LOXLEY, Ala. — Bobby Moore has stared an 0-10 record in the face before and won.

Moore turned an 0-10 Paul Bryant Stampede team into a playoff team in just three seasons and turned a 2-8 Tuscaloosa County team in 1995 into a 6A state champ in 1997.

Moore was hired this spring to resurrect a BCHS Tiger program that went 0-10 last season and 5-5 in 2009. The Tigers were outscored by an average of 27 points per game last season.

“Everywhere is different because in some places the regions are not as successful as they could be, but there are some things that are common,” Moore said. “The number one thing is the committment level with the kids, the administration and the community. The community is excited and committed. The administration, the school, the faculty and staff are excited. Our goal is to get the kids just as excited as they are.

“If we do that we could have a really good football team.”

Moore said he has seen some bright spots with his team in spring training and summer workouts and 7-on-7 drills.

“The big thing is that once they get to the field, once they get to the weight room, they are real hard workers. That’s a good trait. Effort, commitment, those things have impressed me with these kids.”

The Tigers host Theodore on Aug. 26 to open the season and open Class 6A, Region 2 play at defending state champion Daphne the following week.

“We’re trying to change our culture,” Moore said. “As far as tradition goes, there is a tradition here. We’ve had one 0-10 season in the history of our school. That is not a trend but a blip on the map. Tradition is something to build on, but you have to move forward.”

Foley flourishes in 7-on-7 play

The Foley Lions head into fall practice with a 22-0 record in two Select 7-on-7 tournaments.

Lions coach Todd Watson said it was a great opportunity to see his skill players compete against some of the best teams from the Southeast.

“Competing is the key word,” Watson said. “The thing that you want to do is get out there and get into competition, even though it is not ‘real football’ with no offensive line. You get to find those young receivers who can make big catches in crucial situations. You get to find the (defensive backs) who can make a play when the game is on the line.

“If it wasn’t a 7-on-7 tournament we would be in a chess or checkers competition somewhere.”

The Lions, who finished 8-4 and reached the second round of the 6A playoffs last season, open at Ladd-Peebles Stadium against Murphy on Aug. 25.

Dolphins learned from close wins, losses

The Gulf Shores Dolphins finished 4-6 last season, suffering the growing pains of a young and inexperienced team in 5A, Region 1, regarded as one of the toughest regions in the state.

Two of the Dolphins four wins were one-point victories, while one of their losses was a tough, one touchdown setback to perennial power Vigor. Senior linebacker Tyler Stargell said he believed the team learned a lot in those tough games.

“We grew a lot from those games, especially the Vigor game,” Stargell said. “That and the Piedmont game built us up for the end of the season. By the time we were at Faith Academy (a 42-21 GSHS win in week nine), we had a lot of confidence. Then we finished with a win over Bayside. We haven’t lost steam from those games.”

Gulf Shores opens the season at Robertsdale on Aug. 25.

Trojans expect another 10-0 regular season

The Daphne Trojans finished last season with a 15-0 record and a 6A state championship trophy. The expectations for this year’s team couldn’t be higher, with numerous starters returning on both sides of the ball and a handful of high profile college recruits.

Daphne coach Glenn Vickery said his team plans to win each game the old fashion way: One game at a time.

“We expect to go 10-0 because we expect to win every time we play,” he said. “Whenever I hear a coach say they might go 8-2, I wonder, ‘well which two do you plan to lose?’”

Daphne hosts Alma Bryant Aug. 26 to kick off the season.

Defending 5A champion Toros begin season with new coach

Spanish Fort High coach Mark Freeman is new to the Toros as head coach this year, but few new coaches are as familiar with the team they are joining.

The former Gulf Shores High coach moved north to SFHS in February to replace Bryant Vincent, now at South Alabama. The move has gone smoothly, he said.

“The transition is going great,” he said. “Fantastic. I know everybody has worked hard and they are ready to go out and step up into their new roles. We are coming off a great year. I couldn’t be happier with the transition.”

The Toros open the season at Fairhope on Aug. 25.