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Trailing 19-13 at halftime, Escambia Academy’s defense stepped up big early in the third quarter and the Cougars went on to defeat top-ranked Pike Liberal Arts 42-26 tonight in Troy.

The third-ranked Cougars’ defense got a sack with 8 minutes left, and from there the Canoe School was in control. The game was close later in the same quarter, but EA never let up.

Quarterback Landon Sims connected with Malachi Haynes for a long touchdown throw with 6:43 left in the third quarter. Bubba Nettles converted the 2-point conversion and EA led 21-19.

Less than 2 minutes later, EA recovered a fumble, and Sims went on to convert another touchdown less than a minute later.

Pike Lib answered with 2:23 left on the clock to cut it to 28-26.

In the fourth quarter, scored on a 10-yard spurt, and Nettles got a 58-yard scoring run with 10:03 left.

Earlier in the game, EA led 7-6 with 7:39 left in the second quarter. Pike Liberal Arts added a touchdown a short time later for a 12-7 lead.

EA answered with a score, and the Patriots notched a touchdown just before halftime.

The Cougars visit Glenwood next week in regular season action.