×The headline from the now-defunct Birmingham Post-Herald after Spain Park High School earned its first varsity football victory.

On Aug. 30, 2002, a brand-new team with no seniors, a hall of fame coach and plenty of questions stepped onto the field for the first time — and made history. That night, the Spain Park Jaguars introduced themselves to Alabama high school football with a convincing 35-6 win over Gadsden in the program’s varsity debut.

The matchup carried extra meaning for Jaguars head coach Vince DiLorenzo, who returned to Gadsden — where he had won two state championships — to lead Spain Park in its inaugural game. After a scoreless first quarter, the Jaguars took control behind the steady play of freshman quarterback Neil Caudle and a stingy defense that held Gadsden scorele

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