DAPHNE, Ala. – Bayside Academy is set to host Leeds in the 3A quarterfinals of the state football playoffs tonight.

The Admirals have already made school history by reaching the third round of the playoffs, something no Bayside football team has ever done.

Bayside is coming off an impressive road win at Chatom over Washington County which was ranked No. 9 and had defeated Bayside in the regular season.

The Admirals are clearly not intimidated by records or rankings and are mainly motivated to keep winning. Stepping into a semi-final venue is next.

Admirals coach Phil Lazenby said his team has developed an appetite for making history and, though mindful of Leeds No. 1 ranking, is still hungry to move on and not out of the hunt.

“The kids believe in themselves and are a close bunch,” he said. “They will prepare hard and play hard. Leeds is an explosive team and stingy on defense. They are ranked (No. 1) because of their defense. They have size and speed. They are very well coached. It is an honor to be able to play such a great team."

No. 2 Daphne hosts No. 9 Wetumpka

DAPHNE, Ala. – A battle for a 6A semi-final berth takes place at Jubilee Stadium tonight as 12-0 Daphne plays host to 11-1 Wetumpka.

DHS head coach Glenn Vickery said the Trojans and Indians have not crossed paths many times, if ever.

“This is probably the first time we have played them,” he said, adding that he saw them a few years ago in a loss to McGill-Toolen.

“They run a spread offense and have great skill people. Everybody who touches the ball is explosive. Some say their quarterback (Jamal Golden) reminds them a lot of Pat White (former DHS, West Virginia University and Miami Dolphins QB). We'll see. They have plenty of weapons on offense.”

Vickery said the WHS defense is also very quick and shows a lot of formations which often change right before the snap.

“They are a team that can score a lot of points in so many ways,” he said. “They score points off the kicking game with a combination of fakes. We have to match their speed early, play aggressive and secure the football. Turnovers are always big in these types of games.”

The Trojans are coming off a second round win over Foley led by Tyrell Holloway's four TDs on offense and big-time defense to stop Foley's Darius Powell and other Lions by players like, “Ryan Anderson, Eric Lee, Kevin Wilson, Rod Tate, Mike Pierce, Zack Houston and Duquan Able,” Vickery named as key to holding back the Foley offensive threat.

Watching from the stands, Daphne fan, Tim Patton said one of the most exciting and meaningful plays came when Trojan quarterback Russ Mosley recovered a fumble some 40 yards down field from the line of scrimmage.

“When your quarterback follows the play that far and is close enough to keep possession for you, that tells you something,” Patton said. “That tells you a lot.”

Wetumpka comes to Daphne off a big win over Prattville. The Indians defeated the Lions twice this season.

Toros hosts Golden Gophers

SPANISH FORT, Ala. – Spanish Fort hosts Hueytown (11-1) in round three of the 5A playoffs tonight on The Hill.

The Toros are coming off a big 21-12 win over Region 1 champion and No. 8 ranked St. Paul's at E.E. Delaney Stadium to avenge a regular season loss to the Saints.

The Saints were one of only two teams to defeat 10-2 SFHS this year, Vigor (8-4), was the other. The Wolves are on the road at 10-2 McAdory tonight.

Other 5A quarterfinal showdowns include Russellville (11-1) at Hartselle (11-1) and Fort Payne (12-0) at Briarwood Christian (11-1), in Birmingham.