Porters Chapel’s defense was gashed for more than 300 rushing yards Friday night. The team committed almost 100 yards in penalties. And, for good measure, it took a lopsided loss to a major rival.

Despite all that, coach John Weaver wasn’t overly disappointed.

PCA lost 52-14 to Central Hinds, but still can make the playoffs by winning this week’s regular-season finale at Newton Academy. The Eagles also showed some fight after getting knocked around and falling behind early, and came out of the game without any major injuries. To Weaver, all of those positives canceled out the loss.

“I told the guys, ‘I don’t want to see any frowns.’ I hate losing, but our guys know what’s at stake next week,” Weaver said.

What’s at stake is a one-game, do-or-die situation against Newton. The teams are tied for second place in District 5-A with a 1-1 record, which essentially starts the playoffs a week early for both teams. The winner will advance to the postseason, while the loser will be finished.

“Our goal is a winning season and to go to the playoffs, and both of those are in the balance,” Weaver said. “We came out of this one healthy. That’s the important thing. We played a good team tonight that kept their starters in until the fourth quarter and we didn’t get anybody hurt.”

Indeed, the only thing hurt for PCA (5-5) was its pride.

Central Hinds (9-1) rushed for 337 yards and scored almost at will. It had five scoring drives of three plays or less, and three that lasted only one play. Tailback Hunter Farrior ran for 183 yards and four touchdowns on a dozen carries, while quarterback Jordan Currie had 119 yards and two scores on eight carries. Both players left the game at the end of the third quarter.

The Cougars’ defense also hit PCA quarterback Jonah Masterson hard. Twice in the first quarter they were able to unload on the freshman as he threw the ball. One hit resulted in a fumble, the other in a sack.

Defensive lineman Peyton Wilson also had a key sack in the final minute of the first half, when PCA had driven inside the 10-yard line and was threatening to make a game of it. The sack forced a field goal try that was blocked, allowing CHA to take a 38-14 lead into halftime. Currie scored on a 50-yard TD run on the first play of the second half and the Cougars cruised from there.

The hard-hitting, dominant style was similar to what Central Hinds showed early in the season and was a welcome sight for coach Todd Montgomery.

“We didn’t come out flat for the first time in a long time,” Montgomery said. “We came out, hit them and executed offensively. That’s what I want to see as we head into the playoffs.”

Weaver was happy to see his team show some fight after falling behind 24-0 early in the second quarter.

Masterson threw two long touchdown passes, including a 92-yarder to Chris Marshall, and led the other drive deep into Cougar territory late in the first half. Masterson finished with 251 yards through the air. Montana McDaniel caught eight passes for 154 yards and a score.

“They’re just better,” Weaver said of Central Hinds. “They’re big and physical, and very well-coached. We had some bright spots, and if those bright spots keep getting brighter, we’ll see ourselves in the playoffs.”