After not getting a single defensive stop in the first half, the Fairhope Pirates recorded a second-half shutout Thursday night at Baldwin County rival Spanish Fort.

The defensive surge was just enough to help the Pirates earn a 17-14 come-from-behind win.

“That was maybe the most gutsy win I’ve ever been a part of,” said veteran Fairhope coach Tim Carter. “Things seemed so dire after they ran up and down the field on us in the first half. But we didn’t give up anything in the second half.”

Despite the strong defensive effort by Fairhope after halftime, the Toros led 14-3 after three quarters. Fairhope got a 5-yard touchdown run by quarterback Preston Godfrey with 10:12 to go.

Two possessions later, Desmond Thomas ripped off a 64-yard to put the Pirates on top 17-14 with 4:08 remaining.

Spanish Fort, ranked No. 9 in Class 6A, then moved the ball into Fairhope territory. But a scramble by quarterback Aaden Shamburger on fourth-and-3 was stopped short at the 38 and the Pirates then ran out the clock.

Play of the game: Thomas’ touchdown was by far the biggest play of the game for the Fairhope offense. He initially appeared to be stopped at the line of scrimmage before bursting free down the left sideline. “I felt them pulling on me, but I knew I had to get up out of there,” Thomas said. “This game was nothing but hard work.”

Stat sheet: Spanish Fort was effective running the ball, turning 40 carries into 199 yards. Nemo Hixon led the way with 73 yards on 10 carries. Sawyer Wilson had 64 yards on 12 carries. Shamburger rushed for 32 yards, including a 5-yard touchdown, and passed for 78 yards. … Fairhope rushed for 133 yards on 34 carries. The Pirates completed 18-of-22 passes for 152 yards. Each team committed one turnover.

Game ball: Fairhope’s Till Rogers made a huge tackle on kick coverage after the Pirates had cut the deficit to 14-10. The big hit set the tone for defensive stops to come.

Coachspeak: “Our guys really grew up tonight. It’s a long season, but this will be a memory that they always have.” – Carter

“Fairhope had a great game plan. But we kept them in the game with our mistakes. That’s on me.” – Spanish Fort coach Chase Smith.

Did you know?: Fairhope has now beaten Spanish Fort in back-to-back seasons for the firstm time, as the Pirates have won three of the last four against the Toros.

What’s next?: Spanish Fort will be back home to open Class 6A, Region 1 play against Blount. The Toros will have the advantage of two extra days of rest compared to the Leopards, who open the season Saturday night against Vigor at Ladd-Peebles Stadium. Fairhope will travel to Fort Walton Beach, Fla. to face Choctawhatchee High School next week.