With the start of the 2011 high school football regular season fast approaching, a three-day slate of preseason jamboree football games begins Thursday night in Baldwin County.

Class 5A’s defending champ Spanish Fort will roll out a new, more pass heavy offense at home Thursday at 7 p.m. against 6A, Region 2 foe Robertsdale. The third-ranked Toros won it all last year behind a run-first spread attack, but new head coach Mark Freeman is known for his pass oriented spread. In two years at Gulf Shores, Freeman’s starting quarterbacks passed for over 5,000 yards. Robertsdale’s spread will be led by quarterback Hunter Vaughn, who has landed on several preseason recruiting watch lists including the Alabama 6A Football web site's list. Spanish Fort defeated Robertsdale in a jamboree last August.

Also on Thursday, the 6A Foley Lions visit Mickey Miller Blackwell Stadium to face the 5A Gulf Shores Dolphins. The Lions finished summer 7-on-7 play with a 22-0 record, while new Gulf Shores head coach Ben Blackmon will make his debut on Thursday. Foley defeated Gulf Shores in a jamboree game last August. Also on Thursday, the Bayside Academy Admirals will host Cottage Hill with JV action at 5 p.m. and varsity following at 7 p.m.

The preseason will culminate Saturday as No. 1-ranked defending 6A champion Daphne faces 6A No. 6 Clay-Chalkville at 7:30 at the Cramton Bowl in Montgomery in the al.com Champions Challenge. The Trojans are led by a host of top-rated recruits, including Auburn commitment T.J. Yeldon at running back and Alabama commitment Ryan Anderson at linebacker.

Baldwin County High School and Fairhope High School will play in preseason games but did not release information until after press time Monday afternoon. Information for BCHS and Fairhope will be published online at baldwincountynow.com as it becomes available.