CECIL – Pike Liberal Arts stumped their toe in Cecil Friday night as the second-ranked Patriots fell to Macon-East 34-28 in their first region game of the season.

The Patriots (1-1, 0-1) fell behind, 14-0, early before the offense could get them back in the game.

Josh Starling hooked up with Taytom Barnes in the second quarter for a 37-yard strike to bring the Patriots back to within eight, 14-6.

Nick McLaughlin would score on a 5-yard run just before half and convert the two-point conversion to tie the game.

The Knights went ahead, 20-14, in the third before McLaughlin scored from eight yards out to give Pike their first lead of the game, 21-20.

The back-and-forth continued when Macon-East scored to go up, 26-21.

Like clock work McLaughlin chalked up his third touchdown of the contest, this time from the 7-yard line. Pike lead 28-26.

After a long pass to get the ball to the Pike 5-yard line, the Knights punched in what would be the deathblow to cap the scoring 34-28.

McLaughlin finished with 229 yards on 35 carries and the trio of TDs.

Barnes rushed for 43 yards on eight attempts and also had the touchdown reception.

The Knights racked up 380 yards of total offense. 204, of which, came in the air.

Two of Macon’s score came on fourth and long plays.

The Patriots return to action next week when they take on Monroe at Dwight Ward Field.