UWF Storms Past VUL In Record Fashion, 69-0
September 22, 2019
The celebratory chants Saturday night from the UWF football locker room underneath Blue Wahoos Stadium reverberated through the walls.
The Argos longest wait for a season’s first home game turned into the largest win with a 69-0 rout against Virginia-Lynchburg that may remain a UWF team points record for quite awhile.
So why not have some fun?
The Argos did, much to the delight of 4,847 fans who created a welcoming home atmosphere.
“I’m excited for that for our guys. I think they worked hard to play that type of game,” said Argos coach Pete Shinnick, after his team rang up touchdowns from offense, defense and special teams – a trifecta that only happened once before in team history – and set three UWF scoring records.
The Argos (2-1) produced 573 yards total offense. They held Virginia-Lynchburg (1-4) to minus-12 yards rushing, a team defensive record. They forced four turnovers, blocked a punt for a score and allowed the outmanned visitors to only cross midfield once the entire game.
It was that kind of game. That kind of performance. Opponent aside, the Argos got what they sought. Eight different players scored touchdowns. Ten players factored into scoring.
“We have a saying, ‘It’s how we play not who we play.’ And we really harp on that. Look if we don’t make mistakes, we feel we can play with anybody in the country. We obviously had an advantage (Saturday).
“And we knew that. So, what we were looking for was that type of execution. We really just wanted to go in with a shutout mentality. And just swarm and get after it as much as we could.”
The Argos’ defense has now gone six consecutive quarters, beginning with the second half last week against Shorter, without allowing a point.
“Everything didn’t go our way. We didn’t make every tackle, but we kept hustling, kept going at it,” said linebacker Andre Duncombe, who has been on the field for all four shutout wins in UWF’s history. “We know playing defense anything can happen.”
This game, believe or not, didn’t start the way UWF hoped.
After forcing a quick punt on the game’s first possession, UWF quarterback Austin Reed, making his home debut, threw an interception on his first snap. He then took the Argos’ offense into the end zone on six of the next seven possessions.
He got a boost from backup quarterback Sam Vaughn, the starter most of last season, who reminded Reed that he once began a home game with an interception.
“That wasn’t how I planned it,” said Reed, a redshirt freshman from St. Augustine, who transferred from Southern Illinois. “But it happens. Sam came up to me after that and said, ‘Hey my first play against North Al (Alabama), I threw a pick.
“Having a guy like him there is awesome. We then came out there and made it happen.”
The Argos scored 35 points in the second quarter, setting a record for most points in any quarter. They led 42-0 at halftime, the most points scored in a half in UWF history.
“We wandered a little bit offensively in the second half,” Shinnick said.
But a pair of missed field goals were supplanted by a blocked punt for a score, then backup quarterback J.C. Robles throwing a TD pass and Vaughn finishing the scoring on a two-yard run late in the game.
“We block a punt (in fourth quarter)… it was a hold up. We weren’t trying to block a punt at that point in time,” said Shinnick referring to a special team’ gem that Marcus Clayton returned three yards for a score. “And that kinda kick-started a little more momentum for us and here we are, 69 to nothing.”
Included in the scorefest was plenty of local flavor. Anthony Johnson, a Pace High grad, who missed most of preseason trying to heal an injury, rushed for 85 yards on 11 carries and scored the game’s first touchdown on a 2-yard run.
“We feel like when he’s fresh and he’s ready to go, he can be a dynamic running back,” Shinnick said. “And we have seen that the last two weeks.”
Receiver Evan Mitchell, a Fort Walton Beach High grad, caught touchdown passes of 22 and 30 yards. He was the only UWF player with multiple touchdowns. The first was via a circus-type catch that will be saved in season video highlights.
“That catch was spectacular,” Shinnick said.
Though he didn’t score, receiver Quentin Randolph, led all receivers with 100 yards on three catches. Tailback Jayden Gardner followed Johnson’s score with a 7-yard TD run, giving the Pensacola area back-to-back players in the game stats summary.
Center Devin Gibson, a West Florida High grad, was part of an offensive line group that opened up lanes for 222 yards rushing.
“We continue to try to find the right guys to fit our program,” Shinnick said. ”We are always looking for the right guy from the area to be part of our program. I think when they have success it makes it better for what you are trying to do.”
In the second half, the only intrigue was if UWF could pitch the shutout. It was the fourth in team history, after getting two in the inaugural 2016 season (Ave Maria, Shorter), another in 2017 (Wingate).
“It’s huge,” Shinnick said. “I don’t care who you play, it’s hard. To do that down after down, play after play and just limit them and keep them off the 50 yard line and a lot of three-and-outs, that was huge. I am just happy for (defensive players).”
But the Argos are also not naïve. Virginia-Lynchburg is a small school and member of the National Christian Conference Athletic Association. The Dragons, who restarted football in 2011, were an opponent that UWF scrambled to get after so many other, potential, non-conference opponents shied from playing the Argos.
The Dragons have been outscored 219-42 in their four losses.
Biggest tests await for UWF, beginning next Saturday (Sept. 28) against Mississippi College, then Delta State to finish three consecutive home weekends.
“If we want to be the team we think we’re capable of being, then we’ve got to take care of business at home,” Shinnick said. “I got a team that is receptive. We think we can get better and we look forward to getting after it this week (in practices).”
GAME HONORS – The Argos had three major on-field presentations during the game.
* Dick Appleyard, CEO of the Appleyard Agency, was honored in the first quarter for his upcoming induction into the UWF Athletics Hall of Fame. He was joined by family, including grandchildren.
* The UWF women’s basketball team was honored at halftime.
* Peggy Butler presented UWF a check for $132,768 to support the UWF College of Arts, Social Science and Humanities in the Larry Butler Memorial Music Fund.
Freddie T. Amerson
September 22, 2019
Mrs. Freddie T. Amerson, 88 of Cantonment, FL, formally of Bratt, FL, passed away September 19, 2019, in Cantonment, FL. She was born on August 3, 1931, in White Springs, FL to the late Fred and Isabelle Roberts Tyre. She was a member of Pine Barren Baptist Church and donated a lot of her time visiting and ministering in local nursing homes. She worked at Vanity Fair; she was a restaurant worker then later retired as a school bus driver for Escambia Co. Florida School District. She loved her family and enjoyed sharing the plan of salvation with her family and friends so one day they can see her again in heaven.
She is preceded in death by her parents, son; Martin Vanis Rosier; and a brother, Raymond Cecil Tyre.
She is survived by her children, Cliff Amerson of Bratt, FL; Margaret (Sambo) Garrett of Bay Springs, FL; Gwen (David) Johnson of Cantonment, FL and Becky (Tim) Drone of Milton, FL; two sisters, Vivian (Gene) Vogan of Crescent City, FL and Delores Sowan of Buford, GA; seven grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren and 15 great-great-grandchildren.
Graveside services will be Monday September 23, 2019, at 11:30 a.m. in Bratt-Godwin Cemetery with Bro. Mike Harper officiating.
Interment will follow in Bratt-Godwin Cemetery.
Pallbearers will be the grandchildren.
Family will receive friends Monday, September 23, 2019, at Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home from 9:30 a.m. until 11 a.m.
Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home is in charge of all arrangements.
Samuel Millard Lansdon
September 22, 2019
Samuel was born to Gladys and Millard Lansdon on April 6, 1944, in Pensacola, FL. He married Joyce Ann Golden on June 10, 1964. Three years later, April 28, 1967, their first child, Camela Renee, was born. Not long after, an infant son was born. His life on earth was only a few short hours. On March 27, 1970, another daughter, Marsha Deanna, was born. Samuel was owner of Lansdon Construction Company and a member of the Homebuilders Association. He was a lifelong member of Beams of Light Holiness Church. He was blessed with six grandchildren, who were his pride and joy. Samuel loved life. He loved to work. Spending time outdoors, fishing, hunting and sharing time with his family were his favorite pastimes.
Samuel is preceded in death by his infant son, Samuel Lansdon, II; father, Millard Lansdon; mother, Gladys Lansdon; and sister, Gloria Lansdon.
Samuel is survived by his wife, Joyce Lansdon; daughter, Camela (Davin) Burnett; daughter, Marsha (LaRon) Futral; sister, Martha (Luther) Sessions; brother, David (Carolyn) Lansdon; brother, James (Diane) Lansdon; six grandchildren, Savannah Burnett, Sierra Burnett, Sadie Burnett, Trevor Futral, Travis Futral and Treyton Futral.
Funeral services were held Saturday, September 21, 2019, at Beams of Light Holiness Church in Cantonment.
Interment was at Beams of Light Holiness Church Cemetery.
Reverend Jim, Richardson, Reverend Davin Burnett and Reverend Philip Deane will be officiating.
Pallbearers were Ryan Golden, Darren Duke, Tyler Ard, Colton Deane, Barton Sessions and Hunter Bass.
Honorary pallbearers were Billy Campbell, Leon Hawthorne, Willie Myrick, Keith Rowell, Chris Burnett, Wesley Sessions, Paul Martin Smith, Tommy Wood, and Perry Sessions.
Faith Chapel Funeral Home North has been entrusted with arrangements.
I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth. Psalm 121:1-2 (KJV)
For there is hope of a tree, if it be cut down, that it will sprout again, and that the tender branch thereof will not cease. Job 14:7 (KJV)
Five Dead In Two Wrecks In North Baldwin County, Alabama
September 21, 2019
A total of five people were killed in two wrecks in north Baldwin County, Alabama, over about a 30 minutes span Saturday night.
Shortly before 5:00 p.m. Drazen Alilovic, 48, of Theodore, was traveling south on Alabama 225 near Cottage Hill Road when his 2012 Chevrolet Silverado collided head-on with a 1995 Nissan truck.
The driver of the Nissan, William B. Shuman, 56, of Bay Minette, was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash. Alilovic was arrested by troopers and booked into the Baldwin County Correctional Facility on a single count of manslaughter in connection with the crash.
The second crash occurred at around 5:30 p.m. on I-65 just north of exit 37—Rabun Road. Brent Alden King, 56, of Fairhope was driving north in the southbound lanes near the 38.1-mile marker when his 2009 Chrysler Town & Country collided head-on with a 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan.
King and all three occupants of the Volkswagen suffered fatal injuries and were pronounced dead at the scene. The names of the other three fatalities have not been released.
No further information is available on either crash as troopers continue to investigate.
Century Man Charged With Armed Robbery; Victim Suffers Injured Pinkie Finger
September 21, 2019
A Century man has been charged with an armed robbery that resulted in an injury to the victim’s pinkie finger.
Maurice Austin, 30, was charged with first degree felony robbery with a firearm and petit theft.
Investigators said Austin solicited a ride from his friend to take him to Monroeville, AL, to look at a vehicle to purchase, and they met at Century Boulevard and Pond Street. The friend picked up Austin, along with an unidentified girl and a 13-year old boy.
Austin asked him to pull over at a car wash on North Century Boulevard so he could talk to someone. That’s where investigators said Austin got out of the vehicle and confronted the victim. A struggle over the gun ensued, injuring the victim’s right pinkie finger. Austin took $91 in cash, a credit card and identification from the victim, according to the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office.
Austin got back in the truck and stated “Drive and don’t ask any questions,” an arrest report states. They turned on State Line Road and then Highway 4A before turning on Hilltop Road. Austin got out of the vehicle on Hilltop Road, leaving the other passengers behind. The friend let the passengers out on Elm Street before driving home to Alabama.
When investigators located the friend, he stated he had received a phone call at the time they stopped at the car wash, and he was not paying attention to what Austin did outside the vehicle.
The friend and the other two passengers have not been charged.
Austin remained in the Escambia County Jail with bond set at $53,000.
Northview Beats Holmes County (With Photo Gallery)
September 21, 2019
The Northview Chiefs hit the road Friday night and knocked off the Holmes County Blue Devils 34-22.
The Chiefs were up 14-7 by halftime in Bonifay.
Northview expanded their lead to 22-7 on a 2-yard touchdown and a good two point conversion by Jayden Jackson with about nine minutes remaining in the third quarter.
Holmes County answered with a TD and a two point conversion late in the third; Northview was on top 22-15.
Jackson was in the endzone from midfield. A missed try at two, and Northview led 28-15.
Trent Peebles powered into the endzone from 3 yards out, giving Northview a 34-15 advantage as the third quarter came to a close. The Blue Devils managed on more TD in the fourth on a 55-yard pass.
Northview (2-2, 1-1) is on the road again next Friday night to Panama City to take on North Bay Haven Academy (2-2, 0-2). The game will not be played at the school; it will be at Tommy Oliver Stadium, 351 East 13th Street in Panama City.
Photos by Lexi Kittrell for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Great Weather Weekend: Upper 80s Today, Middle 60s Tonight
September 21, 2019
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 88. East wind 5 to 10 mph.
Saturday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 66. Calm wind.
Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 90. East wind around 5 mph.
Sunday Night: Clear, with a low around 65. Calm wind.
Monday: Sunny, with a high near 92. Calm wind.
Monday Night: Clear, with a low around 68. Calm wind.
Tuesday: Sunny, with a high near 92. Calm wind.
Tuesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 70. Calm wind.
Wednesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 91.
Wednesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 69.
Thursday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 91.
Thursday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 70.
Friday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 91.
Crestview Stops Tate 47-7 (With Photo Gallery)
September 21, 2019
The Crestview Bulldogs defeated the Tate Aggies 47-7 Friday night at Pete Gindl Stadium.
Crestview dominated the scoring during the first two quarters with a 40-0 lead at halftime. The Aggies’ only touchdown of the night came with 10:45 remaining in the fourth quarter on a 6-yard run from Gavin Grace.
Tate (1-4, 0-3) is off next Friday night. The Aggies will return to action October 4 as they host Navarre (currently 3-2, 0-1).
For a photo gallery, click here.
NorthEscambia.com photos by Jennifer Repine, click to enlarge.
Photos: The Tin Man And Toto Welcome Fall In Barrineau Park
September 21, 2019
It’s time for those fall decorations, and they’ve really stepped up the game at one North Escambia home.
The Tin Man is in the 4800 block of Highway 196, just west of Barrineau Park School Road. And if you look closely at the photos, you’ll see the family dog Buzzy making a special appearance as Toto.
The Tin Man is the creation of Kelly Griffith and Darenda Etheridge.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Case Dropped Against Man Charged With Abuse Of Wheelchair Bound Amputee
September 21, 2019
A case has been dropped against a Cantonment man charged with attacking a wheelchair bound amputee.
Brian Christopher Holtman, 34, was charged with felony abuse of an elderly or disabled person in March 2019. According to court documents, the charge was dropped because the victim declined to prosecute.
According to an Escambia County Sheriff’s Office report, the victim said he was arguing with Holtman over financial issues when Holtman became upset and physically attacked him as they traveled along Plantation Road. The victim refused medical treatment.