SPANISH FORT — The Spanish Fort Toros slid to victory in the first round of the Class 6A State Playoffs with a 28-0 shutout of the Bessemer City Purple Tigers Friday night at home.

Defensive dominance and offensive triumphs

The Toros were dedicated to preventing the Purple Tigers from reaching the end zone and created a defensive barrier that featured three sacks courtesy of senior and Louisville commit Cole McConathy II.

Despite the wet and muddy conditions thanks to Friday’s rain on The Hill, Spanish Fort navigated the challenges and stormed into the endzone.

Junior Sawyer Wilson notched a 5-yard touchdown to establish a Toro lead early in the first quarter. Sophomore Aaden Shamburger threw a 44-yard scoring pass to classmate Justin Bonner who escaped efforts from Bessemer City tacklers.

Senior Chandler Wilson found himself wide open in the endzone for a 6-yard pass to secure another touchdown for Spanish Fort. The night concluded with classmate Drew Williamson's 6-yard rushing touchdown which served as the final scoring play.

Smith ‘proud of his team’

As he reflected on the shutout displayed on the scoreboard, Toro head football coach Chase Smith expressed pride in his team's performance.

“I’m just so proud of our guys coming out,” Smith said. “We didn’t let the weather have any effect on us and we played a really, really physical game.”

With the confidence in hosting the first-round playoff game, Smith attributed Spanish Fort’s success to a focused week of practice which disregarded outside noise.

“Just coming out here and hosting a playoff game and just a super great week of practice, I felt like we would have a chance to play well,” he said. “We didn’t let the external factors dictate us.”

Up next

In the second round of the Class 6A State Playoffs, the Toros (9-2) will hit the road next week to face the Pike Road Patriots (9-2) who beat Homewood 10-9 Friday night.

Money quote

Smith emphasized his team's preparation for the upcoming challenge against the Patriots and expressed eagerness to bring a win back to Spanish Fort.

“We want to go up there,” Smith said. “We are accepting the challenge and look forward to it.”