CANOE — Pike Liberal Arts broke out to an early 6-0 lead against No. 3 Escambia Academy on Friday, but the Cougars pulled away on the way to a 48-14 win.

Pike Liberal Arts (6-3, 2-3 in AISA Class 3A, Region 2) scored the first touchdown of the game when Cameron Crowe recovered a fumble and returned it 15 yards for a score. The extra point was no good.

The Patriots were unable to score again until the fourth quarter, when Wood Jinright had a 15-yard touchdown run with 4:12 remaining in the game. Pike Liberal Arts finished the drive with a two-point conversion pass.

EA improved to 7-0 overall and 6-0 in region play. Gordon Brooks and Kris Brown each scored two touchdowns for the Cougars.

“We were playing a really good football team tonight,” Pike Liberal Arts coach Gene Allen said. “We had too many turnovers and were forced to defend the short field too often.”