GULF SHORES, Ala. - The Gulf Shores Dolphins stopped Faith Academy quarterback Malik Rosier short of the goal line on a two-point conversion try with 26.1 seconds left and held on for a 35-34 win over the Rams in 5A Region 1 play on Friday.

PHOTO GALLERY: Gulf Shores vs. Faith Academy

Rosier had led the Rams on a five-play, 63-yard touchdown drive in the final minute to pull them within one point at 35-34.

The two-point conversion stop was the third big defensive play for the Dolphins in the fourth quarter after Parker Mason intercepted Rosier at the Gulf Shores 40 at the 8:22 mark. Mason’s pick, Roger Strick’s fumble recovery (5:31) and Bradley McMinn’s interception (2:11) stopped successive Ram drives in the fourth.

“When you are at the end of the game and the kids are exhausted and they are just going out there because they are fighting for each other, for their teammates, for that one little inch that could make the next play, that’s what this game is about,” Gulf Shores head coach Ben Blackmon said. “That’s the most enjoyable thing about football. To see these kids, so exhausted, victorious after a game like that. I’m proud of these guys.”

Gulf Shores quarterback Nathan Harris carried 25 times for 164 yards and three rushing touchdowns (27, 8, 9 yards). He added a 17-yard touchdown pass to freshman running back Holden Wilson in the third quarter. Mason added a 6-yard touchdown run that gave the Dolphins a 35-28 lead in the fourth to go with his interception and had a 47-yard kickoff return in the first quarter.

“I’ve got Parker Mason and I’ve got Nathan Harris and those are two kids you can build a program around because of their character,” Blackmon said. “Their character is impeccable. They are fighters and they are going to do the right thing for the good of the whole team. That’s what makes me proud to be their coach.”

Gulf Shores (2-0, 1-0) visits Spanish Fort (2-0, 1-0) next Friday in 5A Region 1 play.