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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”
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
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!!!!
What a great game!! Awesome redemption …..and now on the way to the final four. GO AGGIES!!!
GO! GO! GO! AGGIES! Great job, now finish with the state championship!
I think this team could beat that 2000 pine forest team. This is the best team Pensacola has ever had.
Going all the way this year! We are back and better than ever!!! The best football team Pensacola has seen!
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.
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
1962 Aggie that’s PROUD!!
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!
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!