When the Pinecrest freshmen football players spell defense, they do it with a capital "D."

The Patriots, now 4-1, got just enough offense in Thursday's 16-6 home victory over Lumberton, but it was the defense that shined the brightest.

Nicholas Lacy scored on a five-yard run on the first Patriot offensive series of the game and Matt Epley kicked the extra point. The only points by the visitors came on a 72-yard fumble return by Ahmad Smith in the second quarter. The run for two points failed and the Patriots retained a 7-6 lead.

The next time the Pirates had the ball they moved it to the Patriot three-yard line. On third down, Brandon Stonesifer caught the Pirate runner in the backfield for a five-yard loss. The drive ended on a pass interception in the end zone by Daniel Harman moments before the halftime intermission.

Early in the third period, the visitors threatened once again. On a second-and-three play from the Patriot 24, linebacker Jeremy Klimek separated the Pirate ball carrier from the football and it was recovered by Stonesifer at the 20.

Zach Strickland got an 80-yard Patriot scoring drive under way with runs of 12 and eight yards. Later, Klimek powered his way for 13 yards and a first down at the Lumberton 42.

Strickland gained seven more before Klimek went over right tackle and then broke outside for 35 yards and a touchdown. Another conversion by Epley made it 14-6 as the third period expired.

The final Pirate possession of the contest started from their own three-yard line after the Pats' Frankie Painter pinned them back with a 45-yard punt. On the last play of the game, the Pirate quarterback was tackled in the end zone for a safety.