Fourth quarter not kind to Patriots in 20-7 loss
Published 10:54 pm Friday, October 11, 2019
The Pike Liberal Arts Patriots fell to rival Fort Dale 20-7 on homecoming in Troy.
Tied at 7 entering the fourth quarter, the Patriots allowed 13 quick fourth quarter points by the Eagles to put the game out of reach.
The loss for the Patriots drops the Patriots to 2-6 overall and 0-3 in region play.
Possessions and points came at a premium in the first half on Friday night. Both teams combined to have just six possessions.
The Patriots had their best chance to score on their second drive of the half. They drove inside the Eagle 25-yard line, but a holding penalty and a pour snap pushed the ball back to around midfield.
The Eagles took over late in the first quarter and held possession until the 4:44 mark of the second quarter.
Their drive lasted 18 plays and traveled 80 yards ending with a one-yard touchdown, bringing the score to 7-0 after a successful point after attempt.
The game went into halftime with the Eagles still clinging to a 7-0 lead. The Patriot offense broke through on their second drive of the second half. Senior running back Chip Faircloth capped a six play 75-yard drive with a four-yard touchdown run, tying the game at 7 with 3:56 remaining in the third.
The Eagles responded with their second double-digit play drive of the game. They marched 62 yards down the field and scored on a 28-yard completion on fourth and four. It was the first time in the game that the Eagles attempted a pass.
The Eagles quickly got the football back when they recovered and onside kick attempt. Three players later they put the game out of reach on another completion, this time for 43 yards. It was their second touchdown in less than two minutes.
The Patriots will be back in action next Friday night when they travel to take on Monroe Academy.
Quarterback Davis Allen led the team with 131 rushing yards. He completed three passes for 21 yards.