In the 1980s and early 2000s, Pike County High School dominated the high school football landscape in the state of Alabama.

Yes, the Bulldogs would put up points in bunches, but it was the smothering purple cloud defense that propelled Pike County to the top of the mountain.

The 2013 Bulldogs have found their stride on the defensive side of the football as of late, and the improved play has a lot of folks in Brundidge pondering of a possible return to the state title mix.

Fred Holland, Pike County head coach and defensive coordinator, feels the resurgence of the Bulldog D all from the players.

“They are really buying in to the way we want to play defense,” Holland said. “They are very coachable, and are learning every day. We have stressed gang tackling and flying to the football. Over the last few weeks, our guys have done a good job of it.

Pike County was gashed early in the season by region-champion Dale County, but has seemed to turn the corner in recent weeks. Pike held a talented and explosive Luverne offense to just 21 points, handcuffed Montgomery Catholic’s air raid attack, and shutdown Geneva’s ground-based system.

Holland said the players are hungry, and have seen flashes of success.

“They have seen what can happen when you do what you are supposed to do. Holland said. “They are hungry for more, and are willing to put in the work to get the job done.”

Pike County can secure a home playoff game Friday with a win, and loss by Barbour County, but Holland thinks Slocomb will throw everything it has at the Bulldogs in the last region game.

“They don’t want to finish as the four seed,” Holland said. “We are all still playing for something, and we have to be ready to go for four quarters on Friday night.”