Spanish Fort, Ala. — Week one of 2017 high-school football began with a high-profile playoff atmosphere at Spanish Fort between the Toros and visiting McGill-Toolen Catholic‘s Yellow Jackets Friday.

In a rematch from last year’s 24-3 McGill-Toolen win, head coach Ben Blackmon and his Toros were hoping for different results with a new team. The game flow was intense and back-and-forth but in the end, the Toros made too many mistakes as they lost 27-20.

SFHS head coach Blackmon was disappointed in the final result but liked the effort he saw, particularly in the passing game,.

“We’re fine, I think we just have to fix our mistakes and move forward.”

Toros’ quarterback Jack Samsel accounted for 17 completions (out of 26 attempts) for 141 yards, one touchdown and three interceptions. First-year starting Yellow Jackets cornerback Jakorian Bennett played tight coverage and had all three interceptions including one returned for a 55-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter. Two of his three occurred in the final quarter.

The Toros had passing success to Kris Abrams-Draine (who scored a touchdown in the firstt quarter). Connor Hagan was a workhorse for the SF offense rushing for 110 yards on 23 carries (4.8 yards per rush) and had 27 yards receiving including a 13-yard touchdown screen pass from Samsel in the third quarter.

The Defense for the Toros was efficient and played well in-between the drives they were forced into from turnovers. Destin Myers had a sack, two and a half tackles for loss, and a key pass-breakup. Monjai Cooks accounted for a tackle for loss and a sack.

The Jackets had 351 total yards to Spanish Fort’s 291. Next week, the Yellow Jackets (1-0) play the Davidson Warriors (0-1) in Ladd-Peebles Stadium. The Toros (0-1) will play at region rival Daphne (1-0).