Gulf Shores, Ala. — (GSN) — High school football around the Intracoastal Waterway is experiencing an unprecedented wave of success. Both the Gulf Shores High School Dolphins and the Orange Beach High School Makos remain undefeated at 4-0 on the 2026 season, establishing South Baldwin County as a dominant hub for Alabama coastal athletics.

Statement Victories Fueling Perfect Records

Both coastal programs have earned their undefeated records by navigating tough early schedules and delivering high-stakes upset victories:

• Gulf Shores Dolphins (4-0): Following early wins, the Dolphins most recently secured a thrilling 30-29 overtime victory against the Blount Leopards on September 11, 2026, keeping their undefeated streak alive in dramatic fashion.

• Orange Beach Makos (4-0): The Makos launched their season with strong wins—including a 56-0 shutout against Monroe County and a 21-13 victory over 2025 Class 5A state runner-up Vigor—and most recently secured a decisive 27-7 victory against LeFlore on September 11, 2026, to advance to 4-0.

Leadership & Strategic Coaching

The rapid rise of both teams is anchored by experienced coaching staff and clear institutional support:

• Gulf Shores: Head Coach Mark Hudspeth, who led the Dolphins to the 2023 AHSAA Class 5A State Championship, continues to steer the program forward as it competes at the Class 6A level. His strategic leadership and program development have kept the Dolphins performing at an elite level.
• Orange Beach: Under Head Coach Wade Waldrop and Athletic Director Shane Alexander, the Makos have developed a disciplined, balanced team dynamic across offense, defense, and special teams.

World-Class Facilities Driving Excellence

A foundational element behind the athletic growth at both schools is the investment in top-tier facilities designed for year-round training and community engagement:

• Gulf Shores Campus & Stadium Upgrades: The new Gulf Shores High School campus on Coastal Gateway Boulevard opened in August 2026. Built to foster academic and athletic growth, the campus features an 18,000-square-foot field house, a covered practice pavilion, state-of-the-art strength and training rooms, two competition gymnasiums, and dedicated sports medicine areas. In addition, Mickey Miller Blackwell Stadium received key fan and venue updates.
• Orange Beach Athletic Complex: The Makos host games at the new $42 million Orange Beach Athletic Complex on Canal Road. The campus boasts a dedicated football stadium, a 60x60-yard covered turf pavilion, modern field house and weight room facilities, expanded grandstands, and a 40-by-50-foot video scoreboard.

With state-of-the-art infrastructure and top-tier leadership backing both programs, Gulf Shores and Orange Beach continue to capture coastal pride and set new benchmarks for high school sports on the Alabama coast.