Tate High School Aggies Beat Niceville To Advance To State Semi-Final Game

November 28, 2015

Every Aggie fan knew in their heart Friday that Tate was going on to state, but the win was not without a few chest pains in the fourth quarter. In the end, the Tate High School Aggies defeated the Niceville Eagles 21-20 for the 6A Regional 1 championship.

The Aggies took an early lead, just 14 seconds into the game, on the first play from scrimmage as Alondo Thompkins scored on an 80-yard touchdown run.

Quarterback Sawyer Smith found Reginald Payne for a 58 yard gain, setting up a two-yard touchdown run by Smith with 10:17 to go in the second quarter. And also in the second quarter, Smith hit Jake Henry for a 66-yard touchdown. The Aggies were up a comfortable 21-0 over a Niceville team that has outscored Tate 140-48 in their past five outings.

Heading into the third quarter the Aggies were up 21-0. Heading into the fourth quarter, the Aggies were up 21-0. But it’s not over until it’s over, as Niceville closed the score to within three points. at 21-18.

With 10 second left on the clock, the Aggies took the unusual move of purposely scoring a safety for the Eagles after  Tate was unable to advance beyond their own 10 yard line. That move ran the clock down to five seconds…just enough time for a kickoff.

But after a bunch of Niceville laterals, and a sea of flags, the Aggies were forced to kick off again for an un-timed down. Aggie fans could breathe again…and start making travel plans.

The Tate Aggies (10-2) advance to play the Armwood Hawks in Seffner, near Tampa, next Friday night in the state semi-finals, just one game away from a state championship game in Orlando.

For a photo gallery, click here.

NorthEscambia.com photos by Keith Garrison, click to enlarge.

Comments

11 Responses to “Tate High School Aggies Beat Niceville To Advance To State Semi-Final Game”

  1. Football Mom on November 29th, 2015 12:42 am

    WTG Aggies!!!!!! Proud football mom of center #53! I agree with #6 dad….the win over Niceville felt pretty great. I am overwhelmed by the support of everyone in our community. Keep reaching for the stars Aggies. Cant wait till Tampa #tate2state

  2. Aggie grandma on November 28th, 2015 3:20 pm

    This team has worked hard and now they are reaping the rewards. A lot of people are saying this may be the greatest team ever from this area and I say yes it is!!!!

  3. AJ's momma on November 28th, 2015 2:59 pm

    What a great game!! Awesome redemption …..and now on the way to the final four. GO AGGIES!!!

  4. JSCS on November 28th, 2015 1:17 pm

    GO! GO! GO! AGGIES! Great job, now finish with the state championship!

  5. Jimmy on November 28th, 2015 1:00 pm

    I think this team could beat that 2000 pine forest team. This is the best team Pensacola has ever had.

  6. Gary on November 28th, 2015 10:14 am

    Going all the way this year! We are back and better than ever!!! The best football team Pensacola has seen!

  7. Terry R. Trawick on November 28th, 2015 5:48 am

    As i have watched tate this year advance through the season, they remind me so much of the STATE FOOTBALL TEAM THAT I WAS APART OF. TATE TO STATE, AND GO DEFENSE.

  8. Anthony Thompson on November 28th, 2015 12:31 am

    I’m the father of #6 Dee Thompson and I am very proud of him and the rest of the Aggies . They finally got redemption over Niceville. To me, this was their state championship game. I know that they have to get through their next opponent but as a Woodham alum and proud owner of a state championship ring, it’s great to see my son potentially earn one as well! #GoAggies #Tate2State

  9. William Bohannon on November 28th, 2015 12:21 am

    1962 Aggie that’s PROUD!!

  10. Marie on November 27th, 2015 11:43 pm

    The Tate Aggies played an awesome game tonight and are a great team! The Eagles are a great team as well! Now….Go Aggies to win the State Championship, you deserve it!

  11. Tate clolor guard mom;) on November 27th, 2015 11:20 pm

    My daughter is a junior and we haven’t missed any football games. It’s been a great three years. Super happy for the team and coaches!!! Proud Aggie!! Go Tate!