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Photo by Erin Nelson.
Spain Park running back Dakarai Shanks (20) takes the ball from Spain Park quarterback Brock Bradley (5) in a game against Calera at Ricky M Cairns Memorial Stadium at Calera High School on Friday, Aug. 25, 2023. Photo by Erin Nelson.
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Photo by Erin Nelson.
Spain Park running back Dakarai Shanks (20) scores for the Jags in a game against Calera at Ricky M Cairns Memorial Stadium at Calera High School on Friday, Aug. 25, 2023. Photo by Erin Nelson.
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Photo by Erin Nelson.
Spain Park running back Dakarai Shanks (20) and Spain Park wide receiver Jaxon Haygood (9) react after Shakes scored a touchdown in the first half of a game against Calera at Ricky M Cairns Memorial Stadium at Calera High School on Friday, Aug. 25, 2023. Photo by Erin Nelson.
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Photo by Erin Nelson.
The Spain Park student section cheers following a touchdown in a game against Calera at Ricky M Cairns Memorial Stadium at Calera High School on Friday, Aug. 25, 2023. Photo by Erin Nelson.
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Photo by Erin Nelson.
Spain Park quarterback Brock Bradley (5) passes the ball in a game against Calera at Ricky M Cairns Memorial Stadium at Calera High School on Friday, Aug. 25, 2023. Photo by Erin Nelson.
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Photo by Erin Nelson.
Spain Park quarterback Brock Bradley (5) hands the ball to Spain Park running back Derick Shanks (6) in a game against Calera at Ricky M Cairns Memorial Stadium at Calera High School on Friday, Aug. 25, 2023. Photo by Erin Nelson.
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Photo by Erin Nelson.
Spain Park quarterback Brock Bradley (5) calls the play in a game against Calera at Ricky M Cairns Memorial Stadium at Calera High School on Friday, Aug. 25, 2023. Photo by Erin Nelson.
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Photo by Erin Nelson.
Spain Park kicker Alex Lloyd (81) punts the ball in a game against Calera at Ricky M Cairns Memorial Stadium at Calera High School on Friday, Aug. 25, 2023. Photo by Erin Nelson.
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Photo by Erin Nelson.
Spain Park quarterback Brock Bradley (5) makes the handoff to Spain Park running back Dakarai Shanks (20) in a game against Calera at Ricky M Cairns Memorial Stadium at Calera High School on Friday, Aug. 25, 2023. Photo by Erin Nelson.
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Photo by Erin Nelson.
Spain Park kicker Alex Lloyd (81) kicks the extra point in a game against Calera at Ricky M Cairns Memorial Stadium at Calera High School on Friday, Aug. 25, 2023. Photo by Erin Nelson.
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Photo by Erin Nelson.
Spain Park wide receiver Mitchell Frazier (7) runs the ball in a game against Calera at Ricky M Cairns Memorial Stadium at Calera High School on Friday, Aug. 25, 2023. Photo by Erin Nelson.
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Photo by Erin Nelson.
Spain Park offensive lineman Connor Langston (51) hoists Spain Park running back Derick Shanks (6) up after Shanks scores for the Jags in a game against Calera at Ricky M Cairns Memorial Stadium at Calera High School on Friday, Aug. 25, 2023. Photo by Erin Nelson.
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Photo by Erin Nelson.
Spain Park running back Derick Shanks (6) carries the ball as Calera’s Ayden Slaten (32) moves in to block in a game against Calera at Ricky M Cairns Memorial Stadium at Calera High School on Friday, Aug. 25, 2023. Photo by Erin Nelson.
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Photo by Erin Nelson.
Spain Park head coach Tim Vakakes calls the play fromt he sideline in a game against Calera at Ricky M Cairns Memorial Stadium at Calera High School on Friday, Aug. 25, 2023. Photo by Erin Nelson.
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Photo by Erin Nelson.
Spain Park defensie lineman Jacob Olsen (2) reacts after a turnover in a game against Calera at Ricky M Cairns Memorial Stadium at Calera High School on Friday, Aug. 25, 2023. Photo by Erin Nelson.
