After a tight opening quarter, the Pike Liberal Arts Patriots surrendered 26 second quarter points in there 40-21 loss to Macon East on Friday night.

The loss drops the Patriots to 1-4 overall and 0-2 in region play.

The Patriots fell behind 7-0 after one quarter of play, but 26 second quarter points gave the Knights a 33-0 lead heading into half time.

The Patriots cracked the scoreboard in the third quarter when quarterback Drew Nelson squeezed his way in for a one-yard touchdown run.

The Patriots had two fourth quarter touchdowns including a 46-yard reception by Case Chirico.

Senior Chip Faircloth led the Patriots rushing attack with 59 yards on 15 carries. He had one touchdown. Nelson finished the game 18-30 for 202 yards with one touchdown and one interception. Connor Cox finished the game with four catches for 72 yards and a touchdown.

Jaquavian Johnson led the team with seven tackles.

The Patriots will be back in action next Friday night when they travel to take on Lee-Scott Academy.

Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m.