With a possible championship showdown lurking with rival Richmond next week, the Scotland junior varsity football team wanted to make sure that their home finale with Lumberton was not a late season "trap game."

Marquis TeGnes made sure that did not happen.

The Scots signal caller scored a pair of touchdowns and hauled in an interception during Scotland's 27-12 victory over the Pirates Thursday night at Pate Stadium.

"The guys worked hard tonight," said Scotland Coach David Hunt. "We got big contributions from some ninth-graders that we brought up, who were coming off a very successful season. They'll be needed alot next week."

Jalen McLean put the Scots on top early in the first, 7-0, on a 40-yard run, followed by the point after from Jeremy Osteen. Scotland went took a 14-0 lead on a 20-yard scramble by Derek Barnes.

With two minutes to go before halftime, Lumberton got on the scoreboard. The two-point conversion fell short.

Following a scoreless third quarter, the Pirates cut the lead to just two points (14-12) following a score.

On the very next possession, Scotland went up by nine (21-12) when TeGnes found Traylen Jones for a 25-yard pass. Osteen converted on his third of four point afters.

TeGnes put the final nail in the coffin late in fourth, this time, with his legs, reaching paydirt from eight yards out.

With the win behind them, the Scots (7-2) will play at Richmond (8-1) for the outright Southeastern Conference championship Thursday night at 7 p.m.