Pleasant Home gave up a 12-0 lead in the fourth quarter to Samson Friday night, to end up losing 14-12 at home.

The Eagles went down and scored in the first quarter to make it 6-0 on a five-yard rush from senior running back Frank Senn. The extra point attempt was no good.

Later, Samson blocked a punt before half time, and the Eagles managed to get the ball down to the eight yard line. Pleasant Home tried for a field goal, but missed to keep the score at 6-0 at the break.

“I’m proud of our kids,” PHS coach Robert Bradford said. “We definitely set the tone all night. They played thier hearts out.”

In the third quarter, senior quarterback Cory Sims connected with senior wide receiver Colter Poole for a 91-yard touchdown pass. The two-point conversion was no good, and the Eagles had a 12-0 lead.

Samson came back and scored on a 33-yard pass to make it 12-6 in the fourth quarter with the two-point conversion being no good.

Then, with 1:13 left in the contest, Samson scored on a quarterback sneak to tie the game up. A completed pass sealed the win for Samson.

On Pleasant Home’s next offensive possession, time ran out before the Eagles could execute another play, which resulted in a spiked ball.

Senn led in rushing with 113 yards and scored one touchdown; Sims was 9-of-14 for 207 yards and one touchdown in passing; and Poole had two receptions for 101 yards and one touchdown.

Pleasant Home had 397 yards of total offense, compared to Samson’s 221.

The Eagles will host second-ranked Brantley next Friday night in region play.

This is the second time this season that the Eagles have lost in the single digits. Pleasant Home lost to Kinston by four points two weeks ago.

“This is the second heart breaker of the year for us,” Bradford said. “Every week, we’re just getting a little bit better on offense and defense. It was probably the best defensive showing we’ve had all year.

“But the big thing is that we’ve got four region games in the next four weeks,” he said. “We’re going to put this one behind us. We’re going to chalk it up and let it be a learning experience, and really buckle down and try to be successful in these last region games and do everything we can to push for a playoff spot.”