FAIRHOPE, Ala.— On February 24, FHS Varsity Boys Soccer played against Daphne at Volanta Stadium. The Pirates won the game with a score of 4-0 kicking off the rivalry between both teams for the 2025-2026 season. 

“Beating Daphne was a must win for us and I think the win really came down to everybody actually wanting to win and everyone giving 100% throughout the entire game,” said Joseph Joines, senior center back.

The first two goals were scored within the first ten minutes of the game by brothers Alex Reger and Max Reger. Fairhope kicked off and immediately pressured Daphne’s goal, shooting at their goal through the majority of the game. 

“The boys played well and we needed the result,” said Paul Stroud, head coach.  

Midfielder Trent Thompson played through the middle of the field giving him space to pass the ball up the field to the forward player. This relieved time and pressure and allowed Fairhope to execute quick throw-ins and kick-ins. 

“To prepare for the game we practiced a lot on moving the ball through the midfield. This allowed us to create many goal scoring opportunities,” said Grant Thompson, senior forward. 

In the second half of the game Daphne scored one goal, yet did not receive a point due to a violation. Goalie Josh Hockhauser punted the ball back down the field and Fairhope continued to move the ball up to their goal. 

“In our next game we’ll be working on moving the ball quicker and playing through lines to split their midfield and defense,” Joines said. 

Toward the end of the game Fairhope led with a score of 2-0 and sophomore Connor Windham scored the last two goals of the game both with assists from long passes relieving him pressure to score. The Pirates celebrated their victory bringing their season to a 3-6 standing.