There are several interesting matchups involving Baldwin County football teams tonight, but none should be more exciting than the annual Blue-Gold Rivalry Game between the Fairhope Pirates and Foley Lions tonight at Foley’s Ivan Jones Stadium.

Fairhope (5-1) has been rolling since an early loss to McGill-Toolen, and Foley has won back-to-back games to reach an even 3-3 record.

In Gulf Shores, the 5A Dolphins (3-3) are stepping down in class to face 1A No. 1 Linden (6-0). At first glance, a 5A team against a 1A squad might look like an easy win for the Dolphins, but Linden is a powerhouse that has talent at every position. Could be a close one for Gulf Shores.

In Class 3A, the Bayside Academy Admirals (6-0) jumped up to No. 5 in the ASWA poll this week and face a top-10 foe on the road at Trinity (No. 7) tonight. Other games featuring Baldwin County teams: Williamson at Baldwin County, Robertsdale at Daphne and Spanish Fort at LeFlore.

Fairhope at Foley: The Fairhope Pirates and Foley Lions have played some real barnburners over the years in the battle for Blue-Gold bragging rights. The Pirates average 43.3 points per game and have not scored fewer than 30 points in a game all season. Foley’s defense has struggled against the run in big games, giving up more than 500 yards combined to Daphne’s T.J. Yeldon and McGill-Toolen’s Trey Roberts in two losses. The Lions have been good against the pass, though, with a senior and experience-laden secondary. Fairhope’s offense is well-balanced, though, with weapons a quarterback, receiver and running back, so Foley must be ready for an offensive onslaught. Prediction: Fairhope 31, Foley 24.

Linden at Gulf Shores: 5A Gulf Shores welcomes 1A No. 1 Linden to “The Mick” tonight, Dolphins fans should not take 1A Linden lightly. The Patriots (6-0) boast one of the state’s best defenses, with four shutouts and a grand total of 22 points given up through six games (3.7 PPG average). The Pats’ offense is no slouch, either, with an average of 46.5 points per game. Linden already has two wins over higher class teams, shellacking 5A Central-Tuscaloosa 52-0 and beating 4A Greene County 39-8. A Gulf Shores win will depend on  its offense. If the Dolphins can run the ball with tough back Josh Carroll and if quarterback Brandon Silvers can play mistake free football, they can win the game. Prediction: Gulf Shores 17, Linden 14.

Bayside Academy at Trinity: The Bayside Academy Admirals face a tough road test at Trinity tonight in a 3A Region 1 top-10 tussle. The 6-0 Admirals (3A No. 5) are fresh off a key win over Washington County, while No. 7 Trinity (5-1) topped Catholic Montgomery on Friday. Bayside has two region games after tonight, but a win at Trinity will put it in the driver’s seat for the region championship. Prediction: Bayside Academy 35, Trinity 24.

Spanish Fort at LeFlore: Spanish Fort (4-2) faces a key 5A Region 1 foe in LeFlore at Ladd-Peebles Stadium in Mobile tonight. The Toros got off to a rocky start under new head coach Mark Freeman, losing two of their first three games, but have reeled off three straight wins to reach a 4-2 overall record. LeFlore has struggled on defense, giving up 24 points per game, and its offense hasn’t been much better with a 19 point scoring average. Prediction: Spanish Fort 31, LeFlore 13.

Robertsdale at Daphne: 6A No. 1 Daphne is riding a 21 game win streak, and a visit from 1-5 Robertsdale should give the Trojans a 22nd straight win. The Trojans have too many weapons to lose at home to a team that has struggled in all phases of the game this season. Prediction: Daphne 35, Robertsdale 10.

Williamson at Baldwin County: Baldwin County has struggled to an 0-6 start, but that’s partly because it started the season against six straight 2010 playoff teams, including the defending 6A (Daphne) and 5A (Spanish Fort) state champions. Baldwin County’s winless record doesn’t show it, but the Tigers are improved under new head coach Bobby Moore. BCHS’s next four opponents have a combined 6-19 record. Williamson (2-4) has lost three straight since beating Robertsdale (1-5) on Sept. 9. All four of the Tigers’ next games are winnable, so tonight is as good a time as ever to end that 18-game losing streak. Prediction: BCHS 17, Williamson 14.

Contact Senior Sports Director Eric Mann by email at emann@gulfcoastnewspapers.com