ATMORE, Ala. – Explosive plays and not capitalizing on opportunities were the differences in Presbyterian Christian School's 27-7 loss to Escambia Academy.
The Cougars declawed the Bobcats with six different plays that went for 25 or more yards throughout the night. PCS only came up with points in one of its three red-zone trips. At the same time, the Bobcats never took advantage of Escambia Academy's 127 yards in penalties.
Escambia Academy got on the board first as a 27-yard run set up a touchdown for the Cougars’ running back Daughtry McGhee.
PCS (0-1) scored on the next possession as quarterback Collin Necaise connected with running back Marquis Crosby for a 22-yard touchdown to tie the game at 7-7.
However, Escambia Academy (1-0) answered back just three plays later as quarterback Landon Sims scored on a 31-yard touchdown run to give the Cougars a 13-7 lead.
On the following drive, the Bobcats looked to respond as the Cougars continued to make penalties. PCS converted three fourth downs to drive to Escambia Academy’s 19-yard line, but the Bobcats failed to convert on fourth down for the first time on the night. By the end of the night, PCS finished 3-for-6 on fourth down plays.
The Bobcats kept Escambia Academy off the board just before halftime with a defensive stand at the PCS two-yard line to keep the score 13-7.
After halftime, PCS drove into the Cougars territory, but the penalty bug killed the Bobcats drive as they failed to convert on a fourth and 16. PCS commited nine penalties that totaled 95 yards.
The Bobcats quickly paid for it as Sims threw a 50-yard touchdown. Escambia Academy converted a two-point conversion to extend its lead 21-7.
PCS’s offense again failed to find a spark and quickly punted. The Cougars then came up with a 62-yard run to set up in the Bobcats territory, before the game entered a lightning delay.
Despite the delay, Escambia Academy closed the game out as Sims scored on a three-yard touchdown run that put the game away.
Sims spearheaded the Cougars’ 322 yards of total offense as he rushed for 85 yards and two touchdowns while passing for 87 yards and a touchdown.
The Bobcats accumulated 164 yards of total offense on the night. Crosby led the team with 85 rushing yards and his 22-yard touchdown catch. Neicase finished the night 6-for-19 while passing for 43 yards and a touchdown.
PCS will host Lamar for its home opener next Friday at 7 p.m.
