Pelham has a chance to end playoff drought

PELHAM — Pelham has a chance to do something tonight that hasn’t been done in six years. With a victory over Berrien, the Hornets would make the state football playoffs for the first time since 2009.

The Hornets are currently in fourth place in Region 1-AA with at 5-4 overall and 2-3 in region play. They could finish tied for third if Early County loses to Thomasville. If Pelham loses to Berrien, the Rebels would make the playoffs over the Hornets.

“I think the kids will come into this one with a little momentum from the last one,” Pelham coach Dondrial Pinkins said. “Hopefully, we will come out and play well early. All we can ask for is a chance and I think that we have it. If it comes down to another barn-burner like it did last week, hopefully our guys understand what is at stake here and have a do-or-die mentality.”

Just a week ago, it looked like Pelham would miss out on the postseason completely, but a 26-20 overtime win over Seminole County put them ahead of Thomasville, Berrien and Seminole in the standings.

Berrien was in the same situation last year, needing a win over Pelham in the season finale to make the playoffs. The Rebels edged the Hornets with a 31-28 victory. They were eventually beaten in the first round by Vidalia.

“Berrien is coming in with the same mindset,” Pinkins said. “They are 2-7, but they are probably the best 2-7 team in the state with a chance to make the playoffs as well. I think both teams will come in with great intensity and understanding of what is at stake. Not necessarily the best team, but the team that wants in the most will win the ball game.”

Pinkins said that last week’s victory over Seminole County has caused a change in his team.

“You take a look at practice this week and I think the guys are a little bit more focused,” he said. “You look at our senior class and you take all things into account as far as them having the same opportunity last year and lose to Berrien. Now, they have a chance to come back as a senior class and play it at home and have an opportunity to go to the playoffs…I would love for them to have an opportunity to make the playoffs.”

If Pelham does make the playoffs, they will hope it goes better than their last appearance. In 2009, the Hornets faced Greenville in the first round and lost 25-0.