Head coach Mark Hudspeth says he’d put up the Gulf Shores Dolphins’ 11 starters on defense against just about anybody in the state.

With defensive coordinator Brian VanGorder back leading the charge, they’ll look to fuel the burning desire that this year’s team has to replicate last year’s success. Complementing the defense will be an offense that features a veteran group in the trenches, led by Chase Jennings, that will look to pave the way for Ronnie Royal, an NC State commit, and the athletes to do some damage.

When the offense can’t get the job done, Hudspeth will turn to kicker Will Langston, who received a 5-star rating from Chris Sailer Kicking this offseason.

Gulf Shores’ first test comes at home this Thursday against the St. Michael Catholic Cardinals who will be searching to avenge last year’s loss in a 34-27 battle.

Key Storylines

-While the Dolphins made history with the program’s first trip to the state quarterfinals last year, head coach Mark Hudspeth said the team was disappointed they didn’t win Class 5A Region 1.

-A healthy chunk of last year’s contributors return, including NC State commit Ronnie Royal, with a hunger for more postseason success.

Top Quote from Media Day

“This football team has a chip on its shoulder and we plan on playing with a chip,” head coach Mark Hudspeth said. “Last year, I feel like we probably didn’t get the respect that we probably felt like we had earned and we are definitely going to attack each game and each opponent with that chip we’ve had on our shoulder this entire spring.”