The Pinecrest freshmen football team is off to a 3-0 start after defeating Scotland High 27-2 in Laurinburg Thursday afternoon.

In a game that was called at the end of three quarters because of lightning, the Patriots again combined a balanced offense with a defense that gives up points grudgingly.

James Campbell ran for two of his three touchdowns in the game in the first half as the Patriots took a 21-0 lead. Kyle Corbett kicked the extra point after one of the scores and Maleek Stanford ran for two points after another.

The Scot points came in the third period on a safety that followed a goal-line stand by the Patriot defense. Passes from Christian Ledbetter of 20 and 35 yards to Mishak McCrae set up the final touchdown on a short run by the quarterback.

Patriot coach Ronshau Cole was pleased with another solid defensive effort by his team. Brandon Reeves and Maleek Thompson both intercepted a Scot pass.

The Patriots are scheduled to entertain Richmond at 4 p.m. next Thursday.