Baker quarterback Josh Flowers accounted for three touchdowns and the Hornets’ defense got three interceptions as they locked up a Class 7A playoff berth with a 42-10 win against Fairhope Friday night at W.C. Majors Field.

Flowers passed for two scores and rushed for another, raising his total to 20 touchdowns on the season.

The Hornets wasted no time getting on the board when Jayden Brooks picked off Caden Creel’s pass intended for Qualin McCants on the Pirates’ third offensive play.

“It really did set the tone early on, and all night winning the turnover battle,” Baker coach Steve Normand said.

The 10 points was a season-low output for Fairhope as Baker forced four turnovers overall and held the Pirates to less than 200 yards total offense.

Fairhope’s lone score came on its second offensive possession, driving 72 yards on 13 plays. Preston Godfrey scored from a yard out. The Pirates managed a field goal as time expired in the first half to trail 21-10 at halftime.

“Hats off to our coaches and players,” Normand said. “Defensively, we really worked on containing the option and tackling.”

Star of the game: Flowers rushed for 51 yards and a 1-yard TD and passed 149 making the big plays through the air with a pair of third-quarter touchdowns. He hit Zantae McWilliams for 63 yards and Jaden Archible for 35 yards.

“Those guys really make plays out in the open space. I’ve just got to keep getting them the ball. I believe in them,” Flowers said.

Play of the game: After the Pirates tied the game at 7 in the first quarter, Baker’s Roderick Taylor returned the ensuing kickoff 84 yards for a 14-7 lead. The Pirates never got any closer. “That was huge for us, after they scored, just to get the momentum back in our favor, really was a big moment,” Normand said.

Stat sheet: Preston Godfrey rushed for 52 yards including the Pirates only score. … Roderick Taylor rushed for 53 yards and Zion Davis 40. Davis added a 1-yard fourth-quarter score.

By the numbers: 1, Wins for Baker in the series. 3, offensive plays ran by the Hornets in the first quarter, they led 14-7. … 6, Consecutive postseason appearances for the Pirates.

Coachspeak: “I’m proud of the kids tonight. This wasn’t an easy task, preparing for the option. They’ve (Fairhope) got a great quarterback, and we just had to contain him. Overall, we made plays on offense, defense and special teams.” – Normand.

They said it: “A lot of credit to the offensive line tonight. We were able to run the ball, keep drives going. Zion and Roderick played outstanding in the backfield tonight for us.” – Flowers

“We had our playoff run on the line, and that’s the mentality we came in with.” – Flowers

What’s next? Fairhope (7-2, 4-2) travels to Birmingham to play Briarwood Christian next week. Baker (4-5, 4-2) hosts Mountain Brook on Thursday.