DAPHNE, Ala. — Four minutes, 32 seconds into the Class 6A league match with visiting Gulf Shores, Jackson Barber scored for the Trojans off an assist feed from Tres McMurphy. The rest of the first half was quiet and Daphne led 1-0 at the break. But three-goals in the last 40 minutes sealed the Trojans’ 10th win overall and fifth in league play.

“Our guys are focusing, playing as a team with purpose and intensity and it’s paying off on the scoreboard,” said Daphne head coach Cameron Williams. “It’s good to get 10 wins by mid March. Last year we didn’t get our 10th until April, so we are playing well right now. To keep it up, we need to keep working hard together at practice and continue putting that discipline into the rest of the year.”

In spite of some injuries, Williams credits a deep bench with maintaining the 10-2 win-loss ratio so far. The sixth-ranked (Alabama Coaches Poll) Class 6A Trojans also have two ties.

“We have been plagued by some injuries and some sickness at times that weaken our lineup, but fortunately we have guys on the bench who can and have stepped up big for us all year. They also have great chemistry together no matter who is in or out.”

In the second half, a whistle in the box led to a penalty kick for DHS and Reed Jackson finished it just under five minutes in.

The Dolphins kept the intensity high, but in the 74th and 75th minutes Daphne added two more goals. James Comerford on an assist from Wesley Peregin and a finish by Barber with an assist by Connor Williams.

Hunter Monty had two saves for DHS. Morgan Lollar had five for GSHS. Daphne is playing in the Smokey Mountain Cup tournament this weekend in Tennesee.

Other Baldwin teams in the state soccer-coaches rankings top ten include Bayside Academy’s boys at No. 2 in Class 1A-3A. The Bayside girls are raned No. 7.

GIRLS

Foley 2, Murphy 1

• Battaglia, Hammac score for Lions in 7A region battle with Panthers

FOLEY — In a big win for the Foley Lady Lions despite the cold and rain, Julianna Battaglia and Destiny Hammac scored goals for Foley in their 2-1 Class 7A victory over Murphy.