The Pinewood Patriots traveled to Macon this past Friday to take on the Cavaliers of Mount de Sales Academy. The Patriots topped the Cavaliers by a single point, scored late in the fourth, in a 46-45 victory. 

As new rankings update, the Patriots find themselves back in the top three after a rocky start. Those who have underestimated the Patriots this year are beginning to eat their words. After a difficult start to the year, the Patriots have finally found their footing on the football field. 

Never running away from a challenge, the Patriots’ regular season schedule this year is a daunting one. Three opponents returning to the Georgia Independent Athletic Association (GIAA, formerly the GISA) after spending years in Georgia High School Association (GHSA), one high-ranking GHSA opponent, and the defending State Champion John Milledge Academy have all found their way onto the Patriot regular season schedule. After losing two early in the season, the Pinewood Christian Academy football team has fought its way back to sit at the third position in GIAA football. 

The game this past week has much to do with this new position for the Pinewood football team. Mount de Sales, a large and formidable opponent returning to the GIAA, was surprised, if not shocked, by the Patriots and their ability on the football field. 

Pinewood Christian Academy (PCA) recorded a whopping 558 offensive yards. Banks Booth went 31-38 with 408 passing yards. On top of his exceptional passing yards stat, Banks Booth also had 111 yards rushing with two touchdowns. Junior Walker Todd broke the Pinewood Christian school record for single game individual receiving yards with a total of 12 receptions for 198 yards and two touchdowns. Kaedan Arnold recorded 85 receiving yards with two touchdowns as well. 

On the other side of the ball, Avery Beasley recorded eight tackles with Wesley Tippins coming in second in tackles with five. 

Booth passed for a touchdown to Walker Todd in the first quarter for 42 yards. The two-point conversion by Arnold was good for a total of eight points. 

Also, in the first, Booth passed for another touchdown to Arnold for 31 yards. The first quarter ended with a score of 14-7.

In the second, Booth slung the ball to Kaedan Arnold for 54 yards and another touchdown. Todd contributed to the scoreboard again with a completed two-point conversion. Score at halftime read 22-7. 

In the third, Booth connected with Todd again for a 56-yard touchdown. This time Arnold was responsible for the two-point conversion. 

Later in the third, Booth ran the ball in for a single yard touchdown. Booth then connected with Jake Rogers for another two points. 

The Cavaliers had a huge third quarter–putting up 38 points in 12 minutes. By the end of the third, the Cavaliers had gained the lead and the Patriots were down 38-45. 

With 21 seconds left in the game, the Patriots still down by seven, Banks Booth ran in another touchdown for eight-yards. With the score at 44-45, Booth connected with senior offensive lineman Peyton Williams for two points. The Patriots won by one point, 46-45.  

The Patriots will take on the John Milledge Academy Trojans on Thursday in Milledgeville at 6:30 p.m., weather permitting.