Gulf Shores beats Ramsay: updates from Alabama 5A football state championship
The Gulf Shores Dolphins have yet to lose a game but they may have their hands full on Thursday when they take on the defending champion Ramsay Rams in the AHSAA Class 5A state finals.
The Rams are hoping to secure a second-consecutive state championship. On the other side, the Dolphins are looking to take home the hardware in their first-ever trip to the state championship.
Gulf Shores (14-0) has not played a close game this season, while Ramsay (12-2) hasn’t lost to a 5A team.
Follow along below for live updates from the Alabama Class 5A football state championship game:
(Refresh for latest updates)
FOURTH QUARTER UPDATES
GULF SHORES 21, RAMSAY 14 (Final) Ronnie Royal converts a key third down and that’ll do it. They finish the game in the victory formation and win the program’s first ever AHSAA State Championship.
Turnover on downs! The Rams offense stalled at their own 29-yard line, took a delay of game penalty and couldn’t complete a pass on 4th-&-20. Gulf Shores takes over with 2:20 to go, still nursing that 21-14 lead.
Ramsey’s goal-line stand The Dolphins’ scoring drought continues. Ronnie Royal put together back-to-back big runs behind blocks from senior guard Connor Lowell to push the Dolphins down inside the one-yard line. But the Rams’ defense forced a chip-shot field goal, which Will Langston missed wide right. Still 3:30 to go.
Turnover on downs! Gulf Shores turns Ramsay away again, this time after being put in a 1st-and-goal situation at the five-yard line following the fumble. The Dolphin defense has been the story of this game. Just 8:45 to go in this 5A Championship.
Fumble! A disastrous turn of events there for Gulf Shores. The ball came loose after a low snap, and QB Reese forces a fumble following the initial recovery. Ramsay’s gonna have a 1st-&-goal from the Gulf Shores’ 5-yard line.
GULF SHORES 21, RAMSAY 14 Ashton Ashford finds the end zone from the one-inch line, then Ramsey fakes the kick and Washington converts the two-point play on the ground. Still 11:14 to go in this one.
THIRD QUARTER UPDATES
Gulf Shores 21, Ramsay 6 (End of 3rd quarter) Marcus Jones partially blocked a punt to set Ramsay up with great field position. The Rams will face a 2nd-&-goal at the two-yard line when the fourth quarter starts.
Interception! Ronnie Royal just made a Odell Beckham-style one-handed interception for Gulf Shores. To say Ramsay has struggled in the passing game is an understatement — the Rams have two yards through the air with 2:30 minutes to go in the third quarter.
Another fumble! Gulf Shores star receiver Ronnie Royal took the handoff and fumbled right into the hands of Ramsay’s Marcus Jones. That’s back-to-back fumbles on consecutive possessions for the Dolphins. Ramsay will get it at the Gulf Shores 36 with 6:57 left in the third quarter.
Fumble! Ramsay got a huge break to open the second half as QB Reese forced a fumble and senior Fletcher Taylor recovered for the Rams. Still 9:40 to go in the third quarter.
Second half underway Ronnie Royal took the opening kickoff of the second half back to the GSHS 39-yard line. That's where the Dolphins will have it to start the third quarter.
SECOND QUARTER UPDATES
GULF SHORES 21, RAMSAY 6 (End of 2nd Quarter) Gulf Shores was threatening to pick up some more points before the break, but Ramsay senior Jermaine Parker came up with a sack near midfield to send this game to the half.
Interception! Taden Thomas made the big play for Gulf Shores, picking off Washington in the end zone. Just 1:07 to go until the half.
GULF SHORES 21, RAMSAY 6 Ramsey quarterback Tremell Washington connected with Kristian Stinson. The PAT was no good after a penalty. There's 8:42 left in the first half.
FIRST QUARTER UPDATES
GULF SHORES 21, RAMSAY 0 Ronnie Royal gets into the end zone again with his second rushing touchdown of the night for the Dolphins.
GULF SHORES 14, RAMSAY 0 Gulf Shores junior Kolin Wilson goes 24 yards for the touchdown. Dolphins made that TD drive look easy, dominating with the power run game.
GULF SHORES 7, RAMSAY 0 Ramsay had a snafu on the first handoff exchange of the game and put the ball on the ground. Gulf Shores sophomore Landon Everett came up with the recovery at the Ramsay three-yard line. Ronnie Royal covered that distance in one carry for the touchdown.
We're underway Ramsey will start from its own 13-yard line.
PREGAME UPDATES
Ramsay wins the toss The Rams want the ball. They'll take the opening kickoff.
Pregame introductions underway The PA announcer is announcing the starters for both schools and we should have a coin toss here shortly
7:10 p.m. Kickoff Both teams are on the field for pregame warmups, and we're on pace for a 7:10 p.m. kickoff.
More coverage: SBLive Sports features in-depth coverage of Alabama high school football including season previews, team rankings, top player lists and much more. Follow your favorite teams on SBLive's live high school football scoreboard and download the SBLive Sports App.
SBLive Sports is the official digital content partner of the AHSAA and a member of the Sports Illustrated Media Network.
