The Pinecrest Paladins excelled on both sides of the ball Friday night in their defeat over King’s Ridge Christian. Playing a King’s Ridge team that was looking for its first win of the season, the Paladins took an early lead and never looked back on the way to a 56-21 home win. It took just three plays for the Paladins’ offense to score when running back Mitchell Ojeda (14 carries, 129 yards, two touchdowns) rushed for 14 yards and found the end zone. "Our kids came out of the gate quick, fast, and early," said Pinecrest head coach Todd Winter. "I told the kids we can’t give them life. We had to let them know that we’re the real deal and jump out early and quick." The Paladins (7-2 overall, 4-1 Region 6-A, Div. B) executed Winter’s game plan of coming out fast by scoring touchdowns on their first three drives of the game, all coming from different players. Matthew Walters, Ojeda, Gregory Varghese, Ryan McCarthy, and Jake Mangan all notched rushing touchdowns for the Paladins. Not to be outshined by the Paladin offense, the defense held a dangerous King’s Ridge (0-9, 0-5) offense, led by Penny Hart, to 21 points and caused three King’s Ridge interceptions. Peter Nelson led the Paladin defense with two interceptions and Greg Metz had one of his own. "We’ve struggled with them in the past. Their quarterback is very dangerous, I was concerned all week about that," Winter said. King’s Ridge quarterback Penny Hart was the heart of the Tigers’ offense, rushing for two touchdowns and also throwing a touchdown pass. Hart ended the game with 24 carries for 188 yards and two touchdowns and was 8-for-21 passing with 130 yards and a touchdown. "They have some good football players. I was very happy with our defense, they’re getting better every single week," Winter said. With the game being all but settled in the fourth quarter, the Paladins allowed the younger players to play and get the experience of playing varsity football. The Paladins’ backup offense scored two touchdowns and the defense held King’s Ridge to a turnover on downs. "We’ve got some real good talent coming up," Winter said. "Those young guys getting out there and playing against a varsity player like Penny Hart was gigantic. Those guys getting out here and getting experience is invaluable."