Spanish Fort advanced to the second round of the AHSAA Class 5A playoffs on November 6, 2026, securing a 13-3 road victory over Helena. The Toros utilized a calculated sequence of trick plays—a double pass and a surprise onside kick—to overcome a 3-0 deficit and keep their postseason run alive.
Tactical Execution of the Double Pass
The game’s offensive architecture shifted in the second half when Spanish Fort’s coaching staff identified a defensive vulnerability in Helena’s secondary. With the Toros facing a second-and-10 deep in Huskies territory, the team executed a double pass that proved to be the decisive mechanism of the night. Quarterback JJ Thibodeaux initiated the play with a lateral to freshman backup quarterback Nolan Richardson, who subsequently connected with Robert Farmer for a 28-yard touchdown. According to AL.com, coach Chase Smith noted that the staff had observed the Helena safety cheating toward the backfield throughout the game, providing the specific window required to deploy the play.
The success of this maneuver was contingent on ball security during the preceding series. Helena defender Amar’e Hudson nearly intercepted a Thibodeaux pass on the play prior to the touchdown, a moment Helena coach Richie Busby later characterized as a potential 10-point swing. “If we make the interception, it could have been a different game,” Busby said.
Strategic Implementation of the Onside Kick
Following the touchdown, Spanish Fort maintained its momentum through a surprise onside kick. After a penalty against Helena on the extra-point attempt, the Toros recovered the ball at the Helena 30-yard line. This recovery allowed kicker Zachary Megie to convert a 31-yard field goal, extending the lead to 10-3. The sequence highlighted a high-risk, high-reward strategy that Smith had been preparing throughout the practice week. “I told the kids that we might have to use both of them,” Smith stated regarding the double pass and the onside kick.
Spanish Fort Defense Forces Critical Stop Leading to Field Goal
While the trick plays provided the necessary offensive lift, Spanish Fort’s defensive unit effectively neutralized the Helena offense. A critical defensive stop occurred after an errant snap sailed over Helena quarterback Caleb Soreano’s head, forcing the Huskies into a second-and-25 from their own 6-yard line. This miscue resulted in a short 20-yard punt, handing Spanish Fort favorable field position. Megie capitalized on this opportunity by connecting on a 43-yard field goal, solidifying the 13-3 final margin.
Youthful Roster Secures Home-Field Advantage for Next Playoff Round
The win marks a significant turnaround for a Spanish Fort team that struggled during late-season region play, including a 36-0 loss to Gulf Shores on October 16 and a 56-14 defeat against Saraland. The current roster, which features only five seniors, relies heavily on a core of sophomores and juniors. The victory pushes the Toros to an 8-3 record and grants them home-field advantage for the next round. Spanish Fort is scheduled to host Benjamin Russell on November 13, 2026, following Benjamin Russell’s 20-10 victory over Central Tuscaloosa. Helena concludes its season with a 7-4 record.
