The Pinecrest kickoff return team did its best to make sure the Overhills offense had a long way to go each time it got the ball in Thursday night’s game won 56-21 by the Patriots.

Special teams and defensive backs Coach Willie Oglesby thinks the Patriots probably put more time into that important third of the overall equation for winning football games than any other team.

Succeeding his brother Dillon as the Patriot kicker, Jackson Maples put his last four kickoffs into the end zone for touchbacks. Oglesby credits the sophomore’s hang time with giving the kickoff team an opportunity to pin the opposition deep. Senior D.J. Simpson is usually one of the first to make it down field.

Excluding a squib kick near the end of the first half, the best field position the Jaguars got off nine kickoffs was their own 23 yard line. They began only two of 12 possessions in Patriot territory.

Maples, who has converted 10 extra point attempts in a row in the first two games, has been aided by the good hands of holder Alan Watson. Also a defensive back and a member of the kickoff unit, Watson went high to bring down a snap in the Jack Britt game and had to handle a couple that hit the turf before reaching him at Overhills.

On the Other Side: A defensive player throughout his career at Pinecrest, senior Joe White always hoped he’d get a chance to play on offense. He’s making the most of the opportunity, leading the team with six catches for 70 yards and one touchdown.

Out for Season: Standout junior nose guard James Harrison will miss the season after injuring a knee in the season-opener against Jack Britt. Taking his place at the position against Overhills was his brother, Doug, a senior.

Power Conference: This week’s Carolina Preps/NCPreps media poll had fellow Southeastern Conference members Richmond Senior ranked No. 2, Scotland County No. 4 and Purnell Swett No. 12. Lumberton, another SEC team, was an impressive 21-14 overtime winner over Jack Britt on Thursday.