SPANISH FORT — Two goals 33 seconds apart in the first five minutes of the second half sealed the deal for the Montgomery Academy Eagles to claim their Class 6A state quarterfinal match against the Spanish Fort Toros Friday night on the Hill.

The Eagles advance to face the Briarwood Christian Lions in the Alabama High School Athletic Association’s semifinals next week in Huntsville.

Spanish Fort, which won the Class 6A Area 2 crown undefeated, ends its season with a 21-2-2 overall record. The last time it went to the state quarterfinals was in 2018 where the Toros fell 1-0 to Northview.

Despite a weather delay to start the game with lightning showers in the area, both teams played a fairly even first half where both sides put shots on goal and played solid defense. Although Spanish Fort junior Sydney White registered the first shot of the second half not even two minutes in, Montgomery Academy soon staged a counterattack.

The Eagles worked the ball into the Toros’ defensive end and found the back of the net through a crowd in front to end the scoreless tie with 36:13 left in regulation. Montgomery Academy seized control not long after the ensuing kickoff and took advantage of the reeling Spanish Fort defense and added to its lead with 35:40 to play.

The Toros bounced back and earned a few corner kicks as well as a penalty shot with just over 27 minutes left but the Eagles stifled that opportunity and then capitalized on the moment to steal a road victory in the playoffs.

With just over 27 minutes left, Spanish Fort sophomore Beatriz Souza earned a penalty kick but Montgomery Academy snuffs it out to retain its 2-0 lead over the Toros in the second half #ALHSSoccer pic.twitter.com/nabmFwF5ht

— Gulf Coast Media Sports (@GCMSportsAL) May 6, 2023

Other local scores

GIRLS

Fairhope 1, McGill-Toolen 0 – Class 7A
The Pirates advance to face the Auburn Tigers in the semifinals May 11 at 3 p.m. with Sparkman and Oak Mountain in the other semifinal.

St. Michael Catholic 3, Trinity Presbyterian 2 (Thursday, May 4) – Class 4A
The Cardinals advance to face the American Christian Academy Patriots in the semifinals May 12 at 1 p.m. with Westminster Christian already in the other semifinal.

BOYS

Daphne 2, Davidson 1 – Class 7A
The Trojans advance to face the Dothan Wolves in the semifinals May 11 at 5 p.m. with Huntsville and Oak Mountain in the other semifinal.

Bayside Academy 3, St. Michael Catholic 2 (PKs) – Class 4A
The third meeting between Area 1 rivals needed penalty kicks to determine who advanced to the semifinals and Tipton Smith delivered the game-winning score to lift the Admirals at home. Bayside Academy will meet the Oneonta Redskins May 12 at 3 p.m. with Westbrook Christian already in the other semifinal.