FAIRHOPE, Alabama - The Fairhope Pirates led comfortably throughout but needed a big stop in the final seconds to seal their first 6A Region 2 victory over newcomer Enterprise Friday night 24-17 in front of a packed house and a local television audience.

The young Pirates, fresh off a late victory over St. Paul's last week, came into the game Friday night with the chance of starting off the season 2-0 and more importantly begin 1-0 in region play.

The Pirates were in control for most of the football game but a late Enterprise charge kept the Wildcats in the game tight until the final whistle.

“I couldn’t be prouder of our players' efforts," Pirate Head coach Adam Winegarden said. “We got a long way to go but every bit that they have in their bodies they lay it out on the field. I am proud of our coaching staff they have done a great job.”

The Pirates got off to a good start as they took the opening drive all the way down to the Wildcats 5-yard line where they would nail a 22-yard field goal to give them an early 3-0 lead.

The Wildcats would answer with a field goal on their very next drive to tie the game at 3.

The game stayed tied at 3 until late in the second quarter when senior receiver Nathan Andrews scored the first of his two touchdowns on a run for 85 yards.

Andrews who would score again in the second half and led the Pirate offense in rushing with 102 yards. Andrews tacked on 60 receiving yards as well.

“Nate’s a great player but to be honest we expect him to make plays and be a leader for us because he is capable of doing that," Winegarden said. “Nothing he does on the field surprises me. He made some great plays tonight and some plays that helped us win the ball game.”

The game would go to half time with the Pirates holding a 10-3 lead over the Wildcats. Andrews finished the half with 101 rushing yards.

The Pirates started the second half similar to the way they started the game but this time they were able to punch it into the end zone on a 16-yard touchdown pass to senior tight end Rushing Watson.

Watson had two big receptions for a total of 50 yards.

The third quarter ended with the Pirates leading the Wildcats 17-10 after Enterprise was able to get a late touchdown by senior running back Clifford Brascom.

The Pirates answered on their very next drive when a 34-yard reception for Watson set up an Andrews touchdown from 12 yards out.

The Wildcats who battled hard all night punched the ball over the goaline to bring Enterprise within a touchdown late in the game.

That would end up being their last touchdown of the night as the Pirates held the Wildcats on a fourth and short from the Pirate 20 to ice the game.

“It’s big for our team; it gives them confidence with them knowing that their hard work pays off,” Winegarden said. “I couldn’t be happier for our coaching staff. Any time there is change for the players there are also changes for the coaches. They have been fantastic and they work very hard with the kids.”

The Pirates are back in action next Friday when they play at home against another region newcomer, Dothan.

“They have athletes all over the field," Winegarden said. “It’s going to be a challenge next week but we are excited."

The Wildcats are also in action next Friday they play on the road against Baldwin County.