After last week’s hard-fought win over nationally ranked Lipscomb Academy, one would have thought defending Class 6A state champion Saraland might have a letdown against Murphy in the Class 6A, Region 1 opener for both teams at Ladd-Peebles Stadium on Friday night.

Thanks to Santae McWilliams, it was more of a big boost for the Spartans.

McWilliams rushed for 99 yards on nine carries and four touchdowns — all in the first half — and Saraland scored on its first six possessions as the Spartans rolled to a 54-6 win over the Panthers to improve to 2-0 overall and 1-0 in the region.

Deshawn Spencer added 89 yards on five carries and a score, and quarterback KJ Lacey finished the night 7-for-11 passing for 109 yards and two touchdowns. Backup quarterback Gage Weaver added a touchdown pass, and CD Gill had a touchdown reception.

Saraland’s defense was very tough, allowing Murphy only three first downs and holding the Panthers to minus-25 yards net rushing. The Spartans also forced three turnovers.

“Santae has been a workhorse for several years now,” said Saraland head coach Jeff Kelly. “He’s a tremendous team player and a great back. You look at what he does running with the ball; you look at protection also in the pass game. He’s just a complete player, and those linemen love blocking for him. He had an absolute great night tonight, as did Deshawn. He’s a kid who we’ve seen show flashes through the spring and summer, and we think he can be a huge part of our offense this year.”

“Our offensive line did a great job and dominated and helped me to do my job and get into the end zone and make plays,” said McWilliams. “I told Deshawn to keep running, don’t let anybody bring you down, don’t get upset, and stay positive.”

Saraland jumped out to a 27-0 first quarter lead as Lacey hit Gill on a 23-yard touchdown pass, and McWilliams scored on runs of 9, 2, 2, and 17 yards. The last three of McWilliams’ touchdown runs were set up by turnovers, and the Spartans were pretty much in the driver’s seat.

Lacey’s second touchdown pass — a 12-yard strike to Dillion Alfred with 9:11 left in the second quarter — along with Spencer’s 18-yard touchdown run with 2:48 left in the half gave Saraland a 47-0 halftime lead. Murphy averted a shutout with 6:40 left in the third quarter when James Holbrook connected with Jaylon Edney on a 43-yard touchdown pass, but Saraland answered when Weaver threw an 11-yard touchdown pass to Caden Kelly.

Star of the game: Definitely it was McWilliams, as it was his four touchdowns that set the tone for the game. But give credit to the Saraland defense, as it surrendered only one big play and rendered Murphy’s running game non-existent.

Stat sheet: For Saraland, Ryan Williams had two catches for 44 yards, including a big 31-yard grab to set up McWilliams’ 17-yard touchdown run. Weaver was 3-of-6 passing for 21 yards, while backup running back Kendall Baty rushed five times for 20 yards. For Murphy, Holbrook was 7-of-17 for 65 yards and three interceptions, while Jaylon Edney had four catches for 52 yards.

By the numbers: 2 — Total number of penalties for Murphy; 3 — Total first downs for Murphy; 3 — Total penalties for Saraland; 19 — Total first downs for Saraland; 229 —Total rushing yardage for Saraland.

Coachspeak: “We talked about protecting better. We talked about running the ball better and doing run blocking better. KJ was delivering some accurate balls down the field and receivers were making plays, and we were able to run the ball. It was a complete deal across the board.” — Kelly.

They said it: “I thought our defense played pretty good last week until they got tired. I wanted to find out who we are. We’re going to be consistent; we’re going to bring that defense week after week, and it starts up front. The defensive linemen did a good job; we got multiple turnovers, and the credit goes to our coaches and players. The players did an excellent job swarming to the football.” — Kelly

“We wanted to go out and establish the run game early, and we did that. We wanted to make sure we had a foundation, and the passes opened up the running game.” McWilliams.

“We played the state champs, and they are the state champs. We’re taking our growing pains, (but) we’re going to continue to be student-athletes and play with class, and we’re going to grow.” — Murphy head coach Justin Hannah.

Up next: Next Friday night, Saraland hosts St. Paul’s, while Murphy travels to Theodore.