J.J. Thibodeaux threw a touchdown pass and ran for 93 yards, and the Spanish Fort defense recorded its second consecutive shutout in a 16-0 Class 5A Region 1 win over Blount.
It was the Toros’ eighth straight victory over the Leopards.
How the Points Came
The defense supplied the first two.
Spanish Fort forced a safety in the second quarter, and on the following drive Thibodeaux connected with Devin McKenzie for a touchdown that put the Toros up 9-0 at halftime.
Ya’Lin Lee’s 26-yard touchdown run with 1:08 remaining closed the scoring — a play that came immediately after Blount turned the ball over on downs.
A Defense That Did Not Give Anything Up
“This group is such a gritty, tough bunch,” Toros coach Chase Smith said. “The defense was lights-out tonight.”
The first-half numbers support the description. Blount was held to three first downs, three punts and two turnovers on downs before the break.
The Leopards’ only scoring opportunity of the game was a missed 38-yard field goal in the fourth quarter.
Two consecutive shutouts is the more significant achievement embedded in that line. Holding a 5A opponent scoreless once can happen; doing it in back-to-back weeks reflects a unit that is executing consistently rather than benefiting from a bad opponent.
Thibodeaux on the Ground
Thibodeaux passed for 76 yards — a modest number — but carried 13 times for 93 yards.
Smith said the running production came from a halftime adjustment.
“It was something we saw at halftime and made some adjustments,” Smith said. “He was able to make some positive yards each time.”
A quarterback averaging better than seven yards a carry changes what a defense has to account for. It forces linebackers to hold their assignments rather than flowing to the running back, which is generally what opens lanes for everyone else.
The Stat Sheet
Spanish Fort’s Ya’Lin Lee led all rushers with 109 yards on 16 carries.
Keevaughan Johnson rushed for 94 yards on 23 carries for the Leopards — the bulk of Blount’s offensive production, and not enough to produce points.
By the Numbers
- 4 — wins for Spanish Fort this season, matching last season’s total
- 8 — consecutive wins by Spanish Fort over Blount
- 199 — total wins all-time by the Spanish Fort program
That last figure puts the Toros one win from 200 in program history — a milestone that will arrive at their next victory.
Matching last season’s win total in Week 5 is the number that matters most for the current season. Spanish Fort has already equaled a full year’s production with the back half of the schedule ahead.
What They Said
Smith, on the difficulty of the road environment: “We had some guys step up and found a way to win, it’s tough to come in here on the road and come away with a win.”
Thibodeaux, on what the Toros had to work through: “We knew it was going to be a tough defense to face, just had to weather some things, penalties and mental mistakes. Our offensive line matured and executed which paved the way for us.”
Smith, on Lee: “He is our Swiss Army knife; he can line up anywhere and make an explosive play.”
The Play of the Game
Lee’s 26-yard touchdown run with 1:08 to go sealed it. The timing mattered: it came directly after Blount had turned the ball over on downs, converting a defensive stop into points and removing any remaining path back for the Leopards.
Region Standing
Spanish Fort improves to 4-1 overall and 3-0 in Class 5A Region 1.
Blount falls to 2-3 overall and 1-2 in region play.
A 3-0 region record positions the Toros well for playoff qualification. Region games determine postseason seeding and access in Alabama, and an undefeated region mark through three games banks substantial margin for the remainder of the schedule.
What’s Next
Spanish Fort hosts Murphy on Oct. 2. Blount hosts Theodore the same night.
The Toros will look to reach 200 program wins at home.