Spain Park Rallies Past McAdory in Class 6A Playoff Opener

HOOVER, AL – The Spain Park Jaguars showcased resilience and dominance in their 24-13 victory over the McAdory Yellow Jackets in the opening round of the Class 6A state playoffs Friday night at Bob Finley Field. After falling behind 13-0 early, the Jaguars (9-2) stormed back with a commanding second-half performance, fueled by a balanced offense and a relentless defense.

With the win, head coach Tim Vakakes’ Jaguars claim their seventh straight victory and improve to 9-2 on the season. McAdory, who was appearing in the playoffs for the 29th consecutive season, closes out their 2025 campaign at 7-4. 

A Rocky Start for Spain Park

McAdory (7-3) came out strong, capitalizing on early opportunities. Running back Kawann Johnson ignited the Yellow Jackets with a 61-yard touchdown run midway through the first quarter. Moments later, quarterback Justin Patton extended the lead with a 6-yard scramble into the end zone, following an onside kick recovery. Despite the early surge, McAdory’s extra point was blocked, leaving the score at 13-0.

Spain Park’s offense struggled to find its rhythm early, with quarterback Brock Bradley starting 1-for-7 passing and negative yardage. However, the Jaguars’ defense held firm, preventing further damage and setting the stage for a comeback.

The Turning Point

Momentum shifted in the second quarter when Bradley led an 87-yard drive, capped by his 2-yard rushing touchdown. The score cut the deficit to 13-7 and reignited the Jaguars’ sideline. Spain Park’s defense then delivered a critical stop, halting McAdory on consecutive third- and fourth-down attempts deep in Jaguars territory just before halftime.

Bradley found his groove in the second half, completing five consecutive passes, including a 22-yard touchdown strike to Kena Rego. The score gave Spain Park its first lead at 14-13, and the Jaguars never looked back.

Defensive Domination

Spain Park’s defense took over in the second half, forcing three turnovers and holding McAdory scoreless. Carter Holloway intercepted a pass early in the fourth quarter, setting up Nic McKissic’s 14-yard touchdown run to extend the lead to 24-13. Later, TK Slaughter stripped the ball from Patton on a long run, with Nathan Byrd recovering the fumble at the 10-yard line. On McAdory’s next possession, EJ Kerley tipped a pass that landed in the hands of Joe Cross for the Jaguars’ third takeaway of the half, sealing the victory.

The Jaguars’ defense limited McAdory to just 1-of-5 passing for 32 yards in the second half, with two interceptions. Meanwhile, Spain Park’s offense tallied 376 total yards, including 193 on the ground and 183 through the air.

Standout Performances

Bradley finished the night 14-of-25 for 183 yards and a touchdown, adding 50 rushing yards and a 2-yard score. Rego was a key target, hauling in four receptions for 108 yards, including the go-ahead touchdown. McAdory’s Johnson led his team with 82 rushing yards on seven carries, highlighted by his 61-yard touchdown run.

What’s Next?

Spain Park’s victory marked its seventh consecutive win and secured a second-round matchup against Saraland, the second-ranked team in Class 6A. Saraland, a perennial powerhouse, has reached three consecutive state title games, setting the stage for a thrilling second round showdown in south Alabama.