The Pike Patriots dropped another game to a top-five opponent on Friday night when they lost to top-ranked Autauga Academy 40-26 in Prattville.

The loss for the Patriots drops their record on the year to 4-2.

Quarterback Reed Jinright finished the game completing three of his 10 passes for 14 yards. On the ground TK Thomas led the way with 83 yards rushing on 16 carries and three touchdowns. Cody Hollis rushed for 57 yards and a touchdown, while Reed Johnson finished the night with 44 yards.

The Patriots and Generals traded touchdowns in the first quarter beginning with the Patriots. Thomas rushed in from four yards out and the Patriots jumped out to a 6-0 lead.

Autauga answered on their next drive to go up 7-6.

Thomas had an answer of his own with his second touchdown on the night, this time from three out to put Pike up 12-7.

The Generals added one more touchdown giving them a lead heading into the second quarter.

The Patriots were shut out in both the second and third quarter to fall behind 26-12 heading into the fourth quarter.

Thomas scored his third touchdown of the game to bring the score to 26-19. Just like in the first quarter, the Patriots and the Generals traded scores and Autauga immediately answered and went up 33-19.

The Patriots made one last ditch effort to get back in the game when Hollis took one in from five yards out to once again bring the Patriots back to within one score.

That would be as close as they would get after the Generals scored one final touchdown to close out the scoring at 40-26.

The Patriots will be back in action next Friday night when they travel to take on Glenwood.