THOMASVILLE — Thomasville’s signal-caller is expected to play tonight.

Despite being held out of practice Wednesday, Bulldogs quarterback Charles Hayes is ready to play in the Bulldogs’ Class AA second-round game at Dublin.

“He’s been nursing his back and his hip for a long time,” Thomasville coach Richie Marsh said. “To tell you the truth, it’s been aggravated every week we play.

“You could see it in the games.”

McIntosh County Academy wouldn’t believe it.

Thomasville’s junior signal-caller torched the Bulldogs’ first-round opponent for 118 yards on eight attempts, including a 72-yard touchdown jaunt in the second quarter.

Marsh added that Hayes practiced Monday and had no concerns about his availability for tonight’s second-round showdown.

“I’ve just been getting therapy on him,” Marsh added. “He’ll be just fine.”

With Hayes unable to practice this week, junior Fredderick Holton and sophomore Jeffery Dyson have been taking the reps at quarterback.

For the year, Hayes is the Bulldogs’ second-leading rusher with 645 yards and 10 touchdowns.