Pinecrest Academy fended off a late rally from Lakeview Academy Friday night, holding on to record a 17-14 victory in a scrimmage on the Lions’ field in Gainesville.

The result was Pinecrest’s first win as a member of the Georgia High School Association.

The Paladins built a 17-0 lead in the third quarter before the home team rallied for the last two touchdowns.

Following a Lakeview punt in the first half, Pinecrest started its second possession of the game at the Lions’ 42-yard line. The offense could only churn out 12 yards, but Ricardo Garcia nailed a 47-yard field goal to put the visitors up 3-0 with 7:36 remaining before halftime.

Just when Lakeview had started to threaten with a drive down to the Paladin 40, Pinecrest’s Bryce Haynes came up with a fumble recovery and took off. Sixty yards later, he was in the end zone, making it 10-0 with 3:05 left before the break.

Dalton Lloyd ended another Lion opportunity shortly after, intercepting a pass in the Pinecrest red zone with 1:50 left in the second quarter.

Earlier in the half, Pinecrest was stopped just one yard shy of the end zone on an Eric Hegeman pass to Joe Neiner on fourth-and-nine.

Coming out of the half, the Paladin defense forced a three-and-out, then drove 48 yards for a touchdown, with Shawn Ingram punching in the ball from two yards out with 3:43 left in the third quarter

A couple of long scoring drives pulled the Lions to within three points late, with Lakeview’s second score coming with 3:40 to play.

The Paladins open the regular season Friday, hosting Riverside Military.