The Pirates were supported by a large crowd with plenty of cow bells as they won their first home game – and second straight game of the season. The Pirates hosted the Rebels of Haralson County High School and both teams had 1-0 records since Pike defeated Crawford 34-20 and Haralson outlasted Mt. Pisgah 14-10.
“Expectations and emotions were high for the Pirates faithful, coming off the season opening win, and they were treated to an unbelievable football atmosphere at Pirate Stadium,” said coach Craig Chatman. “Here is how it all went down on the first Friday Night Lights in Zebulon for the 2024 season.”
The Pirates received the opening kickoff and Blake Ward returned it 15 yards to the Pirate 45-yard line. The Pirates offense went three and out and Jack Hammond punted the Rebels down to their 23-yard line. The Rebels offense started the series with an incomplete pass and then on second down, LB Maddox Storm recovered a fumble caused by senior LB C.J. Parks. The Pirates offense took over inside the Haralson County 30-yard line. Pike took six plays to convert the turnover into points when Bryce Sammons scored on a 2-yard run. Jack Hammond’s extra point was good and the Pirates took the early 7-0 lead. The Pirates defense played well in the first half, but Haralson was able to hit them for one big play with 7 minutes to go in the second quarter. Haralson County completed an 80-yard TD pass to tie the score at 7 each. Not to be outdone, the Pirates offense came back with a one-play drive of their own. Bryce Sammons hit sophomore WR Lyric Scott on a 63-yard scoring play to put the Pirates back in front 14-7. The Pirates headed to the half leading 14-7.
The second half saw Haralson take the field and march 65-yards in 8:30 to tie the score at 14 on a 2-yard TD run. The Pirates answered quickly with a 48-yard kick-off return by Scott. Facing a third down at 10 at the Haralson County 23-yard line, Bryce Sammons found senior RB Damarien Ross on a screen pass and Ross cut back across the field for the go-ahead score. Hammond was true on his extra-point and this proved to be one of the most pivotal plays of the game.
Haralson once again took the ball – and their time – and they marched slowly down the field. Facing a 1st and 15 at the Pirates 18-yard line, the Rebels were able to break an 18-yard TD run to bring the score to 21-20. The extra-point attempt was hooked wide right and the Pirates maintained a one-point lead. After a couple of first downs, the Pirates had to punt the ball back to the Rebel Offense with right at 3 minutes left to play in the game. Jack Hammond was able to pin the Haralson County offense inside their own 20-yard line at the 18. The Pirates defense was able to get off the field due to a big fourth down sack by sophomore DE Johnson Anderson. The Pirates were able to gain one first down and then run out the remaining time in the game.
The win pushed the Pirates to 2-0 on the 2024 season, while dropping Haralson County to 1-1. The Pirates will be back at home on Friday night facing the Sumter County Panthers at 7:30 p.m. at Pirate Field.
“The Pirates are looking forward to seeing everyone this Friday Night for Rec Night with a USA Theme,” said coach Chatman.