MOBILE, Ala. — Things have not been easy for the Gulf Shores Dolphins football team after a 1-19 record the past two seasons and three different head coaches. That all changed last Friday night as Gulf Shores, led by Head Coach Matt Blake, got their first win since 2015 with a 37-20 win at B.C. Rain's Trimmier Park.

“We’re very excited,” Blake said. “I couldn't be happier for our kids. I couldn't be happier for our coaches, our cheerleaders, our bands, our trainers, and the parents. We had a great crowd traveling to Mobile. Couldn't be happier for the whole Dolphin nation, it's been a long two and a half years for this entire program.”

Todd Hoover ran for 210 yards on 26 carries (8.1 yards per rush) and 3 rushing touchdowns. Coach Blake said Hoover was a great part of the offensive game plan to run sideline-to-sideline to tire out the defense. Rett Files threw for eight completions for 143 yards and a touchdown of a 35-yard pass to Devon Swainston. Blake said the offensive line’s performance in creating holes for Todd to get through, pass blocking for Files was a big part of the win.

The Dolphins’ first score was an interception returned for a touchdown by Gage Hudson. “It really set the tone for us,” Blake said. The defense did a really good job of getting them out of their game plan and disrupting their run game and forcing them to throw the ball.”

Caden Goodrich also had an interception. The Dolphins (1-3) will host the LeFlore Rattlers (1-3) Friday, Sept. 22 at Mickey Miller-Blackwell Stadium in Class 6A Region 1 play. Kickoff is 7 p.m.

“I do not see any letdown happening,” Blake added. “I do not see anybody being satisfied with one win, that's not what we are here for. I came back to Gulf Shores to build a long-term sustainable program, and you do that by turning one win into two.”