The Pike Liberal Arts Junior Varsity football team ended its season Tuesday with 40-0 loss to Edgewood Academy. The loss for the Patriots puts their final record on the season at 6-2.

The Patriots struggled out of the gate on Tuesday allowing 32 points in the first half and struggling to stop the big plays. Edgewood connected on touchdown plays from 70 yards out on a kickoff return, 25 yards, 15 yards and 20 yards out all in the first half.

The Patriots came out in the second half and played more competitive football, allowing only eight second-half points.

“I was pleased with the way our kids continued to play in the second half,” said Patriots head coach Wes Allen. “They didn’t quit. I was really proud of their spirit.”

Trevor Barron led the Patriots in rushing with 36-yards on seven attempts. Jackson Blair hauled in one pass for 33 yards while Cody Hollis caught a pass for eight yards.

“I was very impressed with how the team came together and worked hard during summer camp and gelled together,” Allen said. “We have got a really gritty bunch of kids. They bought in with what we really wanted to do and I was real proud of that.”

As the season progressed, players developed into contributing factors on the Patriots roster.

“The way they practiced, the way they were teachable, that was something that we were really pleased with,” Allen said. “They played with a lot of intensity and we were really proud.”

The goal from day one for Allen and his coaching staff was to teach the game of football and the fundamentals that go along with it so the players will be well equipped when they make the jump to the varsity level.

“At the end of the day football is a real simple game,” Allen said. “If you can tackle than you have a chance. We wanted to teach that and be good fundamentally.”