SARALAND, Ala. – A 31-yard field goal by Spanish Fort’s Lucas Breax made the difference for the Toros who took a 24-21 region win at Bayou Sara.

The Toros picked up their fourth region win with scores by Jacob Godfrey on a 13-yard touchdown pass from Brendon Byrd and two rushing TDs by Johnny Morris III. The junior running back punched one in from four yards out in the first half and another from the Spartan 10 in the third quarter.

“Hats off to our defense,” said SFHS head coach Ben Blackmon. “They played lights out. When you can hold an offense like that to 21 points and score 24, your doing something right. Our defense made it possible against a very explosive team. I’m so proud.”

He also said his young quarterback’s play was key.

“This was a big win for a sophomore quarterback. He’s a great kid. I’m proud to get to coach him.”

With SFHS leading 24-7, Saraland rallied in the fourth to score their third TD with 93 seconds left in regulation. Karson Green’s  keeper on fourth-and-goal at the SF 2-yard line to make it a three-point game. The score was set up by Jerone York’s kickoff return to the Toros’ 7-yard line.

The Spartans followed with an onside kick, but the Toros recovered and Byrd took a knee to run out the clock.

Green also scored for SHS in the first quarter to tie the score 7-7 and Corey Darrington scored on a 10-yard run.

“We knew it was going to come down to the wire,” Blackmon said. “It always seems to with these two teams. Coach (Jeff) Kelly has a great team. He always has them ready and you can never count them out.”

He added that the first five minutes of each quarter and the last five minutes of each half seemed to set the tone.

“Our guys rose to the occasion when they were challenged and made the difference for us. Hats off. I’m so proud of these guys tonight. Those five-minutes are very crucial and determine momentum in a game. Our defense got us some big turnovers and stops that made all the difference.”

The Toros (4-2, 4-0) are scheduled to host Blount this Friday on The Hill. SHS (5-2, 3-1) is scheduled to visit Gulf Shores Thursday, Oct. 8.

Check school websites or offices for schedule changes due to Hurricane Gamma or COVID-19 concerns.