By Ross Johnson

Sports Writer

What a difference a year makes.

Last season, Callaway went to Pike County for a match-up that decided which team would win Region 5-AA and earn a top seed in the Class AA playoffs.

The Pirates were unbeaten until the Cavaliers won a close 21-14 battle to win their first region championship in school history.

Tonight, one team is on a similar path, and the other is nowhere near it.

Callaway (7-2, 7-0 region play) won its second straight region title last week by defeating Heard County, and Pike lost its second straight and is just 2-5 in region play this season.

The Pirates (3-6 overall) lost plenty of seniors from last year’s 9-2 season, and it’s been a tough year injury-wise, according to Callaway coach Pete Wiggins.

“They’ve had some tough breaks with injuries,” Wiggins said. “Any time at this level you’re going to have significant injuries that affect the season.”

With a few minor exceptions, the Cavaliers have had great luck keeping players healthy of late.

Callaway is leading the region in offense, racking up 376 yards per game and averaging 41 points per contest.

The defense has also allowed more than single digits just twice in the last seven games.

Despite already achieving one of their main goals, the Cavaliers will still be laying it on the line tonight at Callaway Stadium.

“We’re approaching this game just like any other,” Wiggins said. “We have to get better and more conditioned for the playoffs next week.”

It’s been a tough season for Pike.

The Pirates’ only region wins were over Crawford County and Macon County, and had close losses to Spencer and Jordan, which are a combined 5-13 on the year.

The team has no shot of making the playoffs, so tonight’s game will be viewed as a postseason game for the Pirates, according to Wiggins.

“We’re going to be getting their best shot,” Wiggins said. “This is their last game of the season, and they’re fighting for pride.”