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The Pike County Bulldogs (2-2, 2-1) scored 19 unanswered points to defeat the Ashford Yellow Jackets (2-3, 2-1) by a score of 19-6 in a Class 4A, Region 2 home game on Friday.

Neither side was able to move the ball much in the first half until Ashford finally got going late in the second quarter. After a couple of big gains, Ashford scored on a 5-yard touchdown run with 4:07 left in the first half to put the Jackets up 6-0. The two-point try was no good.

After Pike County was again unable to move the ball, Ashford drove inside the Bulldog 5-yard line only for time to expire with the Yellow Jackets hanging on to the 6-0 lead at halftime.

In the first half, Pike County managed just 52 total yards and one first down. The Bulldogs opened up the second half with a 10-play scoring drive, however. Braylin Jackson capped off the drive with a 6-yard touchdown run to put PCHS up 7-6 after the PAT.

On Ashford’s next drive, a special teams mishap spelled disaster for the Yellow Jackets. As AHS attempted to punt, the ball sailed over the punters head and Pike County took over inside the Jacket 20-yard line. A few plays later, Jackson scored again on a 2-yard run. The PAT was blocked but the lead was extended to 13-6.

In the fourth quarter, Pike County capitalized on another special teams play when Jackson returned a punt 45 yards for a touchdown. The two-point try failed and Pike County took the 19-6 lead.

Ashford had three more chances to score in the fourth but turned the ball over once and never entered into Bulldog territory on the other possessions. In fact, Ashford managed just eight total yards in the second half.

For the game, Pike County totaled 153 yards of offense, while holding Ashford to 124 yards. The Pike County defense forced a turnover and recorded five sacks. Penalties were a problem for both teams, though. Pike County was flagged 20 times for 147 yards and Ashford was penalized 13 times for 83 yards.

Jackson rushed for 31 yards and two touchdowns on 13 carries, while also catching a pass for eight yards and returning two kicks for 65 yards and a score. A’zhoree Eutsey completed 5-of-10 passes for 66 yards and Atravyn Davenport caught three passes for 42 yards.

Kamarian Toney led the PCHS defense with seven tackles, 1.5 tackles-for-loss, a sack and a forced fumble. Jamaris Campbell recorded four tackles, 2.5 tackles-for-loss and 1.5 sacks. Quedell Johnson earned four tackles, a tackle-for-loss and a fumble recovery. Jackson also recorded five tackles, one tackle-for-loss and a pass breakup.

Pike County will travel to Ozark next Friday, Sept. 27, for a non-region game with Class 5A’s Carroll Eagles.