Pirates begin playoff quest tonight

The Pike County Pirates travel to Washington County tonight for a first round matchup in the Class AAA state playoffs. There are multiple reports Pike’s excellent quarterback will be unable to play due to illness.Here’s what others have to say about tonight’s big game.From Georgia High School Football Daily:Pike County (6-4) at Washington Co. (9-1)- Washington County is 32-3 all-time at home in the postseason. The only losses were to Early County (1980 quarterfinal), Mitchell-Baker (1998 first round) and North Forsyth (2001 quarterfinal). The Golden Hawks have won 11 consecutive home playoff games.- Washington County is 1-5 in the playoffs since reaching its last semifinal in 2006. The school reached the semifinals nine times from 1992 to 2006 and won titles in 1994, 1996 and 1997.- Pike County is looking for its first playoff victory. The school, which began varsity football in 1971, has qualified in 1993, 2004 and 2008.- Pike County is 40th in scoring offense (19.7) and 26th in scoring defense (21.8) against a schedule that is ranked 12th among 60 teams in Class AAA. Washington County is first in scoring (42.7) and 19th in scoring defense (18.3) against a schedule that is second.- This is the first meeting between these schools.From http://www.macon.comWashington County (9-1)Head coach: Joel Ingram.Region seed: No. 2 in Region 3-AAA.Playoff opponent: vs. Pike County (6-4).Key wins: Baldwin, Eagle’s Landing Christian, ECI, Laney, Lovett, Jefferson CountyKey players: QB William Walker, Sr.; OL/DL Michael Selby, Sr.; WR Deonte Latimer, Sr.; RB Melvin Hill, Jr.Scouting report: The Golden Hawks’ offense starts and stops with Walker. The dual-threat quarterback willed his team to wins over ELCA and Lovett, and he makes the plays most area quarterbacks can’t. Hill and Jukilo Johnson have rotated as the Golden Hawks’ top rushing options out of the backfield. Selby anchors the offensive and defensive lines. The Golden Hawks’ defense has overpowered most of their opponents this season.