GORE – The Pirates will advance to round 2 of the OSSAA Class A playoffs, but unlike last year they will have to go on the road for round 2.

Gore (9-2) defeated the Fairland Owls 22-14 Friday night to punch a ticket to Stroud next Friday to take on the Tigers (9-2)

After jumping out to a 16-0 lead midway through the first quarter, The Pirates allowed Fairland to get on the board and back in the game with a touchdown pass and 2-point conversion to bring the game back to a one-score contest.

In the second quarter the Pirates added to their lead with a rushing touchdown but failed on the extra point try to end the half with a 14-point advantage 22-8 going into the lockers.

The Owls received the second half kickoff and took advantage with a rushing touchdown, but their two-point try also failed and the game was back to within one score, 22-14.

In the final period both teams featured their defenses not allowing any scores for the final 12 minutes of the contest.

Fairland had the last shot with 2 minutes remaining in the game, but a staunch Gore Pirates defense prevailed, keeping the Owls off the scoreboard, to bring home the 22-14 victory.