UWF Ignites For Bounce-Back Rout of MC to Enhance Postseason Opportunity
November 5, 2023
In games this season following a loss, UWF’s football team has responded with turnaround, complete-game performances.
The Argos added a pivotal one Saturday with a 42-14 win against Mississippi College at Robinson-Hale Stadium, which now sets up an opportunity to attain their fifth post-season trip in UWF’s seven-year tenure.
Bolstered earlier this week by a No. 4 position in the NCAA Division II Super Region 2 rankings, the Argos (7-3) further helped themselves by responding from a 7-0 deficit in the second quarter with five consecutive touchdowns against MC for a blowout win.
“Our guys were relentless,” said UWF coach Kaleb Nobles, referring to the surge that became with a game-tying touchdown in the second quarter. “They did a great job of doing what they’re supposed to do and playing with a lot better effort and focusing.
“It has kind of confirmed what I know about our team… is that they have something in their chest about them that is pretty resilient. They have a great heart about them, great spirit about them. They know in the three losses, we played good teams and they played us very well, but we also didn’t play our best in those games.
“But I am excited about how we have responded. I hate the opportunity to respond after a loss, because it means we lost, but I’m proud of the way we have come off losses.”
This was the third consecutive season UWF has played at Mississippi College. Saturday’s win was the second-largest margin of victory in the eight times these teams have played – all won by the Argos.
The Argos will head into their season-finale next Saturday against winless Chowan University (0-9) at UWF’s Pen Air Field knowing a win could seal a place among the 28 team-field in the Division II playoffs.
Seven teams from each of the four NCAA D-2 Super Regions make the playoffs.
“We feel like this is when you’ve got to play your best,” Nobles said. “A lot goes into it, but teams are going to remember who wins in November and December. And so our guys know we’ve got to play at a high level. We’ve left some good football out on the field (in season), but we’ve got to play well this week coming up and hopefully that leads to us playing further in November and December.”
Coming off last Saturday’s heart-breaking home loss to Valdosta State in the final 36 seconds, the Argos’ offense started slow Saturday against the Choctaws.
Their first four possessions resulted in two punts, a missed field goal and a failed conversion on 4th-and-one.
The Choctaws had a 7-0 lead after a 9-play, 80-yard drive was capped by quarterback Cameron Davis’ 1-yard run with 1:50 left in the first quarter.
The Argos tied the game with 6:04 left in the first half on a 42-yard touchdown run by Jamontez Woods that highlighted a 93-yard, nine play drive. It featured the Argos rushing attack and became part of the game’s big storyline.
Playing without leading rusher C.J. Wilson, who was sidelined by a minor injury, the Argos amassed 274 yards rushing on 42 attempts. Woods led the way with 113 yards on 12 carries. Jalen Bussey had 84 yards and one touchdown on 12 carries. Quarterback Peewee Jarrett added 53 yards on 10 carries to combine for the bulk of this yardage.
“CJ was just banged up a little bit and he’s going to be fine moving forward,” Nobles said. “Those guys (running backs) kind of cleaned up and shored up some things and we know with our o-line, you don’t have to be perfect and our guys just made plays behind them.
“It’s a testament to our offensive staff, how well they put together a really good run-game plan, but also to adjust to the game. (Choctaws) were doing some certain things that were a little bit different than we thought, which is kind of par for the course this season offensively. But it’s really a testament to our players, our offensive line, our running backs, tight ends and how well blocked up front and how we ran the ball.”
After UWF’s defense forced a quick stop, the Argos then took a 14-7 haftime lead on Jarrett’s 42-yard touchdown pass to John Jiles –part of another big day for Jiles with 110 yards on five catches and two touchdowns.
The game’s defining moment then happened within a two-minute span in the third quarter.
Mississippi College missed a 45-yard field goal with its first possession of the second half. The Argos took over and scored on a 41-yard pass from Jarrett to Jiles for a 21-7 lead.
On the ensuing possession, the Choctaws began at their on 9-yard line after a blocking penalty on the kick return. Forced to punt from their own 11, UWF defensive back Braylon Anderson from Saraland High near Mobile, swooped in and blocked the punt.
It was recovered in the end zone by linebacker Mi’Chaun Coward, a Niceville High grad, in the end zone for a touchdown and 28-7 lead.
“When you block a punt, that changes games,” Nobles said. “Braylon Anderson with a great block. That raises your opportunity to win. And that’s contagious.
“To be honest, we have been close on like seven of them this year. Finally, we got a perfect run through. Our guys did a great job running through the A-gap to get there and I’m just excited about how they finished that to get a touchdown on special teams.”
Ten seconds later, another big defensive play ensued. On the first snap from the kickoff, UWF defensive tackle Collin Shaw forced and recovered a fumble at the MC 27. On a 4th-and-21 situation from Choctaws’ 38, Nobles made the bold decision to go for it and Jarrett connected with Zac Offord for a 25-yard gain.
