The Pike Liberal Arts Pee Wee Patriots lost a close battle to the Fort Dale Eagles in Greenville Tuesday.

The Patriots showed their muscle in a four-minute span splinting the halftime intermission.

After an Eagle touchdown with just more than one minute left in the second quarter, Austin Ingram ran 20 yards to midfield and then connected with Rush Hixon on a 48-yard scoring pass to put PLAS on top 8-6 at halftime.

Pike used the first three minutes of the second half to mount their second consecutive 70-yard scoring drive. Drew Starling and Hixon each had carries of two yards while Ingram carried three times for 66 yards, including a 57-yard score around right end.

Pike’s 14-6 lead was short lived. The following play went 70 yards for an Eagle touchdown to tie the score at 14 after a good two-point conversion.

Fort Dale would add the game-winning score in the fourth quarter to defeat the Patriots 22-14.

Pike defensive leaders included Ingram with six tackles, Starling and Coleby Roberts with four tackles apiece and Hixon, Conner Wood, Trey Davis and Murphy Renfroe totaled three tackles each. Hixon, Starling and Kevin Boling combined for a quarterback sack.

Offensively, the Patriots’ posted 228 yards including 23 rushes for 171 yards and one reception for 57.

Ingram finished the night with 12 rushes for 142 yards and Hixon added 28 yards on seven carries.

The Pee Wees return to action Tuesday in Luverne against Crenshaw Christian Academy. Kickoff is slated for 6 p.m.