Pike Road jumped to an early and cruised to an easy 63-16 victory over Southside High on Friday night at Panthers Field.

The Panthers (1-2, 1-1) drop their first Region 3, Class 3A contest of the season.

Quarterback Christopher Thomas and wide receiver Ernest Hatcher both were the only bright spots for the Panthers.

Thomas and Hatcher connected on a 99-yard touchdown reception. Thomas also scored on a 10-yard touchdown run to lead a potent Panthers’ offensive attack.

Both Southside scores came in the first half as Pike Road lead 35-16 at halftime.

Pike Road outscored Southside 28-0 in the second half and ran away with the victory.

Southside head coach Charles Moody said the Panthers have to figure things out quickly or things will fall apart quickly.

“We must have heart,” Moody said. “We must want it more than the other team.”

Southside looked strong in its first two games. The Panthers played Selma High tough in losing 28-20 and beat Dadeville when the Bulldogs missed a field goal on the game’s last play.

Southside travels to Beulah next Friday, then host Dallas County rival Keith High on Sept. 27 at Panthers Field.