By Shane Shackleford
Sports Writer

The Pineville Mountain Lions continued their early swing of 3A competition with a 41-14 loss to Rockcastle County Friday night at Union Commonwealth University.
The 2-0 Rockets jumped out to a blistering 28-0 lead after the first quarter and coasted the rest of the way for the victory.
Rockcastle running back Isaiah Jackson took the opening play 58 yards for a quick score. Brenda added the point after to stake Rock to a 7-0 lead.
After a three and out for the Lions, Jackson exploded for a 76 yard jaunt to pay dirt. Brenda’s kick made the score 14-0 Rockets.
Another three and out brought the red hot Rocket offense back onto the field. Rockcastle drove the ball 36 yards for the score by Carter Powell from six yards out. Brenda’s extra point extended the lead to 21-0.
The final score of the quarter came from Xavier Ledger’s 16 yard scoring run. Brenda’s kick made the score 28-0 Rockets at the end of the first quarter.
The Rocket defense held on downs on the ensuing possession and drove 34 yards on four plays. Camden Larkey found Dalton Flannery from 14 yards away for the score. The extra point kick was missed and the score increased to 34-0 Rockets.
A Pineville fumble gave the Rockets a first down at the Lions 1 yard line. Brayden Thacker scored on second down. Brenda’s fifth kick was true to make the score 41-0 at the half.
Pineville’s Kaiden Robbins took the second half kickoff 49 yards to give Pineville its best opening field position of the night. Landon Robbins rumbled 21 yards for the score to cut the Rocket advantage to 41-6.
The Lions’ Landon Robbins came up with a big sack on third down to help the Lions gain a first down on the Rocket 35. On first down, Lion signal caller Zak Brown found Robbins on the 35-yard go route for the score. Robbins ran the conversion in to close the scoring.
Pineville (0-2) will continue its road swing with a visit to Bishop Brossart in northern Kentucky on Friday at 7:30.

Rockcastle County 41 Pineville 14
Rockcastle County — 28 13 0 0 — 41
Pineville — 0. 0 6 8 — 14
RC- Jackson 58 run (Brenda kick)
RC- Jackson 76 run (Brenda kick)
RC- Powell 6 run (Brenda kick)
RC- Ledger 16 run (Brenda kick)
RC- Larkey 14 pass to Flannery (kick failed)
RC- Thacker 1 run (Brenda kick)
P- L Robbins 21 run (conversion failed)
P- L Robbins 35 pass from Brown (L Robbins conversion)