FAIRHOPE, Alabama — Last week Fairhope head coach Adam Winegarden previewed this week’s game against Dothan by simply saying this team is scary athletic and big. The Pirates looked more like the scary team on Friday night when they beat the Tigers 41-28.

The Pirates dominated much of the game especially in the first half, where they led the Tigers by as much as 28 when they went into the locker room.

“Our kids came out and really played hard in the first half and did some really good things to give us a big lead,” Winegarden said. “You have to give Dothan credit in the second half with their drive and determination they were able to cut it close but I was proud how our kids closed the game.”

The Pirates got it done tonight thanks in large part to the game plan that featured more than a few playmakers.

Offensively, the Pirates spread the ball all over the field and hit playmakers such as senior Nate Andrews, senior Bryan Bell, and sophomore David Kirksey on a regular basis.

“All three of those kids made tremendous plays for our football team tonight. I think they would tell you it takes all eleven,” Winegarden said. “Our offensive line has improved and they played one of their better games tonight I couldn’t be prouder for those bunch of kids.”

The Pirates started the game off in good fashion when they recovered a Tiger fumble giving them the ball on their own forty-yard line. Bell took advantage of the turnover when he scored on a run for 30 yards giving the Pirates the early 7-0 lead.

The Tigers drove down the field in their next possession and tied the game at 7 after a thirteen play drive. Junior quarterback Diante Thomas was able to punch it in on a touchdown run from 10 yards out.

The Pirate special teams came up big late in the first quarter when the Tigers junior punter Luis Pimentel let the snap get behind him and Pirate senior Devin Odom scooped it up and returned it for the short touchdown.

The Pirates would then go on to score 21 unanswered points on two touchdown passes by senior quarterback Gabe Phillips to Andrews and senior tight end Rushing Watson. Kirksey also added a 5-yard touchdown run.

In the second half the Tigers would go on a run of their own when they scored 14 unanswered points on a 25 yard touchdown by senior receiver Treyvun Jackson and a ten-yard rushing touchdown by Thomas.

The Tiger touchdown by Thomas occurred after a costly fumble by Phillips.

The score would carry over to the fourth quarter until the Pirate offense would gain the momentum back after another big touchdown pass from Phillips to Watson from 22-yards out.

The Tigers would add another touchdown late but it would not be enough to shut down the Pirates rushing attack led by Bell and Kirksey.

Kirksey and Bell led the Pirates in rushing on Friday night. Bell led the way with just over 120 yards on 15 carries. Kirksey added 91 on only ten carries. Both of them had a touchdown.

Andrews led the way in receiving with 3 receptions for over 90 yards and two touchdowns.

Even though the Pirate defense let up 28 points in the game they showed how competitive they can be.

“A lot of times we weren’t in position to make some plays but overall we did enough to win the football game.” Winegarden said. “We need to come back Monday to make corrections”

The Pirates will be back in action next Friday when they host the Baldwin County Tigers.

“They are very athletic.” Winegarden said. “We have a lot of work to do to get ready for next week; and we need to heal up.”

Kickoff is set for 7 pm.

PHOTO GALLERY: Check out photos from the Fairhope-Dothan game here.