big (interception).

“I was proud of our kids. Don’t take anything away from Highland Home, they have an amazing football team that I think can make a long run (in the playoffs), but I was proud of our guys.”

Loachapoka is coming off a 49-14 win over Ranburne last week and are in the midst of a three-game winning streak with additional wins over Central Coosa and Horseshoe Bend.

“They’re a well-coached team with good athletes and they have some decent size,” Moguel said of Loachapoka. “We’re looking to have another battle this week.”

Moguel said it would be big for Pike to end the regular season on a positive note.

“It’s really important,” he emphasized. “The kids need some momentum, so we can be ready for whatever comes to us in the playoffs. It’s very important to finish on a high note.”

This is the first time Pike and Loachapoka have ever met on the grid iron and Moguel said he’s looking for his Patriots to continue the same effort they gave last week.

“I just want us to see do what we preach all the time; play hard for four quarters,” he said. “We need to play hard and play physical. Those are important every week.”

Pike and Loachapoka will meet at 7 p.m. on Friday night. Loachapoka is located in Lee County in eastern Alabama.