For the first time since the 2007 season the Pike County Bulldogs can call themselves region champions.

The match up between Daleville and PCHS was supposed to be one that had the two top teams from 3A Region 2 fighting for a championship however as it turned out only one team showed up.

The Bulldogs took care of business early and often on it’s way to dominating the Warhawks, winning 34-0.

Led by senior quarterback Josh Parker, the Bulldogs improved to a perfect 8-0 and a playoff game at Bulldog Stadium.

“I would have never dreamed we would have won by this score,” head coach Eddie Stephenson said.

“I cannot say enough about these kids, when they want something they go out and get it – no questions asked.

“It feels great [to be region champions],” the coach said with a smile.

The defense got things started as it picked up where it left off against Dale County last week – forcing a Daleville fumble on the Warhawks’ first possession of the game.

Six plays later, Parker hit junior wide receiver Jerrelle Bailey for a four yard touchdown pass.

After that touchdown, the Bulldogs never looked back.

The Bulldogs’ next two offensive possessions resulted to points on the board as Parker and senior running back Marquavous Knox each ran in for touchdowns to put PCHS up 21-0 by the half.

“Our confidence is way up there right now,” Stephenson said.

“This defense believes it can make stops when it is needed.

“Our intensity level was high the entire game, I could not be more proud of this group of kids,” Stephenson added.

The defense suffocated the Warhawks all night long, forcing five turnovers – three interceptions and two fumbles and also had three sacks. “[Both the offense and the defense]serve their purpose and play off each other,” Stephenson said.

“The offense capitalizes off of the opportunities the defense gives them.”

The Bulldogs would add to more touchdowns in the second half – a Parker three-yard run and an eight-yard Parker pass to freshman wide receiver Stephan Foster. “I just come out here and play,” Parker said.

“I am surrounded by a great coaching staff and great teammates – when I am successful its is because of them. Parker said winning the region championship has only made this season sweeter for him and his teammates. “At the beginning of the season, I knew we had a pretty good team but I didn’t know what we would be able to do [on the field].

“The way this season has gone there is nothing has been wonderful – nothing more I could wish for,” the quarterback said.

After the game, Stephenson echoed his quarterback’s comments and said this was where he and the team had planned to be at the beginning of the season. “Winning the region championship was a goal set at the beginning of the season and now we have accomplished that goal – but we have a lot more to accomplish.

“We want to finish the season undefeated and that’s what we will be going after next week,” Stephenson said.

The Bulldogs will look to stay unbeaten next week as the team takes on Geneva in its season finale.