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Photo by Erin Nelson.
Spain Park wide receiver Andrew Thornton (1) runs the ball in a game against Calera at Ricky M Cairns Memorial Stadium at Calera High School on Friday, Aug. 25, 2023. Photo by Erin Nelson.
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Photo by Erin Nelson.
Spain Park running back Derick Shanks (6) runs the ball to the end zone in a game against Calera at Ricky M Cairns Memorial Stadium at Calera High School on Friday, Aug. 25, 2023. Photo by Erin Nelson.
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Photo by Erin Nelson.
Spain Park quarterback Eli Smallwood (13) catches the snap in a game against Calera at Ricky M Cairns Memorial Stadium at Calera High School on Friday, Aug. 25, 2023. Photo by Erin Nelson.
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Photo by Erin Nelson.
Spain Park running back Derick Shanks (6) runs the ball downfield in a game against Calera at Ricky M Cairns Memorial Stadium at Calera High School on Friday, Aug. 25, 2023. Photo by Erin Nelson.
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Photo by Erin Nelson.
The Spain Park marching band performs during halftime in a game against Calera at Ricky M Cairns Memorial Stadium at Calera High School on Friday, Aug. 25, 2023. Photo by Erin Nelson.
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Photo by Erin Nelson.
The Spain Park marching band performs during halftime in a game against Calera at Ricky M Cairns Memorial Stadium at Calera High School on Friday, Aug. 25, 2023. Photo by Erin Nelson.
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Photo by Erin Nelson.
Spain Park wide receiver Bo Jones (0) looks back as he scores a touchdown for the Jags in a game against Calera at Ricky M Cairns Memorial Stadium at Calera High School on Friday, Aug. 25, 2023. Photo by Erin Nelson.
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Photo by Erin Nelson.
Spain Park tight end Cam McFarlin (8) breaks free from a defender in a game against Calera at Ricky M Cairns Memorial Stadium at Calera High School on Friday, Aug. 25, 2023. Photo by Erin Nelson.
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Photo by Erin Nelson.
Spain Park offensive lineman Jackson Bell (72) snaps the ball in a game against Calera at Ricky M Cairns Memorial Stadium at Calera High School on Friday, Aug. 25, 2023. Photo by Erin Nelson.
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Photo by Erin Nelson.
Spain Park kicker Josh Tulloss (50) kicks the extra point in a game against Calera at Ricky M Cairns Memorial Stadium at Calera High School on Friday, Aug. 25, 2023. Photo by Erin Nelson.
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Photo by Erin Nelson.
Spain Park running back/defensive back Charleston Gray (31) carries the ball in a game against Calera at Ricky M Cairns Memorial Stadium at Calera High School on Friday, Aug. 25, 2023. Photo by Erin Nelson.
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Photo by Erin Nelson.
Spain Park defensive lineman Jared Smith (1) tackles Calera quarterback AJ Johnson (13) in a game against Calera at Ricky M Cairns Memorial Stadium at Calera High School on Friday, Aug. 25, 2023. Photo by Erin Nelson.
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Photo by Erin Nelson.
Spain Park quarterback Brock Bradley (5) runs the ball in a game against Calera at Ricky M Cairns Memorial Stadium at Calera High School on Friday, Aug. 25, 2023. Photo by Erin Nelson.
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Photo by Erin Nelson.
Spain Park wide receiver Reggie Jackson (2) catches a pass as he runs toward the end zone to score for the Jags in a game against Calera at Ricky M Cairns Memorial Stadium at Calera High School on Friday, Aug. 25, 2023. Photo by Erin Nelson.
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Photo by David Leong.
Spain Park defensie lineman Jacob Olsen (2) attempts to recover a fumble during a game against Calera at Ricky M Cairns Memorial Stadium at Calera High School on Friday, Aug. 25, 2023. Photo by David Leong.
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Photo by David Leong.
Spain Park wide receiver Bo Jones (0) carries the ball during a game against Calera at Ricky M Cairns Memorial Stadium at Calera High School on Friday, Aug. 25, 2023. Photo by David Leong.
