The Pinecrest Patriots pounded the Union Pines Vikings 38-6 in Thursday's JV football game in Southern Pines.

"Coach Dan Mathews calls our offense," Metzger said, "and Coach Ryan Riggin calls our defense on jayvee.

"We are both young (Pinecrest and Union Pines)," Metzger said, "JV is just a farm club, we had 12 different kids run the ball. We have many solid players that are right on the cusp of being on the varsity program. So we are proud of all of them and that they are giving us all they have.

It took the Pats a little while to get going on offense as they fumbled on their first possession. However, once the offense hit its stride, Pinehurst struck swiftly and often, scoring using a versatile option attack, several different running backs and a strong aerial assault.

Junior running back Ervin Maurice scored the first touchdown of the game when he found pay dirt on a 2-yard run off right tackle with less than a minute remaining in the first quarter. The score was set up by a 40-yard run by sophomore running back Damion Pride.

After the Vikes fumbled deep in their own territory, The Pats struck again when sophomore quarterback Kyle Ocheltree took a one-step quick drop and connected with junior receiver Harrison Deen on a fade route for a touchdown. Ocheltree converted the try with a sneak to give Pinecrest a 16-0 lead at the end of the first quarter.

On the ensuing possession, the Vikes launched a time-consuming 40-yard, 13-play drive. However, the Patriot defense halted Union Pines' progress at the midfield. With good field position after a nice punt return, Pinecrest scored three plays later.

After Ocheltree connected with Drakeford Faronte deep on the right sideline for a 40-yard gain, junior running back Riley Papp scored on a two yard run as the Pats took a 22-0 lead with 4:20 left in the half.

At the 1:13 mark Pinecrest blocked a punt that bounded out of the end zone for a safety that stretched the Pat advantage to 24-0.

To start the second half Pinecrest launched a 62-yard, eight-play scoring drive. On fourth and eight, sophomore Raphael Alston scored a 35-yard rushing touchdown on a pitch left. Pride then pounded it past the goal line for the two-point conversion, giving the Pats a 32-0 lead with 8:23 left in the third quarter.

The Pats scored their final touchdown of the game minutes later when Pride broke free for a 41-yard run. A failed two-point conversion left the score 38-0, with 4:18 left in the third quarter.

The Vikings' sole score came on a 95-yard, eight-play drive. Union Pines' big strike came from fullback A.J. Ritter, who had a 67-yard run all the way down to the Patriot 16. Four plays later he would score off tackle on a 5-yard run to give the Vikes a touchdown.

Ritter was a workhorse of the evening for Union Pines. He carried the ball 18 times for 141 yards. Viking Cameron Pearson, a sophomore middle linebacker, made many monster hits in the game and led the team with nine tackles.