Kingwood Christian improved to 4-0 Friday night with a 42-0 win against Abbeville Christian Academy, giving the Lion’s their best start in team history.

&uot;This is our best start since we went to 11-man ball,&uot; Kingwood head coach Jerry Stearns said. &uot;Overall, I was happy with the way we played.&uot;

The Lions jumped out in the first half on Abbeville, scoring 35 point in the first two quarters. Kingwood quarterback Andrew Pearce continued his dominating play for the Lions, completing nine of 17 passes for 181 yards and one score. Pearce was also 6-for-6 on extra point conversions.

The key to Friday night’s victory, however, was in the Lion’s defensive effort. Kingwood only allowed 129 yards for the game, gave up no passing yards and created three turnovers.

&uot;We played a lot better on defense than we have in past games,&uot; Stearns said. &uot;We’ve been working our defense hard because we know they need to improve. I think they accomplished a lot.&uot;

Lakin Spinks stood out for the Lions on both sides of the ball, garnering seven tackles and one interception on defense and catching two passes for 51 yards and a touchdown.

&uot;Lakin is a crucial part of our team,&uot; Stearns said. &uot;He’s an aggressive player and a leader where we need him to be.&uot;

The Lions used their running game against a weak Abbeville defensive line, with two rushers bringing Kingwood’s total to 144 yards on 23 carries. John Butts had seven rushes for 42 yards and a score while Eric Marshall carried the ball six times for 66 yards.

Coming off a three-touchdown game against Cornerstone a week earlier, Kingwood’s Cody Owens had four catches for 65 yards, retuned a punt 37 yards for a touchdown and scored on a nine-yard run.

Stearns said the game allowed him to give some players who usually wouldn’t see much playing time a chance to take the field.

&uot;Our starters only played one series in the second half,&uot; he said. &uot;We had the opportunity to give some people a chance to play.&uot;

Stearns noted that Kingwood now faces its region game schedule, starting with Jefferson Christian this Friday.

&uot;Without a doubt, it would be a big win for us,&uot; he said of the Jefferson game. &uot;The guys understand what they have to do, and they’re taking it all in stride.&uot;

Kingwood’s unprecedented 4-0 start comes off the Lions’ mediocre 3-7 record last season, but Stearns said he has been anticipating the success of his team for some time now.

&uot;I’ve said it all along. When this group grew up we would have ourselves a pretty good ball club,&uot; he said. &uot;And now, here they are.&uot;

The Lions will host Jefferson Christian Friday night at 7:30 p.m