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Photo by David Leong.
Spain Park quarterback Brock Bradley (5) throws a pass during a game against Calera at Ricky M Cairns Memorial Stadium at Calera High School on Friday, Aug. 25, 2023. Photo by David Leong.
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Photo by David Leong.
Spain Park running back Derick Shanks (6) carries the ball during a game against Calera at Ricky M Cairns Memorial Stadium at Calera High School on Friday, Aug. 25, 2023. Photo by David Leong.
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Photo by David Leong.
Spain Park defensive lineman Jared Smith (1) tackles Calera defensive back Kamari Stokes (5) during a game against Calera at Ricky M Cairns Memorial Stadium at Calera High School on Friday, Aug. 25, 2023. Photo by David Leong.
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Photo by David Leong.
Calera marching band performing at halftime during a game between Spain Park and Calera at Ricky M Cairns Memorial Stadium at Calera High School on Friday, Aug. 25, 2023. Photo by David Leong.
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Photo by David Leong.
Spain Park wide receiver Reggie Jackson (2) runs the ball during a game against Calera at Ricky M Cairns Memorial Stadium at Calera High School on Friday, Aug. 25, 2023. Photo by David Leong.
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Photo by David Leong.
Spain Park quarterback Brock Bradley (5) looks for a receiver during a game against Calera at Ricky M Cairns Memorial Stadium at Calera High School on Friday, Aug. 25, 2023. Photo by David Leong.
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Photo by David Leong.
Spain Park wide receiver Bo Jones (0) marches into the endzone during a game against Calera at Ricky M Cairns Memorial Stadium at Calera High School on Friday, Aug. 25, 2023. Photo by David Leong.
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Photo by David Leong.
Spain Park running back Dakarai Shanks (20) carries the ball during a game against Calera at Ricky M Cairns Memorial Stadium at Calera High School on Friday, Aug. 25, 2023. Photo by David Leong.
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Photo by David Leong.
Spain Park wide receiver Bo Jones (0) and Spain Park wide receiver Reggie Jackson (2) celebrate after a touchdown during a game against Calera at Ricky M Cairns Memorial Stadium at Calera High School on Friday, Aug. 25, 2023. Photo by David Leong.
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Photo by David Leong.
Spain Park running back Dakarai Shanks (20) running into the endzone during a game against Calera at Ricky M Cairns Memorial Stadium at Calera High School on Friday, Aug. 25, 2023. Photo by David Leong.
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Photo by David Leong.
Spain Park defensive lineman Josh Lewis (5) chases down Calera quarterback AJ Johnson (13) during a game against Calera at Ricky M Cairns Memorial Stadium at Calera High School on Friday, Aug. 25, 2023. Photo by David Leong.
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Photo by David Leong.
The Spain Park marching band performing at halftime during a game against Calera at Ricky M Cairns Memorial Stadium at Calera High School on Friday, Aug. 25, 2023. Photo by David Leong.
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Photo by David Leong.
Calera marching band performing at halftime during a game between Spain Park and Calera at Ricky M Cairns Memorial Stadium at Calera High School on Friday, Aug. 25, 2023. Photo by David Leong.
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Photo by David Leong.
Spain Park defensive lineman Josh Lewis (5) tackles Calera quarterback AJ Johnson (13) during a game against Calera at Ricky M Cairns Memorial Stadium at Calera High School on Friday, Aug. 25, 2023. Photo by David Leong.
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Photo by David Leong.
The Spain Park marching band performing at halftime during a game against Calera at Ricky M Cairns Memorial Stadium at Calera High School on Friday, Aug. 25, 2023. Photo by David Leong.
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Photo by David Leong.
Spain Park running back Derick Shanks (6) pushes through the defense during a game against Calera at Ricky M Cairns Memorial Stadium at Calera High School on Friday, Aug. 25, 2023. Photo by David Leong.
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Photo by David Leong.
Spain Park kicker Alex Lloyd (81) attempts an extra point during a game against Calera at Ricky M Cairns Memorial Stadium at Calera High School on Friday, Aug. 25, 2023. Photo by David Leong.
