Unbeaten Gulf Shores Routs Ramsay 33-7 in 2023 Title-Game Rematch to Open 5A Playoffs, Will Host McAdory

Gulf Shores’ perfect season rolls on. The top-seeded Dolphins opened the AHSAA Class 5A playoffs by dominating Ramsay 33-7 on Friday night, Nov. 6, at Mickey Miller Blackwell Stadium, improving to 11-0 and earning another home game in the second round.

For Ramsay families who made the long drive down from Birmingham, the trip ended with a lopsided loss, though they at least had the consolation of a beautiful fall day at the beach before heading home.

A rematch of the 2023 state championship

The first-round matchup carried extra meaning. It was a rematch of the 2023 Class 5A state championship game, when Gulf Shores beat Ramsay to win the first state title in program history.

Three years later, the result was again decisive. The Dolphins controlled the line of scrimmage, stifled Ramsay’s offense and scored in all phases of the game on the way to a 26-point win.

Unbeaten from start to finish

Gulf Shores entered the postseason after a 10-0 regular season, which it capped with a 41-0 Senior Night win over Bayside. The playoff opener pushed the Dolphins’ record to 11-0.

The program’s season-long numbers show how complete the team has been. Gulf Shores has outscored its opponents 408-104 this season. Among its wins was a 34-24 victory over Saraland on Sept. 4, the only loss for a Spartans team that has scored at least 50 points in every game since.

The players driving the Dolphins

Gulf Shores’ execution against Ramsay highlighted the core contributors behind its undefeated run:

• Quarterback Major Hudspeth directs the passing attack, efficiently distributing the ball on screens and downfield throws to targets such as senior wide receiver Carter Davis.
• Senior running back Janoy Ferguson leads the Dolphins on the ground, averaging 69.3 rushing yards per game with 11 rushing touchdowns on the season.
• Junior nose guard Gabriel Ervin leads the defensive front with 9.0 sacks, anchoring a unit that ranks as the top-rated defense in Class 5A.

That defensive strength was on display Friday, as Ramsay managed only a single touchdown against the Dolphins.

A culture built on “TEAM”

Under head coach Mark Hudspeth, the program has been built on selflessness and team unity. Hudspeth continually preaches the concept of TEAM, stressing to his players the importance of working together toward a common goal rather than chasing individual honors.

That culture has held up regardless of setting. Whether the Dolphins were training and competing in older facilities during previous seasons or adapting to the newly opened 287,000-square-foot Gulf Shores High School campus and athletic complex, Hudspeth and his players have consistently produced championship-caliber results.

The school’s recent success has extended beyond the football field as well. Late last month, Gulf Shores High was honored for both its unbeaten football regular season and its cyber team’s achievements.

Community support

The Dolphins’ success is backed by strong community spirit across south Baldwin County. Support has shown up at every turn, from packed crowds at Mickey Miller Blackwell Stadium to local business partnerships to backing from the Gulf Shores City Council and the Band Parent Association.

For a city that has grown rapidly and opened a new high school campus, the football team’s run has become a rallying point for residents.

Up next: McAdory

Gulf Shores advances to the second round of the Class 5A playoffs, where it will host McAdory. McAdory reached the second round with a high-scoring 55-48 first-round win over Russell County.

The Dolphins’ second-round home game is part of a busy week for Baldwin County teams. Spanish Fort hosts Benjamin Russell in Class 5A after a 13-3 win at Helena, while Saraland, the area’s other 5A power, hosts unbeaten Hillcrest-Tuscaloosa after beating Pelham 61-28.

First-round result

• Class 5A first round: Gulf Shores 33, Ramsay 7
• Gulf Shores record: 11-0
• Season scoring: 408 points for, 104 against
• Second round: McAdory at Gulf Shores

South Alabama News will continue to follow the Dolphins and all area teams throughout the AHSAA playoffs.