CARROLLTON, Ala. — When Sam Pearson took over as head football coach at Pickens Academy, his goal was to return the program to its winning ways.
The Pirates won five undefeated state championships in the late 90s but haven”t earned a title in 10 years, which is something Pearson hopes to change.
Pickens Academy took a step in that direction Friday night, claiming a 47-0 homecoming win against Kingwood Christian.
“Here you have such high expectations,” Pearson said. “These seniors have been playing ball since they were out on the playground and are hungry to do the things the old school did. They really haven”t been in a leadership role, and it”s been a growing process for them to take leadership of the team. I think tonight went a long way in them taking ownership of the team.”
The Pirates had 377 total yards, with 194 yards rushing and 183 passing.
“With the kind of offense we run, we”ve known all along that if we can get the running ability clicking with the passing ability with our receivers it would be a hard thing to stop,” Pearson said. “We”ve been out of sync with the things we want to do, but tonight was the way we envisioned it.”
Kirk Lewis led the charge with 100 yards and a touchdown on eight carries. He also hauled in a 90-yard touchdown pass to get things going.
Jacob Acker completed 4 of 7 passes for 180 yards, including three touchdowns. He added another rushing touchdown.
Michael Potts caught two passes for 56 yards and a touchdown, while Tyler Vails grabbed a pair of balls for 37 yards and a score.
The Pirates got on the board on their second play from scrimmage when Lewis took a sweep down the right sideline 50 yards.
Acker followed with a 26-yard scramble later in the first quarter to help give Pickens Academy a 12-0 lead.
Acker then went to the air, hitting Lewis on a 90-yard touchdown pass early in the second quarter. Acker ran in the two-point conversion to make it 20-0.
On the Pirates” next possession, Acker hit Vails in the end zone from 34 yards out. Acker then connected with Lewis for the two-point play for a 28-0 edge.
Pickens Academy marched 68 yards in four plays on its next possession, with Acker hitting Potts from 32 yards for his third touchdown pass of the quarter.
The defense pitched in for the final score of the first half when Chase Davidson intercepted quarterback Daniel Reeves and returned it 22 yards to make it 40-0 at halftime.
Pickens Academy orchestrated an 11-play, 97 yard drive in its only possession of the third quarter to put the finishing touches on the final score. Judson Smith plowed in from 6 yards, and Justin Griggs provided the extra point.
The defense limited Kingwood to 162 yards on offense and forced four turnovers. The Lions had 84 yards rushing and 78 yards passing.
Reeves completed 5 of 10 passes for 34 yards and an interception. Tyron Pope”s only completion out of the wildcat formation went for 44 yards.
John-Michael Pegusky came on late to lead the Kingwood rushing attack with 32 yards on five carries. Payton Sumrall was the Lions” top receiver with three catches for 60 yards.
The win snapped a two-game losing skid for Pickens Academy (3-3) and left Pearson optimistic as his team prepares for its game Friday at Meadowview Christian.
“This game gave us some confidence,” Pearson said. “This is exactly what we needed.”
The loss marked the third consecutive game Kingwood Christian (0-5) has been shut out.
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