GULF SHORES, Ala. — Gulf Shores made an early-season statement Friday night.
The Dolphins jumped on St. Paul’s early, built a commanding 27-0 halftime advantage and never looked back on the way to a 34-10 victory in the Southbound Sports Game of the Week. The win moved Gulf Shores to 2-0, while St. Paul’s fell to 1-1.
Dolphins Take Control Early
Friday’s matchup featured two teams coming off impressive opening-week performances. Gulf Shores entered following a 30-21 victory over Parklane Academy, while St. Paul’s had scored 58 points in its opener against Alma Bryant.
But from the opening half, it was Gulf Shores in control.
The Dolphins raced out to a 27-0 halftime lead, putting St. Paul’s in a hole the Saints couldn’t overcome.
That first-half performance was particularly impressive considering what St. Paul’s had done just one week earlier. The Saints entered Friday after a 58-28 victory over Alma Bryant, but the Gulf Shores defense kept that offense off the scoreboard throughout the first half.
St. Paul’s eventually found points after halftime, but Gulf Shores did enough the rest of the way to close out the 24-point victory, 34-10.
Gulf Shores Moves to 2-0
The win gives Gulf Shores a 2-0 start to the 2026 season after victories over Parklane Academy and St. Paul’s. St. Paul’s moves to 1-1 following its season-opening win over Alma Bryant.
It also sends the Dolphins into region play with plenty of momentum.
And their first region test is a big one.
Gulf Shores will travel to face Saraland next Friday at 7 p.m., while St. Paul’s will return home to take on McGill-Toolen at 7 p.m. Both teams will be opening region play.
For Gulf Shores, Friday night provided an early glimpse of what the Dolphins could be capable of this fall.
FINAL: Gulf Shores 34, St. Paul’s 10
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