The Daphne Trojan flag football team will hit the road Wednesday night for their Class 6A-7A state quarterfinal contest against the Central-Phenix City Red Devils. It will mark Daphne’s first state appearance in its inaugural season.

The Trojans were the Tournament 1 winner with victories over MGM (19-0) and Alma-Bryant (13-7) at home last Monday, Oct. 30. Similarly, Central-Phenix City claimed Tournament 2 with big wins over Smiths Station (32-6) and defending champion Auburn (34-7), who also hosted.

The Prattville Lions will be awaiting the winner of the Daphne and Central-Phenix City quarterfinal in the state semifinals set for Nov. 14-21 after a 19-13 win over Tuscaloosa County Wildcats on Monday, Nov. 6. On the other end of the bracket, Homewood will also battle Vestavia Hills on Wednesday with the winner drawing the victor of the Lee and Hewitt-Trussville quarterfinal set for Monday, Nov. 13.

Inaugural Baldwin County squad recognized by city council

After the Baldwin County Tigers closed their inaugural season with a playoff berth, the Bay Minette City Council recognized the squad at its session on Monday, Nov. 6.

Much of this year’s team will likely return to hold roster spots next year since the team was constructed of five juniors, five sophomores, five freshmen and five middle schoolers.

Baldwin County earned the second seed in 6A-7A’s Tournament 1 after a regular-season record of 5-1-1 where its only loss came to top-seeded Daphne. The Tigers battled to a 27-6 loss in the first round to Alma-Bryant where sophomore Karsyn Barnett caught a 30-yard touchdown pass from freshman Ryann Wallace for the lone score.

Baldwin County Coach Tabetha Davis agreed that while they made history, more is awaiting this team when it returns next year.

“It wasn’t perfect, but the way this group came together not knowing each other was something special and I won’t forget it. I am sad we didn’t get to finish what we started but with no seniors our future is so bright,” Davis said. “I can’t wait to see what this group does.”

Coach Glenn Ray said the support from the administration and community helped the Tigers have success early on.

“With our administration’s incredible backing and commitment, we were the first school in Baldwin County to have a flag football program,” Ray said. “The team was able to finish second in our region. We made the playoffs. The school, coaches, and team hope to continue to build on and improve what we started this year.”

Michael Hill joined Davis and Ray on the coaching staff. Baldwin County’s 2023 roster included Talajia Brown, Mikayla James, LaMya Hicks, Taleiya Stanley, Madisyn Williams, Payton Davis, Ryann Wallace, Allison Siggers, Karsyn Barnett, Zyanna Adams, Stori Palmer, Payton Boyington, Jada Gray, Jamie Vinson, Emma Robinson, Zaniah Hooks, Shilya Kirkland, Sydney Rogers, Layla Stanley and Charlee Cox.