ROBERTSDALE – The Gulf Shores Dolphins ripped the Robertsdale Golden Bears 30-16 in new head coach Mark Freeman’s debut on Friday night.

The Dolphins (1-0) used a powerful running game, led by newcomer Vince Gillium, to control the ball and keep Robertsdale speedster Quenton Evans off the field.

“Vince came out tonight and played really well,” Freeman said. “The way he ran the ball had a lot to do with why we won tonight. He played a heck of a game.”

Unofficially, Gillium carried the ball 22 times for 108 yards and a touchdown.

“This week we told our guys that we would love to be able to run the ball,” Freeman said. “We felt like Robertsdale expected us to pass, so we wanted to be able to move the ball on the ground. We had some guys banged up, but they sucked it up and played a good game tonight.”

Gulf Shores got on the board quickly after forcing Robertsdale to turn the ball over on its first possession.

The Dolphins drove 48 yards in 11 plays for Gillium’s two-yard touchdown run. The extra point put the Dolphins up 7-0.

After forcing another Robertsdale turnover, the Dolphins drove 38 yards in eight plays but missed on a fourth-and-one at the Robertsdale two-yard-line. The Golden Bears took over at their own two, and Gulf Shores defensive lineman Kennan Jackson tackled Evans in the end zone for a safety.

After the Robertsdale kickoff, Gulf Shores drove 75 yards for another score. Quarterback Logan Paul connected with newcomer Brandon Gottfried for a 16-yard strike. Bryan Beviacqua’s extra point made the score 16-0 Gulf Shores.

Robertsdale got on the board in the second quarter when Evans dashed for a 69-yard touchdown run on fourth-and-one. A two-point conversion made the score 16-8 Gulf Shores.

The Dolphins drove 87 yards in 14 plays for the final score of the half. Paul scampered in for a 25-yard touchdown run with just under three minutes left in the half. Gulf Shores led 23-8 at the break.

Paul connected with Jonathan Adams for an 80-yard score to open the second half. Beviacqua’s extra point gave the Dolphins a 30-8 lead.

“It feels great,” Freeman said of winning his first game at Gulf Shores. “I have been blessed in my life to have never lost a season opener. I told our kids it would be great to open with a win against a good Robertsdale team. The season wasn’t made tonight, but it is great to get a win to start the season.”

Gulf Shores (1-0) will play at Spanish Fort (1-0) in a Class 5A, Region 1 game on Friday. Robertsdale (0-1) will host the Satsuma Gators.