Community celebrates Toros championship

SPANISH FORT, Ala. (WALA) - The Spanish Fort Toros are once again 5A State Football Champions and the talk of the town there.  It’s the second time they’ve brought home the big prize in the last two seasons and the school is well on its way to becoming a football dynasty.

The Toros put quite a beat-down on McAdory High School last Thursday night in Auburn to bring home the 5-A state title.  The celebration was tremendous the community shared in their excitement when the team came home.

“They all came up here Friday when they got back in,” said Joel Kessler, owner of Beef O’Brady’s restaurant in Spanish Fort.  “We were full.  The whole restaurant was on a wait.  It was awesome.  They come and support us and we support them.”

“Everybody’s excited,” Toros supporter Zachry McEvoy said.  “We’re really proud of the students.  They worked very hard to accomplish these goals that they set for themselves and we’re all real proud of them.”

Down the street at Chick-fil-A, Dillen Malone couldn’t be more proud.  Malone was part of the 2010 state champion team and can now share the excitement with his younger brother.

“It’s great to see them win twice,” Malone said.  “Most of the seniors who won this year were actually part of the team as sophomores the year we won in 2010, so it’s been a great feeling.  My little brother won.  He plays cornerback…Jonathan Cook.  He’s committed to Nebraska so it’s just a great experience for him.”

The excitement was high at the school as well on Monday.  Players and coaches returned to classes and some got a hero’s welcome.

“They got a pretty good welcome,” said 16 year-old Spanish Fort High School student Anna Marshall.  “I know one came in our classroom and our teacher was like, ‘This is what champions look like!’ And everyone got like really excited and stuff.”

Soon Spanish Fort High School will be adding their ninth state championship plaque to a board at the school’s entrance.  It will be their second football championship in the last three years…an amazing feat for a school that’s only been in existence for seven years.

“We have nine rings so we’re averaging 1.3 years a year so that’s pretty good,” noted Malone.

It just goes to show what dedication and commitment from both the students and community can do to breed success. 

There’s no word yet from the school on when the official celebration will be held, but Beef O’Brady’s in Spanish Fort will be hosting a party for the entire football team and cheerleaders at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday.