Tate Beats Pine Forest To Advance In Playoffs (With Photo Gallery)

November 21, 2015

The Tate High School Aggies continued their march to state Friday night with a 31-7 win over the Pine Forest Eagles in the Region 1-6A semifinals.

In the regular season, Pine Forest claimed the District 1-6A crown in a game that was tied up 28-all headed into the fourth only to see the Eagles surge to a 47-28 win.

But the tables were turned Friday night.

“The defense is playing great right now, and on offense we ran the football,” Tate head coach Jay Lindsey said. “Biggest thing is we played a physical football game; that is the thing you want in the playoffs. You want to get better toward the end of the year, and we are playing our best football. We are getting better week to week, and that’s exactly what we want to do.”

The Aggies took a quick 7-0 lead with 5:55 to go in the first quarter with quarterback Sawyer Smith taking it into the end zone. The just over two minutes later, after a 50-yard gain by Smith, Dee Thompson was around the outside for a touchdown and a 14-0 Aggie lead.

Toss in a Tate field goal with 11:05 in the second, and the Tate Aggies were up 17-0.

Then, with 5:25 in the half, Tate increased their lead to 24-0 with a 20-yard touchdown run from Thompson. The game stood at 24-0 headed into the half.

With 2:43 in the third, the Aggies added one more touchdown on a 15-yard run from Aldondo Thompkins, coming off a 44-yard pass to Madison Lockman.

The Tate Aggies (9-2) will travel to Niceville next Friday night.

During the regular season, Niceville beat Tate 31-28. But for Lindsey, the Region 1-6A final next week is not going to be about revenge.

“It’s the playoffs right now; it’s do or die,” Lindsey said. “It has nothing to do with who beat who in the regular season. It’s just one game at the time.

“We are just focused on us and being the best team that Tate High School can possibly be,” he said.

For more photos, click here.

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


Comments

7 Responses to “Tate Beats Pine Forest To Advance In Playoffs (With Photo Gallery)”

  1. Guard mom! on November 22nd, 2015 11:54 pm

    This will be the first game we’ve missed in the past three years. It’s been an awesome ride as a parent of the colorguard. I pray you all have safe travels and for an glorious win. I believe Tate will win this game and am sad I will miss the victory. Proud to be a Aggie!!!! Come out strong and do your best! Geaux Aggies!!!!!!!

  2. Eddy on November 22nd, 2015 10:17 pm

    This team is one of the best this area has ever seen. Take it all the way!!!

  3. david lamb on November 22nd, 2015 12:04 pm

    GO AGGIES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  4. Melodies4us on November 21st, 2015 11:54 pm

    So proud of the winning team we have this year! So much talent and a good coach, win the championship ! ! ! Goooo Aggies! ! !

  5. Nancy (Gindl) Perry on November 21st, 2015 4:00 pm

    Way to go Aggies!! Let’s take it to the house……..so proud of my alma mater…and so proud that once again another Escambia County team Wins a district title. Good job players, cheerleaders, band, teachers, parents, students….etc. …it take EVERYONE pulling together, dedication, self discipline, hard work,…to achieve these type of goals!!! Your communities and alumni are PROUD of you!!

    “The ability to work together toward a common vision. The ability to direct individual accomplishments toward organizational objectives. It is the fuel that allows common people to attain uncommon results.” ~~~ Andrew Carnegie

  6. Ken on November 21st, 2015 2:03 pm

    Were back and here to stay!

  7. Sage 2 on November 21st, 2015 9:22 am

    Boys and girls, this was more like a thumpin’ or spanking PF got last night!!!

Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under News, Sports, TOP sports