The Pike County Bulldogs will be looking to get the 2009 season started off on the right track as the team welcomes Carroll High School to Bulldog Stadium.

Last season when the two teams met, Carroll, who finished with a losing record of 4-6, was able to get the best of Pike County, winning 27-18.

Pike County finished with an overall record of 5-5 including a playoff birth in 2008.

First year head coach, Eddie Stephenson, got a look at his team in action against county rival Charles Henderson last Saturday in the Pike County Classic.

The Bulldogs were unable to do a lot offensively, only gaining 127 offensive, as the Trojans went on to a 38-0 victory.

The Charles Henderson victory was the team’s second straight over Pike County in the classic.

“We didn’t play well in the jamboree [Pike County Classic] last Saturday,” Stephenson said.

“We have to improve on our mistakes by giving a better effort, improving our technique and offensive execution.

“I want to see us get better. I don’t believe we have scratched the surface of our potential yet.”

Despite the loss, the coach said he did some of the positive aspects of his team that he said he hopes continues into the game against Carroll.

“I thought our special teams played fundamentally sound the entire game and I was proud to see some of our underclassmen play well.”

“We have to get the kids their time on the field and let them build up confidence.

“I am pretty optimistic about the season, but we can’t do things over night,” the coach added.

For the home opener against Carroll, Stephenson said that he hopes his team is challenged.

“We want out kids to be tested, and in the process we are hoping they step up.”

Today’s game will mark the regular season debut of the Stephenson’s hybrid-wing T offense.

“We are going to have a certain scheme going into the game against Carroll that we hope will work out for us.”

“It will be a work in progress, but we are excited to see how the kids play,” Stephenson said.

Pike County and Carroll will kick off the regular season tonight at 7 p.m.