Gulf Breeze football is off to a slow start this season. The team is struggling to bounce back after losing 12 seniors from last year. The Dolphins fell short to Fairhope High School with a final score of 31-38 on August 26th. Although strong in the 1st half leading 21-17, the Dolphins could not secure a win. Quarterback, Battle Alberson weighed in on the game stating, “…We found a lot of things to build upon and get better on. I think we just need to play better as a team.” 

    Alberson threw 174 yards and contributed 62 rushing yards against the Pirates. In addition to the rest of the Dolphins offense, Brock Clayton accumulated 107 receiving yards.  

   Gulf Breeze bounced back from week one’s loss, with a win against Crestview September 2. A fumble recovery made by Phillip Dillard shifted the momentum in the 1st quarter. Going into halftime the Dolphins led 17-0. Gulf Breeze narrowly held on to the win, with a final score of 24-21.  

    Middle linebacker, Turner Mclaughlin is a main contributor to the Dolphin’s defense. Mclaughlin was named Overall Payer of the Game. Mclaughlin said, “It was a great feeling getting the win against Crestview and I could not have gotten player of the game without my d- line taking on blocks. I really appreciate them.”  

   September 9, the Dolphins faced Escambia High School. Originally scheduled for 7pm, severe weather delayed kickoff until 9:12pm. The Dolphins struggled with offense, scoring 10 points while Escambia scored 12. 

   Wide receiver, Brock Clayton commented on the Dolphins performance stating, “The way we respond against Escambia is to put it behind us and move forward, practice harder and put more work in.” Clayton also added, “The weather didn’t affect our performance on Friday because we are used to it (…) because we have had practices with similar circumstances.” 

   Gulf Breeze hosts a district game September 16, against Milton High School, both teams are 1-2. The Dolphins are optimistic about Friday’s game. Defensive Lineman, Cooper Arnold expressed his hopes for the game stating, “If we all work together and play like we have been practicing, Milton doesn’t stand a chance.”