GULF SHORES — In their first game as the top-ranked team in Class 5A, the Gulf Shores Dolphins pushed their season-opening win streak to seven games with a 45-13 victory over the Williamson Lions in Region 1 action behind a full-team effort.

Dual-threat dominance

With the help of two touchdowns each from junior Kolin Wilson and North Carolina State commit Ronnie Royal, the Dolphins recorded their third 40-point effort of the season. In contrast, Williamson managed to add only 13 points behind a blocked punt and a pick-six.

Gulf Shores’ offensive prowess was not the sole reason for success, however, as the Dolphin defense directly contributed two touchdowns. Senior classmates Braden Jackson (31 yards, third of the season) and Isaiah Hammac (58 yards) both recorded a pick-six and sophomore Jamichael Garrett supplied two fumble recoveries including one he nearly returned for a touchdown.

Mark Hudspeth, head football coach of the Gulf Shores Dolphins, said the defensive performance that limited the Lions to 63 yards of total offense sent a statement.

“Defensively, that might have been the best performance I have seen,” he said. “We were tough and we were physical.”

“Room for improvement.”

Despite the celebratory mood, Hudspeth expressed satisfaction with the win but acknowledged areas for improvement.

The head coach noted that offensively, Gulf Shores had to “get back to work.”

“If we get in a big-time game,” Hudspeth said, “we are going to have to score points.”

Stat sheet

Wilson finished with 160 rushing yards on 15 carries to complement Royal who racked up 72 rushing yards on 11 carries to go along with a 68-yard catch as well as three tackles for loss defensively.

Garrett led the defense with seven total tackles and a sack on top of his fumble recoveries. Junior Carter Byrd also collected seven tackles and added an interception.

Sophomore Landon Everett was not far behind with six tackles where senior classmates Jordan Watson (4) and Otto Brewer (3) recorded multiple tackles for loss.

Up next

The Dolphins improved to 7-0 overall and 5-0 in region play. Gulf Shores is set to face the Elberta Warriors (2-4, 1-2) on the road in another game within Class 5A Region 1 next Friday, Oct. 13.

Williamson fell to 3-2 overall and 2-3 in the region standings. The Lions have the Citronelle Wildcats (3-3, 1-3) on their Week 8 slate.

Money quote

“I hope we understand this, we are going to see much better and we have a lot of work to do,” Hudspeth said.