Two Baldwin County powers collide in Week 6’s Gulf Coast Media Game of the Week, where playoff positioning and bragging rights will both be on the line in another chapter of the Daphne-Spanish Fort rivalry.

This is the 14th meeting between the two programs; the series dates back to 2012 where it has been played every year since the inaugural meeting. The Toros hold an 11-2 record over the Trojans, winning the last four matchups. Daphne’s last victory was in 2020, but seven of the 13 matchups have been decided by a touchdown or less.

Though this is not a region matchup, there are high stakes in the game for two teams vying for the playoffs. The Trojans are currently sitting in third place behind Mary G. Montgomery and Fairhope in the 7A Region 1 standings. Daphne lost to MGM earlier this season but will face off with the Pirates in a few weeks.

Spanish Fort currently sits in fifth place in the 6A Region 1 standings with matchups against Gulf Shores and St. Paul’s still ahead of them — two teams they sit behind.

Daphne brings a ferocious defense led by seniors EJ Williams and Malique Franklin. The Trojans also have one of the top eighth-graders in the state with defensive Trey Kyles, who leads the team in sacks. On offense, quarterback Christian Segar will be looking to find playmakers Jaecyn “Scoot” Myles and CJ Gardner.

The Toros have one of the more dynamic rushing attacks on the Gulf Coast to counter the Daphne defense. Seniors Aaden Shamburger and Justin “Juju” Bonner have combined for 606 rushing yards this season with four touchdowns. On the other side of the ball, the Toros’ defense features shutdown corner Justin Vines along with disruptive linemen Sam Wilder and Brandon Marinho, who have made a habit of living in opponents’ backfields.

The game will be played Friday, Sept. 26, at Jubilee Stadium in Daphne.