MOBILE, Ala. — UMS-Wright left no doubt in the latest edition of the Battle of Old Shell Road. The Bulldogs controlled Friday night’s rivalry game against St. Paul’s from the opening possession and walked off the Saints’ home field with a 31-0 shutout on Friday, Oct. 16.
The victory carried weight well beyond bragging rights. It was the 700th win in UMS-Wright football history, it pulled the Bulldogs even with St. Paul’s at 24-24 in the all-time series, and it snapped a three-game winning streak the Saints had built in the rivalry.
Most importantly for the present, the win set up a showdown between UMS-Wright and McGill-Toolen for the Alabama High School Athletic Association’s Private Class AA, Region 1 championship. That game is scheduled for Friday, Oct. 23, at McGill-Toolen’s home field.
Bulldogs set the tone early
UMS-Wright wasted little time taking control. Ilijah Scott broke through for a 9-yard touchdown run midway through the first quarter, putting the Bulldogs ahead in a game they would never trail.
The UMS-Wright defense took it from there in the first half, keeping the Saints off the scoreboard while the offense added to the margin. In the second quarter, Bud Urquhart drilled a 35-yard field goal that sent the Bulldogs into halftime with a 10-0 lead.
A 10-point cushion in a rivalry game is rarely comfortable, and the score at the break suggested the outcome was still in question. The second half quickly answered that.
Fowler takes over after halftime
Quarterback Max Fowler turned a two-score lead into a rout by accounting for all three UMS-Wright touchdowns after intermission. He scored on runs of 8 and 3 yards in the third quarter, using his legs to stretch the lead to 24-0 heading into the final period.
Fowler then finished the scoring in the fourth quarter with a 29-yard touchdown pass to Thomas Landers. By the final whistle, he had completed 15 of 23 passes for 198 yards and a touchdown, while adding 40 rushing yards and two scores on nine carries.
That balance has been a hallmark of a Bulldogs team that has found its rhythm over the past two months. Fowler’s ability to hurt defenses both as a passer and as a runner gave St. Paul’s more than it could handle once the third quarter began.
“We are in a great spot and playing really well,” UMS-Wright coach Sam Williams said. “I like we came out tonight and took care of business and look forward to another big game next week.”
Milestones: 700 wins and an even series
Reaching 700 victories is a landmark for any program, and the Bulldogs got to the mark in a setting that made it especially meaningful. Doing it against their crosstown rival, and on the Saints’ field, added another layer to the night.
The rivalry between the two Mobile private schools has been remarkably close over the years. With Friday’s result, each side now owns 24 wins in the series, a deadlock that should only add to the intensity the next time the teams meet.
The shutout also ended a stretch in which St. Paul’s had claimed three consecutive wins over UMS-Wright. For the Bulldogs, the performance served as a statement that the momentum in the series has swung back in their direction, at least for now.
Standings and the road to a region title
UMS-Wright improved to 7-1 overall and 6-0 in Region 1 play. The Bulldogs, ranked No. 3, have won seven consecutive games since dropping their season opener on the road at Jackson Prep in Jackson, Miss.
McGill-Toolen arrives at the region finale with the same 6-0 region mark after the No. 2 Yellow Jackets escaped Montgomery Catholic 16-14 on a field goal late in Friday’s game. The two Mobile programs will meet on Friday, Oct. 23, at McGill-Toolen with the Region 1 championship on the line.
For local fans, the matchup offers a fitting end to the regular season: two of the state’s top-ranked Class AA teams, both unbeaten in region play, meeting for a title. The winner will carry the Region 1 crown into the postseason.
Saints look to regroup at Houston Academy
St. Paul’s has had a difficult stretch, with injuries and illnesses taking a toll on the roster in recent weeks. The loss dropped the Saints to 3-5 overall and 2-4 in Region 1.
The Saints will try to bounce back on the road when they travel to Houston Academy on Friday, Oct. 23. Houston Academy is coming off a 20-6 loss to Faith Academy this week.
Around the area: Friday’s local scoreboard
Friday’s slate delivered several results with big implications for the region races. Bayside Academy scored 21 unanswered points in the second half to rally past Mobile Christian 27-20 at home, clinching the Private Class A, Region 1 title.
Elsewhere, Mary G. Montgomery edged Daphne 20-19, Baker rallied to defeat Alma Bryant 21-14, and Gulf Shores routed Spanish Fort 36-0 to wrap up the Class 5A, Region 1 championship.
Here are this week’s scores involving local teams:
- Bayshore Christian 40, Northside Methodist 7
- Bayside Academy 27, Mobile Christian 20
- UMS-Wright 31, St. Paul’s 0
- McGill-Toolen 16, Montgomery Catholic 14
- Baldwin County 26, Elberta 0
- Gulf Shores 36, Spanish Fort 0
- Providence Christian 47, Snook Christian 7
- Cottage Hill Christian 41, St. Luke’s 13
- Faith Academy 20, Houston Academy 6
- St. Michael 48, Glenwood 27
- Thomasville 42, Chickasaw 6
What’s next
The spotlight next week falls on the UMS-Wright and McGill-Toolen matchup for the Private Class AA, Region 1 title on Friday, Oct. 23, at McGill-Toolen. St. Paul’s plays at Houston Academy the same night.
For UMS-Wright, the task is to carry the momentum of a seven-game winning streak into one of the biggest games of its season. As Williams put it, the Bulldogs are looking forward to another big game.
