Fueled by a pair of early fumble returns by the defense, the Pinecrest jayvee team improved to 3-0 with a 41-6 home victory over West Johnston Thursday evening.

Jonah Caliri took the ball 59 yards for an apparent touchdown on the first return, but the play was called back by a block in the back penalty. But on fourth and two from the Wildcat 40, Dee Kirkpatrick went the distance. The first of five extra point kicks by Matt Epley made it 7-0.

On the first play after Epley put the kickoff in the end zone, Patriot defensive lineman Zarrick Boyd picked up another Wildcat fumble and rumbled 20 yards for a touchdown.

Epley put the next kickoff in the end zone, too. Following a Wildcat punt, the Pats struck again on the first play. Quarterback Eli Black connected with tight end Frankie Painter over the middle for a 52-yard yard touchdown, making it 20-0.

Early in the second period, a 44-yard scoring jaunt by Justin Sengkhampong increased the Patriot advantage to 27-0.

A rash of fumbles and penalties helped keep the Patriot offense at bay for the remainder of the half and into the third quarter.

The fourth interception in two games by defensive back Sam Brower helped turn away a late second quarter threat by the Wildcats. A fumble recovery and return by Brandon Bonner turned away another threat at the Patriot 17 on the first series of the third period.

A fumbled snap on a punt set up the home team at the Wildcat 21 early in the fourth quarter. Moments later, Black took it in from eight yards out for the first Patriot points of the second half.

A 63-yard scoring burst by the Cats' Cavron Harrington spoiled the Patriot shutout bid. But the home team got the points right back on a 65-yard kick off return for a touchdown by Kirkpatrick.