This week the Gulf Shores High School Dolphins traveled to the Headland Rams for the third round of the State of Alabama 5A Playoffs. The Rams enter with a 10-2 record, while the Dolphins are undefeated on the season. The main comparison game is that both have played UMS-Wright during the season. Headland won that game (35-21), while the Dolphins defeated the UMS Bulldogs (17-0).

The Dolphins kicked off to the Rams at 7PM and Headland proceeded to ran several plays to their own 42 yard line. After a delay in game they punted to Gulf Shores. With the game still at 0-0, the Gulf Shores Dolphins started their drive from deep in their own side of the field. The entire offense pushed for several 1st downs and their first drive ended with a rushing score by Kolin Wilson and a PAT by Langston. Gulf Shores now led the game 7-0.

The Gulf Shores defense went to work pounding the Headland Rams deep in their own side of the field. Headland was held and forced to punt. In a quirky play, their punt to the Dolphins bounced off a Gulf Shores player and Headland got the ball back in Dolphins territory. The Gulf Shores defense held the Rams to a 4th and 1, but Headland obtained a 1st down. With the Rams threatening to score, the 1st quarter ended with Gulf Shores leading 7-0.

In the beginning of the second quarter, Otto Brewer and the defense held the Rams and the ball was turned over on downs.

The Dolphins offense went to work but were stopped after one set of plays. The Dolphins punter then kicked a 55 yarder to the Rams.

The Gulf Shores Dolphins Defense maintained constant pressure on Headland and forced another punt by the Rams. After a muffed punt the Dolphins had the ball on Headland's 32 yard line. Wilson then drove the ball for a first down. Ronnie Royal finished the drive with a touchdown. After the PAT, Gulf Shores led 14-0.

Headland now had the ball at their own 12 after the kick-off. The Gulf Shores defense was smothering the Headland Rams offensive.  On a 4th and 3, the Dolphins committed a penalty and gave the Rams a 1st down. Gulf Shores defense got back to work and forced the Rams into turning the ball over just before the half.

After taking the ball back, Gulf Shores took just one play for Jud Harris to score a 31 yard touchdown pass to Braden Jackson. This made the score 21-0 in favor of the Gulf shores Dolphins.

After the Dolphins were penalized for roughing the passer and a valiant effort by the Rams, Headland was held scoreless in the first half. Otto Brewer and Kingston Lowe lead the Gulf Shores defensive charge during the half.

Headland Kicked off to Gulf Shores to start the second half. Royal returned it to the 40 yard line. The Dolphins offensive sputtered and had to settle on a punt to Headland.

The Rams started on their own 20. After a penalty they made a first down and Headland passed deep into Gulf Shores territory. Gulf Shores defense got into the Rams backfield and Isaiah Hammac took the ball back after a fumble.

Gulf Shores Ronnie Royal made a long run down the field. The possession ended Royal scoring a 4 yard touchdown. Langston's PAT was good and the Dolphins led 28-0.

After the Headland Rams stalled, the Dolphins took over and drove down the field. The Gulf Shores players committed a couple of penalties and their drive resulted in a punt to the Rams, ending the third quarter.

In the fourth quarter the Headland Rams struggled to move the ball. They punted back to Gulf Shores and the Dolphin offense continued their push behind the dominating front line. Results were another 30 yard touchdown run by Ronnie Royal. The PAT was good and Gulf Shores had a dominating lead of 35-0.

During the last 5 minutes of the fourth quarter Headland attempted deep throws in order to put a score on the board.

Aadon Motes and the defense tried to stop the Rams effort but the Rams scored with 2 minutes left on the clock. An attempted 2 point conversions was unsuccessful.

The Gulf Shores Dolphins had possession with low time on the clock. Keeping the ball safe and running down the time, the Dolphins punted with 50 seconds in the game. Headland was able to take advantage of the last minute with a passing score. A two-point conversion was good by the Rams. After the kickoff to Gulf Shores, the Dolphins played a victory formation and the game ended.

Gulf Shores won the game 35-14.

The Gulf Shores Dolphins will now play the Eufaula Tigers on December 1st, at 7PM in Gulf Shores.

If you are not able to make the game in person you can hear the game on Sunny 105.7 with Mark Swalley and David DeJean calling the game live. Mark's play-by play and Coach's insight/ commentary are fantastic, even if your listening while at the game!