The Pinewood Patriot football team played on Friday night in Bellville. After four quarters, the Patriots succumbed to the Trojans of John Milledge Academy. The Trojans, the defending state champions with a 50 plus game winning streak, allowed the Patriots to score 33 points in an emotionally charged fight for the win.
The Patriots had a total of 381 offensive yards. Junior quarterback Banks Booth passed for 323 yards with 3 touchdown passes. Receivers Walker Todd, Jake Rogers, and Kaedan Arnold each had a TD reception. Rogers also scored on the ground; the senior had a rushing TD along with junior Will Wasson, who also scored on a TD run. Todd recorded 124 receiving yards and Rogers catalogued 112. Leading tacklers were Grayson Brinkley with 6, Wesley Tippins with 5, and Will Wasson with 4.
John Milledge scored first with a 16-yard runs early in the first. The Patriots responded with two TDs in the first. Will Wasson made it to the end zone with an 18 yarder for 6. Walker Todd was good on the point after kick. Jake Rogers made his way to the end zone as well after a 10-yard rushing touchdown. Todd was yet again good for the PAT. The Patriots led the Trojans 14-7 as the second quarter started.
Both teams scored in the second, the Trojans with three trips to the end zone and the Patriots with one. Kaedan Arnold received a 27-yard touchdown pass from Banks Booth. Walker Todd was yet again good for the PAT. The Patriots entered into half-time down by one touchdown.
Neither team put points on the board during the third quarter.
The Trojans scored three times in the fourth to the Patriots two. Both Rogers and Todd found themselves in the end zone, Rogers for his second time of the game. and Banks Booth connected with Rogers for 28 yards and 6 points. The PAT was no good. Banks Booth found another one of his receivers for the last Patriot score of the game. Walker Todd snagged a 56-yard pass for 6 points.
Final score of the game was 48-33 in favor of the away team.
The Pinewood Patriots will play again at home this Friday against Memorial Day School. Pinewood Christian Academy will celebrate yet another Homecoming, and the 2023 PCA Homecoming Queen will be crowned. Game time is at 7:30 in Bellville.