Spain Park struggled defensively Friday, as Opelika used its speed to top the Jaguars 21-3 in a three-quarter varsity scrimmage.

“We missed too many tackles on defense and got out of position a few times, and versus a team like Opelika, they’ve got a lot of team speed,” Spain Park head coach David Shores said.

After losing 40 seniors off last year’s team, Spain Park is sorting through growing pains before the season begins.

“We’re a very young football team, and we’re making young mistakes,” Shores said.

The Jaguars’ only points came in the second quarter on a 32-yard field goal by Charbel Ghossein, who also missed one before the half from more than 40 yards out, while kicking into the wind.

Opelika jumped on Spain Park first with a 30-yard touchdown run in the first quarter by Arenio Abrams, a state champion in the 200-mete dash.

“When you give a guy like that a crease or two, they’re going to burn you,” Shores said.

Opelika added the a second touchdown on a 35-yard screen pass and a third on a quarterback draw.

Spain Park opens the season on the road Friday at Homewood. Kickoff is 7 p.m.