Morgan Academy ran through, over and around the Pike Liberal Arts Patriots and blew out the home team 39-8.

The Senators from Selma out-gained Pike Lib 424 yards to just 91.

Big plays doomed the Pats over the course of the game, as Morgan had five plays of at least 20 yards and blocked Patriot punt.

Pike Liberal head coach Wayne Grant had little to say after the season opening loss.

“It’s the same thing that I noticed last week,” said Grant dejectedly. “You have to block, tackle and execute. You won’t win a game until you do that.”

Pike dressed just sixteen players on Friday night, and each saw some action on the field.

The Pats were lead on offense by senior Tatom Barnes. Barnes rushed for 59 yards on 20 carries and scored the lone Pike touchdown late in the fourth quarter on an inside lead from one yard out.

On defense Taylor Renfroe and Tyler Rotton lead the team with five tackles each.

The loss was the first season opening loss for Grant since 2003. That season Grant’s Pike County Bulldogs lost their first game to Booker T. Washington.

It is also the first time since 2007 that that Pike Liberal lost an opening season game.

Pike Liberal will travel to Lee-Scott Academy next Friday.