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Photo by David Leong.
Spain Park kicker Alex Lloyd (81) kicks the extra point during a game against Calera at Ricky M Cairns Memorial Stadium at Calera High School on Friday, Aug. 25, 2023. Photo by David Leong.
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Photo by David Leong.
Spain Park kicker Alex Lloyd (81) kicks the extra point during a game against Calera at Ricky M Cairns Memorial Stadium at Calera High School on Friday, Aug. 25, 2023. Photo by David Leong.
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Photo by David Leong.
Spain Park cheerleaders leading their team onto the field before the start of the game against Calera at Ricky M Cairns Memorial Stadium at Calera High School on Friday, Aug. 25, 2023. Photo by David Leong.
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Photo by David Leong.
Spain Park players celebrate a touchdown during a game against Calera at Ricky M Cairns Memorial Stadium at Calera High School on Friday, Aug. 25, 2023. Photo by David Leong.
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Photo by David Leong.
Spain Park Cheerleaders prepare to lead their team onto the field before a game against Calera at Ricky M Cairns Memorial Stadium at Calera High School on Friday, Aug. 25, 2023. Photo by David Leong.
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Photo by David Leong.
Spain Park players celebrate a touchdown during a game against Calera at Ricky M Cairns Memorial Stadium at Calera High School on Friday, Aug. 25, 2023. Photo by David Leong.
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Photo by David Leong.
Spain Park head coach Tim Vakakes surveys the field during a game against Calera at Ricky M Cairns Memorial Stadium at Calera High School on Friday, Aug. 25, 2023. Photo by David Leong.
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Photo by David Leong.
Spain Park football Captains before their game against Calera at Ricky M Cairns Memorial Stadium at Calera High School on Friday, Aug. 25, 2023. Photo by David Leong.
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Photo by David Leong.
Spain Park defensive back Kelby Roberson (9) and defensive lineman Jared Smith (1) celebrate a safety during a game against Calera at Ricky M Cairns Memorial Stadium at Calera High School on Friday, Aug. 25, 2023. Photo by David Leong.
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Photo by David Leong.
Spain Park marching band members before a game against Calera at Ricky M Cairns Memorial Stadium at Calera High School on Friday, Aug. 25, 2023. Photo by David Leong.
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Photo by David Leong.
Spain Park offensive lineman Hudson Cahalan (55) running onto the field before a game against Calera at Ricky M Cairns Memorial Stadium at Calera High School on Friday, Aug. 25, 2023. Photo by David Leong.
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Photo by David Leong.
Spain Park running back Derick Shanks (6) carries the ball during a game against Calera at Ricky M Cairns Memorial Stadium at Calera High School on Friday, Aug. 25, 2023. Photo by David Leong.
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Photo by David Leong.
Spain Park defensive lineman Josh Lewis (5) chases down Calera quarterback AJ Johnson (13) during a game against Calera at Ricky M Cairns Memorial Stadium at Calera High School on Friday, Aug. 25, 2023. Photo by David Leong.
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Photo by David Leong.
Spain Park running back Dakarai Shanks (20) carries the ball during a game against Calera at Ricky M Cairns Memorial Stadium at Calera High School on Friday, Aug. 25, 2023. Photo by David Leong.
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Photo by David Leong.
Spain Park running back Derick Shanks (6) carries the ball during a game against Calera at Ricky M Cairns Memorial Stadium at Calera High School on Friday, Aug. 25, 2023. Photo by David Leong.
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Photo by David Leong.
Spain Park quarterback Brock Bradley (5) throws a pass during a game against Calera at Ricky M Cairns Memorial Stadium at Calera High School on Friday, Aug. 25, 2023. Photo by David Leong.
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Photo by David Leong.
Spain Park wide receiver Bo Jones (0) marches into the endzone during a game against Calera at Ricky M Cairns Memorial Stadium at Calera High School on Friday, Aug. 25, 2023. Photo by David Leong.
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Photo by David Leong.
