SPANISH FORT, Ala. — Unsportsmanlike conduct penalties, personal fouls and a fight marred a 35-16 Spanish Fort Toro win over heated rival Gulf Shores on Friday in 5A Region 1 play.

Tensions have been high between the two teams since Toros coach Mark Freeman left Gulf Shores in the spring to coach at Spanish Fort. Tensions were high between the teams for much of the game, but tempers flared after Spanish Fort (1-1, 1-0) running back Ed Autry was tackled by Gulf Shores (1-1, 0-1) on a run to the left on first down with 3:31 left in the game. After the play, players from each team traded shoves and a fight broke out. Both teams were flagged for unsportsmanlike conduct and one player from each team was ejected.

The players for Gulf Shores and Spanish Fort did not shake hands after the game. Freeman and new Dolphins coach Ben Blackmon met near midfield for a post-game handshake.

"It is a shame the game had to get like that at the end," Spanish Fort coach Mark Freeman, who coached Gulf Shores the previous two seasons, said. "There were a lot of emotions, and I think that maybe earlier some of this stuff should have been stopped. You have emotions here, and it has been going on for nine months. I am glad it is over and I wish Gulf Shores the best."

Spanish Fort quarterback Joel Poe finished 16-of-19 with 196 yards and touchdown passes to Deon Johnson and Matthew Harris. Otis Smith had two touchdown runs, and Autry added one. Johnny Cook had an interception, and Demarco Montgomery and Matt Hall had sacks for the Toro defense.

The Toros held a 21-6 lead at the half.

"I was proud of our kids," Freeman said. "They worked hard. They came out and took control of the game early."

Gulf Shores quarterback Brandon Silvers finished 16-of-26 for 147 yards with a touchdown pass to Brandon Davis, an interception and a rushing touchdown. He also converted a two-point conversion on a quarterback keeper to the right. Connor Martin sacked Poe in the end zone for a safety in the fourth quarter.

Both teams are back in 5A Region 1 action next week as Gulf Shores hosts LeFlore on Friday, while Spanish Fort plays at St. Paul's.