Pinewood Christian Academy took an early lead on First Presbyterian Christian Academy on Friday and simply continued to roll as the Highlanders fell 55-6 in Bellville.

The Patriots lost in the state-title game last season but return a number of strong players. On the other hand, FPCA (0-4), with a limited number of players because of injuries, has had a tough season.

“Pinewood is a very big and physical team. We didn’t match up well, and we knew that it would be like that, but that has not stopped us in the past or future. We are going to show up play the best football we can regardless of the team we play,” FPCA head coach Terry Middleton said.

Despite the size difference, the Highlanders made some big plays that could have created a closer game, but the plays were nullified by penalty flags.

Friday’s game was the Highlanders’ second-straight road game, and they still have trips to Crisp Academy in Cordele and Southwest Georgia Christian in Damascus before getting back to the friendly confines of Long Bell Stadium. The Highlanders host Bethlehem Christian on Oct. 9.

Middleton knows it’s tough to go on the road so much and win, but he is seeing the Highlanders get better every game they play.

“We still have a lot of work to do, but we are sticking to our philosophy of one team, one dream,” he said. “Quarterback Dylan Stewart and Josh Armour have had some good games for us. So has Jamison Golson.

We are playing with four injuries, including two starters on defense. We just have to keep getting better every snap, and things will work out.”