PRICHARD, Alabama - Gulf shores entered Prichard Stadium in search of its first 5A Region 1 win of the season. Instead big plays and costly turnovers led to a 34-31 loss to the Leflore Rattlers Friday night.

The Dolphins moved the ball up and down the field all night and racked up a total of more than 260 yards on the night.

The game started with a 14-0 start for the Rattlers that eventually saw the Dolphins score the next 31 points. In a game of scoring runs the Rattlers had the final one leading to their third win on the season.

“The game comes down to who can keep the ball away from the other team. And we turned the ball over too many times,” Dolphins head coach Ben Blackmon said. “I am proud of our kids. They played with relentless effort we just came up short.”

The Rattlers entered Friday night’s game with a 2-4 record. Big plays by sophomore quarterback Jim Leatherwood and sophomore running back Robert Henderson helped lead the Rattlers to their third victory on the season.

“We have a young squad. They are a little bit up and down at times but the character on this team tonight really showed tonight because they fought back to win this ball game,” Rattlers head coach Anthony Shamburger said. We are proud of James and the guys caught the ball really well.

The Rattlers started quick and took the opening drive 70 yards on 10 plays that included a couple of big runs by Henderson. The rattlers finished off the drive with an 11 yard touchdown run by Henderson.

After a 3-and-out by the Dolphins offense the Rattlers got their first of many big plays on a 78-yard touchdown run by senior running back Mario Steele-Norris that put the Rattlers on top 14-0.

After the 14 point deficit the Dolphins would go on to score the next games next 31 points that saw big plays that started with a 65 yard touchdown pass from Harris to senior receiver Brandon Davis.

The Dolphins would score a late touchdown to end the first half on a 7-yard touchdown pass to senior receiver Doug Olney to tie the game at 14 apiece.

The second half would wind up being a half that saw a pooch onside kick recovery and some costly turnovers for both teams.

The Dolphin offense scored its first of their 17 second half points on a 23-yard field goal set up by a 43-yard catch and run by Davis.

After a pooch onside kick recovery by the Dolphins they were able to manage two more touchdowns including a one-yard quarterback sneak by Harris.

The next 20 points would belong to the Rattlers including a 64-yard pass play by senior Dominique Johnson to bring the Rattlers to within 11 after a failed 2-point conversion.

After the Rattlers cut their deficit down to just 5 the Dolphins would fumble the ball on the ensuing kickoff.

After a 10-play drive the Rattlers were able to punch the ball over the goal line on a fourth and goal play by Norris to give Leflore a 34-31 lead.

The Dolphins next two drives would stall. They would get the ball back one final time with 2:27 remaining. They would take the ball four plays and into Rattler territory before a Dolphin fumble would seal the victory for the Rattlers.

With the loss the Dolphins move to 2-5 and have a senior night matchup next week against visiting Williamson.

“We just have to get back to work, keep playing, and keep up our spirits up.” Blackmon said. “We need to keep playing hard.”