Two players later, Jarrett connected with Caden Leggett for an 11 yard touchdown and 35-7 lead. That’s three touchdowns in the third quarter to blow open the game and five scores in a 21-minute span.
“I challenged our guys pretty good at halftime,” Nobles said. “We had a great way to end (half) on the pass to Jiles, but we don’t need to play to the atmosphere (small crowd at stadium)… we need to play to our best and focus on what we’re supposed to do.
“And we did that in the second half.”
The Argos capped their scoring on Bussey’s 25-yard scoring run on a burst around the left sideline with 9:21 remaining in the game. The rest of the way, Nobles was able to utilize his backup players, including quarterbacks Michael Rich and Marcus Stokes.
Jarrett finished with 235 yards, three touchdowns, one interception. Receiver Anthony Ballard had three catches for 59 yards and Offord (48 yards) and Leggett (43 yards) were part of 294 yards passing.
Ralph Ortiz had eight tackles for UWF and a forced fumble.
This win enabled UWF to record its fifth season of at least seven wins in the program’s 7-year history.
“It’s special and it’s cool to have been a part of a lot of that stuff,” said Nobles, who was an assistant coach under Pete Shinnick for three seasons, including the national title team in 2019. “A huge shoutout to Coach Shinnick what his vision was for UWF football. I am excited that we’re able to keep doing that and hopefully keep adding more wins to this season.”
Written By Bill Vilona PHoto Emily Miller/UWF.
Sunny, About 80 For Sunday Afternoon
November 4, 2023
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Today: Sunny, with a high near 80. Northeast wind around 5 mph.
Tonight: Clear, with a low around 47. Northeast wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 79. Calm wind becoming north around 5 mph in the morning.
Sunday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 48. North wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Monday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 80. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph in the afternoon.
Monday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 52. Southwest wind around 5 mph.
Tuesday: Sunny, with a high near 80. East wind 5 to 10 mph becoming southwest in the morning.
Tuesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 55. South wind around 5 mph.
Wednesday: Sunny, with a high near 82. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph.
Wednesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 59.
Thursday: Partly sunny, with a high near 81.
Thursday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 59.
Friday: A 20 percent chance of showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 76.
Photo Galleries: Blue Angels Homecoming Weekend
November 4, 2023
Over 200,000 spectators were expected during the two-day Blue Angels Homecoming Airshow Friday and Saturday and at Pensacola Naval Air Station.
The weekend included performances included the United States Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron, The Blue Angels; the U.S. Air Force’s F-16 Viper Demonstration Team; the U.S. Air Force’s F-35A Demonstration Team; Brian Correll Air Shows; Adam Baker Airshows; RAD Aerosports; the Stearman Flight Team; and the Third Strike WingWalkers and the Budweiser Clydesdales.
For more photos, from Friday, click or tap here.
For Saturday photos, click here.
Over 200,000 spectators were expected during the two-day Blue Angels Homecoming Airshow Friday and Saturday and at Pensacola Naval Air Station.The weekend included performances by the United States Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron, The Blue Angels; the U.S. Air Force’s F-16 Viper Demonstration Team; the U.S. Air Force’s F-35A Demonstration Team; Brian Correll Air Shows; Adam Baker Airshows; RAD Aerosports; the Stearman Flight Team; and the Third Strike WingWalkers and the Budweiser Clydesdales.For more photos, from Friday, click or tap here.For Saturday photos, click or tap here.Themed 50 Years of Women in Naval Aviation, the 2023 NAS Pensacola Blue Angels Homecoming Airshow is designed to honor and recognize the significant contributions women have made to naval aviation since the enactment of the Women’s Armed Services Integration Act, which removed restrictions previously prohibiting women from serving in combat-related roles and ultimately opened the door for women to pursue careers as Naval Aviators. The first clas of female Naval Aviators began training in 1973 at NAS Pensacola.
Pictured:The Blue Angels Homecoming Airshow on Friday. NorthEscambia.com photos by Perry Doggrell, click to enlarge.
Walnut Hill VFD Honors Firefighters, Community Members During 54th Annual Fish Fry (With Photo Gallery)
November 4, 2023
The Walnut Hill Volunteer Fire Department honored members of the community and the department during their 54th annual fish fry Saturday.
Joe Witherspoon (pictured second below) was named Firefighter of the Year, an award chosen by his fellow firefighters. Gerry Steege (pictured above) was named Officer of the Year and recognized for his service to the department.
Chris and Sandy Creverling (pictured first below)received the Walnut Hill Volunteer Fire Department’s Community Service Award for outstanding and dedicated service to the community.
There were hundreds of $12 catfish and grilled chicken plates sold. Plates included a choice of grilled catfish, fried catfish or grilled chicken, plus baked beans, coleslaw, homemade bread and homemade desserts. There were also drawings for door prizes throughout the event.
The Big Red Bus was also on hand for blood donations.