Spain Park wide receiver Bo Jones (0) carries the ball during a game against Calera at Ricky M Cairns Memorial Stadium at Calera High School on Friday, Aug. 25, 2023. Photo by David Leong.
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Photo by David Leong.
Spain Park defensive lineman Jared Smith (1) tackles Calera defensive back Kamari Stokes (5) during a game against Calera at Ricky M Cairns Memorial Stadium at Calera High School on Friday, Aug. 25, 2023. Photo by David Leong.
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Photo by David Leong.
Spain Park defensive lineman Josh Lewis (5) tackles Calera quarterback AJ Johnson (13) during a game against Calera at Ricky M Cairns Memorial Stadium at Calera High School on Friday, Aug. 25, 2023. Photo by David Leong.
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Photo by David Leong.
Spain Park running back Dakarai Shanks (20) running into the endzone during a game against Calera at Ricky M Cairns Memorial Stadium at Calera High School on Friday, Aug. 25, 2023. Photo by David Leong.
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Photo by David Leong.
Spain Park quarterback Brock Bradley (5) looks for a receiver during a game against Calera at Ricky M Cairns Memorial Stadium at Calera High School on Friday, Aug. 25, 2023. Photo by David Leong.
CALERA — Year two of the Tim Vakakes era at Spain Park High School began with a 55-0 victory over Calera, the Jaguars’ largest margin of victory in 16 years.
Spain Park’s playmakers were on full display, as sophomore Brock Bradley got the start and distributed the ball evenly to the Shanks brothers and a deep stable of receivers who can stretch the field.
After trading three-and-outs to start the game, Spain Park’s offense found its footing. Dakarai Shanks scored first for the Jaguars on an 8-yard run on Spain Park’s second drive. That touchdown sparked a slew of Spark Park scoring, as the Jags would collect 29 points before the second quarter.
‘The biggest thing I wanted to see tonight was energy,” Vakakes said. “And I think our kids came out of the locker room with a whole lot of energy. Positive energy, being a good teammate, building each other up — that’s what we’re trying to get to, and I saw a whole lot of that tonight.”
Bradley softened up the defense early in the first quarter with a 45-yard touchdown pass to Reggie Jackson; it would be one of his three air scores, all of which went to different receivers. Bo Jones caught a 38-yarder, and Jonathan Bibbs reeled in a 22-yard score in the corner of the end zone. Bradley was relieved in the third quarter and finished 8-for-13 with 171 yards.
Derick Shanks ran the ball 12 times for 139 yards and two touchdowns, including a 45-yarder in the third quarter. Dakarai Shanks had two rushing touchdowns, from 8 and 13 yards, and finished with 44 yards.
Dual-threat quarterback AJ Johnson used every bit of his legs in the game for Calera, as Jaguars defenders crashed the party in the backfield often. Jacob Olsen had two sacks, along with numerous quarterback hurries.
“Anybody who’s got good players has a chance,” Vakakes said. “We’ve got good players who are developing, and they love each other, and they’re working for each other, so we have a chance.”
Johnson was able to scramble for 29 yards in the contest. Demetrius Davis carried the ball 9 times for 30 yards. Johnson, a junior, completed passes to five different receivers. KD Young caught three passes for 20 yards, while Quatez Williams, Brayden Ray, Dalton Ash and JaMariun Ford had one grab apiece.
Spain Park was also a huge beneficiary of Calera miscues. Two fumbles put the Jaguars in the red zone, while a bad snap in the first quarter earned Spain Park a safety.
A balanced offensive attack and suffocating defense led Spain Park to its biggest win since 2007, when the Jaguars beat Carver-Birmingham 69-0 on the way to a close loss to Prattville in the state championship game.
“We haven’t experienced this type of success in a while, so we have to keep them humble and get them used to winning big,” said Vakakes. “Rinse, repeat, do it again.”
Spain Park gets one more game against a 6A team, Briarwood next Friday, before region play begins in earnest — powerhouses Hoover and Thompson are first up for the Jaguars. Calera gets another shot to take down a 7A team when it travels to take on Chelsea next Friday.
