The two-time defending AISA Class AAA state champion Pike Liberal Arts Patriots returned to the football field for the first time since November Friday, playing in a jamboree with Crenshaw Christian, Autauga Academy and Springwood.

PLAS and CCA combined to form one team, and came out on top, 41-27.

PLAS played offense in the first and third quarters, and defense in the second and fourth quarters.

The Patriots started the scoring on a touchdown run from Taylor Stephens, and added a long Nick McLaughlin touchdown run to make it 14-0 in the first quarter.

The Patriots’ defense also got into the endzone, as Evan Strother picked off a fourth quarter pass and returned it for a touchdown. Blake Floyd also had a pick for the Patriot defense, which forced four turnovers.

“I think our first team defense gave up one first down, so obviously, they played very well,” said PLAS head coach Steven Kilcrease. “All in all, I’m pleased with our defense since they only had four days of practice. They swarmed to the football, and often times, we had eight or 10 helmets in there making a tackle.”

The Patriot offense, which is once again being overseen by Kilcrease after the departure of coach Wayne Grant, was something Kilcrease said needed improvement.

“On offense, our run game is ok, but we have to work on our passing game,” Kilcrease said. “We saw what we need to work on, but we knew what those things were coming in.”