FAIRHOPE, Alabama — Defensive lineman Tyler Kristeff picked off Blount's Quinterris Toppings near midfield with 20 seconds left to play and Fairhope held on to beat the Leopards 24-20 on Friday.

Fairhope (10-2) forced four Blount (10-2) turnovers, including three in the first half, en route to the 6A state playoffs second round victory. The Leopards made a run in the fourth quarter, scoring three touchdowns in the final six minutes of play.

"Our defense played real well," Fairhope coach David Faulkner said. "We gave up a couple big plays right there back to back that I wish we hadn't, but other than that they played extremely well. Created turnovers, three in the first half that we went and scored off of. We can't give up big plays down the stretch. If we can get that fixed we'll be okay."

The Pirates scored first half touchdowns off of interceptions from Bryan Bell and Keylan Smith and off of a fumble recovery from Ian Thomas. They led the Leopards 21-6 at the half. Tanner Martin had two touchdown runs in the first half and finished with 20 rushes for 109 yards.

"Tanner is just a tremendous player and he continues to just deliver," Faulkner said. "He is fighting a turf toe injury, which is very painful, but he just keeps coming back and battling and finding a way. I'm very proud of him."

Nate Andrews had a touchdown run for Fairhope, and Nick Cutrone added a field goal in the second half. For Blount, freshman Demetrice Vaughn had a rushing touchdown and a touchdown catch and Toppings had two touchdown passes.

Fairhope will host No. 6 Prattville on Friday in the third round of the 6A state playoffs.