The Lawrence County Cougars (4-4, 1-1) host a crucial Region 6-4A game tonight in Monticello as the North Pike Jaguars (4-4, 1-1) come to town.

The Jags and longtime coach Chris Smith are coming off of a 27-24 win over McComb last week. North Pike lost to Lanier on the road the previous week 30-14.

The straw that stirs the drink for NP is senior quarterback Alijah Martin. The 6-foot-2 Martin has thrown for 1,073 yards and nine TDs this season. Also, a basketball standout, Martin has also run for 892 yards and 10 scores.

North Pike has some close losses this season as they’ve moved back down to 4A after playing as a 5A team the past two seasons. They lost their opener 37-33 to Parklane. They lost the next week 27-26 to Tylertown.

North Pike also has a strong running option in junior Damuriyon Montgomery has rushed 106 times for 765 yards and has gone over 100 yards in five games this season.

Junior middle linebacker Fredarius Lewis leads the team with 94 total tackles and has also made four sacks for the Jags.

Kickoff at Lawrence County is set for 7 p.m.