In its first game of the season, Porters Chapel was able to overlook a few small mistakes because of a lopsided score. In Week 2, the drama of a last-second win covered up a sloppy effort.

In their third outing, the luck and excuses ran out. spor

Overwhelmed by a powerful River Oaks squad, PCA’s flaws were on display for the world to see. The Eagles gave up three touchdowns in the first 3 ½ minutes and suffered a humiliating 43-0 loss that put them back at square one following a 2-0 start.

“They got a taste of victory. They were 2-0. We had a chance to see where we stacked up against one of the best teams in all of the MAIS and we let it go through our hands,” PCA coach John Weaver said. “There’s no excuse for playing bad, and that’s what happened.”

PCA did play without starting quarterback Jonah Masterson. The freshman injured his shoulder in the final seconds of the previous week’s game. He was hit while throwing a touchdown pass to Chris Marshall that completed a thrilling 14-12 win over Prairie View.

Masterson was held out as a precaution, and to rest him for this week’s more important District 5-A opener at University Christian.

Tailback Montana McDaniel moved under center against River Oaks and completed 4 of 14 passes for 41 yards. It’s unlikely even Joe Montana could have saved PCA, though.

Ryan MacGregor threw two touchdown passes and ran for another for River Oaks, which reached the Class AA semifinals in 2009. Alex Biedenharn returned the opening kickoff 70 yards for a score and added two more touchdowns in the second quarter. River Oaks led 21-0 by the 8-minute mark of the first quarter and 43-0 at halftime.

Now PCA must regroup in time for what is likely to be its biggest game of the season. PCA (2-1) and University Christian (2-1) are the favorites to win the District 5-A championship. The four-team division includes Newton County Academy (2-1) and cellar-dweller Russell Christian, which has been outscored 121-13 in its first three games.

The first- and second-place teams in the district advance to the playoffs. That setup means Friday’s game in Flowood should be, at the very least, for a playoff spot. Weaver is hopeful the Eagles recover from their beating in time to realize it.

“I’m hoping it’s an eye-opener and they understand the sense of urgency,” Weaver said. “This one Friday night is for that big bag of chips.”