SPANISH FORT, Ala.—The Spanish Fort Toros are coming off a 23-6 season (4-2 in 5A Area 3) in which they also won the Baldwin County boys tournament. Most of this year’s seniors were sophomores the year before when head coach Dru Powell’s team went 25-8 and swept the area 6-0.

Powell said that experience—or lack there of— for this year’s class of four seniors (three returning) will be key to another 20-plus win season, a successful repeat of the county title and a return to the area crown. He also said with four football players to join the team later, mixing and remixing the lineup will affect the timeframe for the complete Spanish Fort team to gel.

“This season our main initial concern will be experience,” Powell said. “We only return three guys from our team from last season, with only one of those seeing significant minutes. We have four guys on the team that will join us after football season ends, so their ability to adapt could impact the rate of our success.

“Quinn Atkinson was an all-county player last season and has had a terrific off-season.  We are certainly excited about his potential this season. We have a great group of guys that love playing the game and always work hard. We will be lead by our seniors Quinn, Cullen Pierce, Kyle Lepley, and John Wesley Williamson. I fully expect our area to be very tough again with B.C. Rain, Williamson, and Gulf Shores.”  

The Toros tip-off the year tonight at Fairhope at 7:30 p.m.