Pike Liberal fell behind quickly and never could catch the Ft. Dale Eagles in a 38-0 loss Friday night at Delaney Kervin Stadium.

The Patriot offense was kept in check all night long, and the PLAS defense couldn’t find a way to slow down the quick paced Eagle offense.

Pike was able to muster only 74 yards of offense in the game, and head coach Wayne Grant said that the Patriots must get better in the fundamentals of the game to have a chance to pick up some wins down the stretch.

“We didn’t tackle well, block well, run routes with any zest or cover kicks well tonight,” said Grant. “All I know to do is work on it, and keep trying to get better.”

For the majority of the second half, freshman Marquese Christian ran the offense. Christian completed two passes and looked comfortable in the pocket and on the run. Grant said that Christian is the front runner for the quarterback job next season.

“We needed to give Russ a little of a break,” said Grant. “The game is out of reach, and any experience Marquese gets this year will help down the line.”

The loss drops Pike Liberal to 1-6. The Patriots began the night with 16 players in uniform, with three of those being junior varsity players.

Grant believes the season is beginning to wear down his small number of players.

“We started tonight with 16 players,” said Grant. “Everyone is getting worn down from practice and playing everywhere, but we know that is a factor. We just have to keep moving on.”

Pike travels to Hooper Academy in Hope Hull next Friday.