The Pike Liberal Arts School JV Patriots Came out running the ball on Tuesday evening Macon East and ran away with a convincing 43-0 win over the Knights.

“We had a lot more effort tonight,” said Pike Liberal Arts head coach Wes Allen. “We had a lot of intensity on both sides of the ball. We really executed on offense and really swarmed on the defensive side of the ball. We had still had some mistakes but we were able to overcome them.”

The Patriots jumped out to an early lead on a drive that ended with a Jackson Blair 30-yard TD run. The offensive line proved key in the win on Tuesday, controlling the line of scrimmage to open up the run game for the Pats.

“They came off the football and sustained blocks.” Allen said. “When you can do that and sustain the line of scrimmage, good things are going to happen.”

Cody Hollis picked off the pass setting up the Patriots with their second score of the game. Trevor Barron and the Patriot offense took advantage by scoring from 28 yards out to extend their lead to 14-0.

The defense kept rolling for the Patriots. Seth Lewis recovered a Macon East fumble on the 43-yard line setting up the Trojan offense.

Camden Koenning began the next drive with a 23-yard gain around the right side of the line, taking the Patriots into Macon East’s territory.

Quarterback Jade Sikes ran the ball in for a long touchdown on the next play, but was called back due to late holding calls by the officials.

Sikes made up for the penalty by taking the next snap and running in from the 40-yard line. A two-point conversion gave the Pats a 22-0 lead.

The Patriots turned over Macon East for the third time in the half when Jackson Blair picked off a pass and returned it to the Macon East 34-yard line.

Blair’s interception was one of two turnovers forced by the Patriot defense in the game.

“We preach everyday to get to the football, get eight guys to the football and swarm them,” Allen said. “Any time you can create turnovers and be able to flip the field, good things are going to happen.”

Davis Allen ended the first half by scoring from eight-yards out and after another two-point conversion by Blair the Patriots ended the first half with a 30-0 lead.

Barron scored his second touchdown of the game to begin the second half, capping a five-play drive with a 15-yard run. After a failed two-point conversion attempt the Patriots lead Macon East 36-0.

Koenning and the Trojans extended their lead out to 43-0 when the freshman scored on a 26-yard touchdown run. Blair had a big 30-yard run to set up the Patriots deep with Macon East territory.

With the win the Patriots improve their record to 5-1on the year. They will close out their home portion of their schedule next Tuesday when they host Hooper Academy.