Gulf Shores Dominates Vigor: In a dominating performance, Gulf Shores, ranked No. 1 in Class 5A, cruised to a 42-12 victory over No. 9 Vigor in a Region 1 clash at Mickey Miller Blackwell Stadium. Kolin Wilson led the charge with 179 rushing yards and a touchdown, adding a passing touchdown to his impressive performance.
Ronnie Royal contributed 46 yards and two rushing touchdowns, while Blaize Thomas and Braden Jackson each caught touchdown passes. Jud Harris, despite completing only 2-of-6 passes for 117 yards, showcased his dual-threat ability with 39 rushing yards and a touchdown. Will Langston was perfect on point-after attempts, going 6-of-6 for the Dolphins, who maintained their flawless record at 9-0 overall and 7-0 in the region.
The victory was particularly significant for Gulf Shores, as they faced a challenging week under investigation by the Alabama High School Athletic Association. The team rallied together, using the adversity as a unifying force, according to Coach Mark Hudspeth. The Dolphins showcased resilience and determination in defeating a formidable opponent like Vigor.
Gulf Shores’ defense played a pivotal role in limiting Vigor’s typically explosive offense. Despite a 95-yard kickoff return by star running back Carlos Benjamin, he was held to 53 yards on 14 carries. Quarterback Jerrian Graham struggled, completing only 4-of-13 passes for 33 yards with an interception.
After Vigor’s initial three-and-out possession, Gulf Shores swiftly scored with Royal’s 2-yard run, set up by a 47-yard pass from Harris to Royal. Vigor responded with a 73-yard drive, resulting in Benjamin’s 4-yard touchdown run. However, Gulf Shores used big plays, including a 70-yard touchdown pass from Harris to Jackson and a trick play involving Wilson’s pass to Thomas, to stretch their lead to 21-6 by the end of the first quarter.
The Dolphins continued to dominate, adding scores in the second half, with Wilson’s 56-yard touchdown run and Harris’ 13-yard scramble. Despite Benjamin’s 95-yard kickoff return for a touchdown, Vigor couldn’t overcome Gulf Shores’ lead. The Dolphins secured the impressive victory, maintaining their perfect record and showing resilience in the face of adversity.
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Star player Wilson’s hard running and all-around performance earned him recognition as the standout of the game. The play of the game was Harris’ well-executed trick play, catching the Vigor defense off guard and finding Thomas for a pivotal touchdown.
Coach Hudspeth praised the dynamic duo of Wilson and Royal, highlighting their contribution to the team’s success. Despite some penalties and unsportsmanlike conduct, Gulf Shores recorded 16 first downs and showcased their dominance on both sides of the ball.
In the words of Coach Cook from Vigor, “They wanted it more than we did, and they were a lot more physical than us tonight.” Gulf Shores looks ahead with confidence, heading into the playoffs with a perfect record.
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Our Reader’s Queries
What is the score of the vigor game in Gulf Shores?
Gulf Shores 42 is leading with a strong 30-point advantage over Vigor 12.
When did Gulf Shores became popular?
The Intracoastal Waterway’s completion in 1937 and the Gulf State Park’s opening in 1939 were vital in drawing people to the Gulf Shores region.