Kingwood Christian came within seconds of its first victory Friday night, but the Pickens Academy Pirates scored with 24 seconds remaining to snatch the victory from the Lions’ jaws, 23-22.

After a scoreless first quarter, Jacob Macreedy gave the Lions the first lead of the game with a rushing touchdown.

Pickens answered before the half on a run by Kirk Lewis to tie the game up, but a safety on Kingwood put the Pirates up 9-7 at the half.

In the second half, Pickens took the lead midway through the third quarter on a Tyler Vails touchdown run.

The Lions missed a 37-yard field goal in the third quarter, but Eric Marshall put the Lions back in contention when he returned an interception for a touchdown.

In the fourth quarter, the Lions jumped on top when Andrew Steele connected with Justin Dickinson for a 30-yard touchdown pass. Steele rushed for the two-point conversion to increase the lead to 22-16.

After swapping possessions, Pickens returned a punt for a touchdown, but the play was called back for roughing the kicker.

However, the Pirates scored two possessions later on the 10-yard pass with 24 seconds remaining and nailed the point-after kick to seal the win.

“I don’t want another one like that,” Pickens head coach Matthew Lavender said.

Kingwood coach Jerry Stearns declined to comment following the game.

The Lions play host to Tuscaloosa Academy.

Kelly Wesley contributed to this report.