For more photos, click or tap here.
For more photos, click or tap here.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Arkansas To Take on Georgia For The SEC Women’s Soccer Championship At Ashton Brosnaham Park
November 4, 2023
The Arkansas Razorbacks will take on the Georgia Bulldogs Sunday afternoon for the SEC Women’s Soccer Championship at Escambia County’s Ashton Brosnaham Athletic Park.
Admission is free for children four and under. there will be a Free Fan Fest from from 11 a.m. until halftime of the game with music, food trucks and activities for all ages.
This is the second year that Escambia County has hosted the tournament. Pensacola first hosted the tournament in 2022 and set SEC records for attendance. Escambia County is scheduled to host through 2024 with an option to extend the agreement through 2026.
Over the last six years, the SEC has earned 44 NCAA Tournament bids – an average of more than seven per year – with all 14 member institutions making at least two appearances during that span. Eight different SEC teams have advanced to the Round of 16 since 2013 and the league has placed teams in the NCAA quarterfinals in each of the last nine seasons.
Last year, the South Carolina Gamecocks women’s soccer team won the SEC Championship
Game time is 1 p.m.
Fires Damage Two North Escambia Structures Saturday
November 4, 2023
Two unrelated fires damaged structures in North Escambia on Saturday.
The first was reported about 4:30 p.m. in the 4800 block of North Pineville Road, just north of Arthur Brown Road. It was first reported as a yard fire that spread to home. One person was reportedly injured and evaluated by Escambia County EMS.
The second was reported about 7 p.m. in the 100 block of Brown Road, just off North Century Boulevard. firefighters arrived to find the structure fully involved in fire.
Additional details were not available as investigations continued.
NorthEscambia.com file photos, click to enlarge.
Escambia County Animal Welfare Open On Sundays Beginning Today
November 4, 2023
The Escambia County Department of Animal Welfare is pleased to announce it will begin extended holiday hours starting Sunday, Nov. 5. The Animal Welfare and Adoption Center will open on the following Sundays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. through the remainder of the year to allow the public additional opportunities to adopt:
- Nov. 5
- Nov. 12
- Nov. 19
- Nov. 26
- Dec. 3
- Dec. 10
- Dec. 17
The facility will be closed to the public for the following holiday dates:
- Nov. 10 – Veterans Day
- Nov. 23-24 – Thanksgiving
- Dec. 24-25 – Christmas
- Dec. 31-Jan. 2 – New Year’s
“One of our priorities at the Escambia County Department of Animal Welfare is to get animals out of our facility and into their forever homes,” said John Robinson, Director for the Department of Animal Welfare. “We do this through adoptions and reuniting lost pets with their families. During this holiday season, thanks to help from our other county departments, we have the ability to be open on Sundays to provide more of these opportunities for everyone. Our long-term goal is to provide these new hours on a permanent basis. We believe this is a benefit to the animals in our facility and the members of our community.”
The Escambia County Animal Welfare and Adoption Center is located at 200 W. Fairfield Drive. Hours of operation Friday from 12-5 p.m., and Saturdays from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m.
Northview Falls On The Road To Undefeated Walton
November 3, 2023
The undefeated Walton Braves defeated the Northview Chiefs 54-14 Friday night at Walton.
The Chiefs enterered the game ranked fifth in Region 1-1R…a win would have ensured a first-round matchup against the Jay Royals.
A loss to the 10-0 Walton Braves might still increase the final computer rankings for the Chiefs (3-5); we’ll find out when the next FHSAA rankings are released.
NorthEscambia.com file photos, click to enlarge.
Veterans Honor Program To Be Held Nov. 12 At Carver Park In Cantonment
November 3, 2023
The Cantonment Improvement Committee will honor veterans Sunday afternoon, Nov. 12 at Carver Park in Cantonment.
The Cantonment Improvement Committee will host a veterans honor program on Sunday, November 12 at 2:30 p.m. lunch will follow.
Everyone is invited to attend the free event.
Pictured: The 2021 Veterans tribute at Carver Park in Cantonment. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Tate Aggies End Best Season in Years with 44-0 First City Bowl Win At At Wahoos Stadium
November 3, 2023
The Tate Aggies claimed the title 44-0 over Washington Friday night in the inaugural First City Bowl game at Wahoos Stadium, the first-ever regular season high school football game at the waterfront venue.
The Tate Aggies finished with their first winning season since 2017. The Aggies had won just one game in each of the previous four seasons.
Washington had won its season-opener, but since lost their other seven games.
““It’s huge,” Coach Rhett Summerford said before the game. “I am so glad we are playing there (at Blue Wahoos Stadium). Because it gives our kids some excitement. “We need some excitement now. Our guys are still playing their tails off, but we’re just not doing some of the things we were doing earlier this year. “We are playing in a phenomenal venue. It’s a great way to send our seniors out. We are going to prepare and play as hard as we can to play our best.”