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By Dan Smith

Senior running back Dalton Jordan rushed for four touchdowns and 147 yards as Pike Liberal Arts dominated Samson 40-0 Friday evening on campus of PLAS in Delaney Kervin Stadium, improving the Patriots record to 2-0 on the season.

“Our guys played really hard, and that is what we preach each week,” said PLAS head coach William Moguel. “There are some things we are going to have to clean up, as the competition will get tougher as the season goes along, but I am really proud of our kids.”

The Patriots scored the first time they touched the ball, when junior Jackson Mitchell returned a Samson punt 49 yards for the touchdown, and a 7-0 lead following the extra point by kicker Sawyer Keck.

On the second offensive drive of the game, Mitchell hauled in a 14-yard pass from senior quarterback Dawson Bradford, capping a 74-yard, nine-play drive, for a 14-0 PLAS lead.

Mitchell had five catches on the evening for 57 yards, while Bradford was 10-of-19 for 124 yards passing.

The Patriots went up 21-0 in the second quarter when Jordan took it in from 12 yards out, and Jordan put PLAS ahead 27-0 on a 13-yard carry on the next series, as the extra point was unsuccessful.

Samson fumbled a punt with Pike recovering, and Jordan bulled his way in for a 3-yard TD, Keck was on target for the PAT, and it was 34-0.

Both coaches agreed to eight-minute quarters and a running clock in the second half, and Jordan put the Patriots ahead 40-0 when he broke a 43-yard touchdown run, as the extra point was wide.

“I told some of our kids, we have been on the other end of that running clock,” Coach Moguel said following the game. “To be on the other side tonight is a great feeling, and they have earned it. They have worked their butts off this summer. These guys have come together as a family, and worked exceptionally hard. I think they knew this was the year we could really do something, and they have really come together.”

In addition to the 147 yards rushing and four touchdowns by Jordan, Jacob Bowen gained 17 yards on three carries, Jackson Bowen picked up 15 yards on two runs, and Bradford had 11 yards rushing on four carries.

Jackson Mitchell had five catches for 57 yards, Kade Brookins hauled in three passes for 30 yards and Michael Vaughn had two receptions for 28 yards.

Once again the Pike defense was dominant, allowing Samson only 71 yards of total offense. In two games thus far, PLAS has outscored opponents 75-6. Brookins led the Patriots with seven tackles on the night, while Pruitt Vaughan had five tackles.

Pike is on the road next week at Calhoun, and will return to their home field on Friday, Sept. 13 against Luverne.