Both the Spanish Fort varsity boys and girls will open the season at home on Nov. 11 against Murphy. 

SPANISH FORT BOYS

Third-year head coach Chad Applin is ready to test his Spanish Fort squad with another challenging schedule. The Toros finished 7-24 last season but knocked off Baldwin County in the area tournament before finishing as runners-up to McGill-Toolen in Class 6A Area 2.

“There is not a game on the schedule where we say, ‘that will be a game we can take a breather,’” Applin said. “Every game is a game we will have to play well. I think that prepares you for postseason play — I have always tried to put together a challenging schedule, and I like the way our team responds to it. They can see the bigger picture.”

Spanish Fort returns eight seniors with limited varsity experience but strong leadership, including defensive standout Spencer Sinclair and point guard Marty Nelson. With six juniors and a sophomore in the rotation, Applin expects internal competition to drive growth.

SPANISH FORT GIRLS

Head coach Jared Gilliland enters his fourth season leading the Toros and 14th overall in Baldwin County. The team finished 12-17 last season and third in 6A Area 2, but Gilliland said this year’s roster features more depth and competition at each position.

Spanish Fort will be led by six seniors, including volleyball player Zoë Beech and Brooke Bourdeau, who is returning from an ACL injury. Gilliland said both players set the tone with their hustle and leadership, and he expects the Toros to make a push for another postseason run.

“We have a lot of autonomy at practice,” Gilliland said. “I try to be a good listener — if they say there is something they feel like they need to work on, then I am willing to hear it out. These two here (Beech and Bourdeau) are very opinionated young ladies, which I appreciate and encourage. They always give me honest feedback.”