A week ago, Pinecrest Academy’s defense helped it overcome struggles on offense to advance. The Paladins’ couldn’t do the same Friday in a 43-15 loss to Stratford Academy at home in the quarterfinals of the Class A private school playoffs. Although the contest was close early on, Stratford ended a 7-7 second quarter tie by reeling off 36 unanswered points, ending Pinecrest’s most successful season since joining the Georgia High School Association.