SPHS 17, SFHS 14

Toros fall in nationally televised heartbreaker to Saints

By Michael Hanich, GCM Sports
Posted 8/31/20

SPANISH FORT, Ala. — Friday was another huge game for the Spanish Fort Toros hosting the St. Paul’s Saints in a nationally televised broadcast by ESPN. When the spotlight shined on the …

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SPHS 17, SFHS 14

Toros fall in nationally televised heartbreaker to Saints

Posted

SPANISH FORT, Ala. — Friday was another huge game for the Spanish Fort Toros hosting the St. Paul’s Saints in a nationally televised broadcast by ESPN. When the spotlight shined on the game, it was the weather and the penalties that were the stars of this game.

The first quarter was dominated by the defensive presences of the Toros and the Saints. It did not help the many penalties thrown by the referees would slow down the potential of the Toros’ offense. The Toros only accounted for 97 total yards in the first half against a highly efficient Saints’ defense. Spanish Fort also encountered three turnovers in the first half with a turnover on downs, an interception, and a fumble. St. Paul’s ended their last possession of the first half with a 35-yard field goal and took a 3-0 lead into halftime.

The Toros were finally able to get on the scoreboard with a 31-yard pass from sophomore quarterback Brendon Byrd to junior wide receiver Mario Montgomery II. After a series of trading scores, the Toros got within three-point deficit with 2:12 left in the game thanks to another touchdown connection from Byrd to Montgomery.

After a failed onside kick from the Toros, the Saints were able to seal the game due to a quick pass to the left for 13-yard on third down. It was a heavy blitz package that was near perfect if it was for a tough busted coverage.

The Toros took their second loss of the season in their second game against an elite team outside the division. Last season, the Toros encountered a similar 0-2 season start but the 35-7 loss to the Daphne Trojans was vacated.

The Toros (0-2) have a chance to turn their season around as they start 6A Region 1 play this Friday as they host the Gulf Shores Dolphins (1-1). This will be the fourth matchup between Dolphins head coach Matt Blake and his former mentor in Toros head coach Ben Blackmon.