Despite a 1-3 record, Pike Liberal Arts is yet to give up a long, sustained drive to an opponent.

Pike’s three losses, to Morgan, Lee-Scott and Lakeside, all came mainly because of big plays given up by the defense.

Lakeside scored on two plays of more than 70 yards, Lee-Scott found the endzone on plays of 63 and 31 yards and gave up several long runs to Morgan academy in the season opener.

Patriot head coach Gene Allen said limiting such plays has been focus this week in practice.

“We have got to do a better job getting off the field on third down,” Allen said. “We have given way too many yards, and way too many big plays this season. If you can keep them close, and string two good halves of football together, then we will be pretty good.”

Pike travels to Macon-East Montgomery Academy Friday night, in what is one of the Pats’ bigger rivalries.

Allen knows the matchup well.

“They don’t seem to like us to well, and want to beat us in everything,” Allen said. “They got us pretty good down here last year, and we would love to return the favor Friday. We have to take advantage of our chances, not turn the ball over and get off the field on third down. If we do that, I like our chances.

Pike has faced the Knights on 13 different occasions, with Macon holding a 9-4 advantage.

The Pats will look for win No. 5 against Macon East Friday night in Cecil.

Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.