See video highlights courtesy of Gulf South Net.com

Spanish Fort 20, Daphne 13

Toros take region, rivalry win over Trojans

Tony Whitehead, GCM Sports
Posted 9/2/18

Spanish Fort built a 17-0 lead before Daphne responded to avoid a first-half shut on The Hill in the two neighboring rivals’ 2018 meeting – the first league match up for both. The Trojans won the second half 6-3 but it was not enough as the Toros'defense ....

This item is available in full to subscribers.

Subscribe to continue reading. Already a subscriber? Sign in

Get the gift of local news. All subscriptions 50% off for a limited time!

You can cancel anytime.
 

Please log in to continue

Log in
See video highlights courtesy of Gulf South Net.com

Spanish Fort 20, Daphne 13

Toros take region, rivalry win over Trojans

Posted

SPANISH FORT, Ala. — Spanish Fort built a 17-0 lead before Daphne responded to avoid a first-half shut on The Hill in the two neighboring rivals’ 2018 meeting – the first league match up for both. The Trojans won the second half 6-3 but it was not enough as the Toros’ defense came up with big stops to the claim the Region 1, Class 6A win.

SFHS surged ahead on (75-yard and 37-yard) touchdown runs by Zavier Love and a 24-yard field goal by Matt Quinn who added a 46-yarder in the fourth quarter with air to spare.

DHS scored with 16 seconds left in the first half when quarterback Trent Battle tossed a 10-yard touchdown pass to Christian Williams.

After the break Battle found C.J. Young who scored with another 10-yard reception for DHS to make the difference 17-13 with 5:19 to go in the third quarter.

Daphne’s offense threatened again down the stretch but senior SF defensive back Desmond (DJ) James came up with two interceptions to halt the Trojans attack. The win was the fourth-straight in the series for the Toros who extended their lead in the varsity football rivalry to 6-1.

SFHS was coming off a loss to McGill-Toolen Catholic and perhaps motivated even more to get a win, said Spanish Fort head coach Ben Blackmon.

“We turned up the pressure on the kids at practice this week and they responded,” he said. “Anytime you play a big rivalry game like this, you know it can come down to a play or two. We made mistakes, but we responded each time and were able to win the football game. So, I’m proud of how we played and especially how we responded when things didn’t go right. But we've still got a lot to fix."

Daphne head coach Kenny King said too many self-inflicted errors limited the Trojans number on the scoreboard.

“We made too many mistakes. We didn’t take advantage of some opportunities we had by fully executing. We have to execute when we have the chance. We just didn’t make plays when it counted. One thing about playing a good team early is you get to see where you need to get better. So, we have mistakes to correct and more to work on and get ready for next week.”

Up next, Daphne (1-1, 0-1) will host Region 1 foe Saraland at Jubilee Field. Spanish Fort (1-1, 1-0) hosts Moss Point (Miss.) in another non-region contest.

See Related Link for video highlights courtesy of Gulf South Net.com