UWF Argos Beat Statesmen 38-27 In NCAA Second Round
November 27, 2022
The UWF football team continues to cause Delta State fits at McCool Stadium.
Last year it was a 20-point halftime deficit for a come-from-behind win. And on Saturday, the Argos erased a 14-point hole in the fourth quarter with 28 points and the game-winning score with 30 seconds left for a 38-27 win in the Second Round of the 2022 NCAA Division II Football Championship.
Third-seeded UWF (11-1) rushed for 336 yards in the game, including 55 on the final drive that saw the Argonauts go 75 yards on 10 plays in 3:40 following a DSU field goal. C.J. Wilson found the end zone from a yard out to complete the comeback.
“I thought our offensive line really started to wear on their defense in the fourth quarter,” said UWF coach Pete Shinnick. “When you can throw three running backs the way we do… Shomari can tell you, he’s fresh and a 1,000-yard rusher averaging eight yards a carry.”
Shomari Mason went over 1,000 yards for the second-consecutive season with 120 yards on 16 carries and a score. Wilson had 85 yards on 11 rushes and Ra’veion Hargrove churned out 83 yards with nine runs for a 9.2 yards per carry average. All three backs had at least one run of 21 yards or longer against the Statesmen. In the first meeting with DSU on September 24, UWF controlled the ground attack to the tune of 386 yards.
The win sends UWF into the Super Region 2 finals next Saturday against Wingate (11-2). The unseeded Bulldogs will travel to Pensacola for a 1 p.m. kickoff at Pen Air Field after they upset No. 1 seed Benedict, 23-6, for their second-straight playoff road victory.
UWF grabbed a 3-0 lead 2:57 into the game when Griffin Cerra made a 25-yard field goal after the Argos forced a Patrick Shegog fumble on the second play of the game.
The Statesmen fought back and took a 10-3 lead with a Shegog touchdown from a yard out and a Nick Herber 25-yard field goal.
After the teams traded punts, UWF tied it at 10-10 when Jarrett found David Durden in the end zone from 52 yards out.
Midway through the second quarter, the Statesmen got a 76-yard run by Alfonso Franklin to setup another Shegog 1-yard score that eventually sent the teams into the locker room with Delta leading 17-10.
Following a missed field goal on UWF’s opening possession of the second half, the Statesmen went ahead 24-10 on Shegog’s third touchdown.
The Argos started their comeback on the next possession, finishing off a 75-yard drive when Jarrett connected with a wide open Jakobe Quillen from 35 yards. After forcing Delta to punt on the next drive, UWF tied it up at 24-24 when Hargrove, Jarrett and Mason each carried the ball twice en route to a Mason touchdown from the three.
The Statesmen kicked a go-ahead field goal with 4:10 to play following a UWF goal-line stand on 1st and goal at the four.
The gave Jarrett plenty of time to engineer his second fourth quarter game-tying or go-ahead drive in the last four games.
He finished with 161 passing yards with two touchdowns while rushing for 48 on 12 carries.
The Argos put the Okra in the pot on the first play of their next possession when Anthony Johnson, Jr. picked off Shegog and returned it 39 yards to the end zone. Johnson was the one who stayed at home on the third down play and forced Shegog to throw it away on the previous possession.
DSU (11-2) had 469 total yards on 315 rushing, with 131 coming on Franklin’s long run and a 55-yard fake punt in the first quarter. It was the second loss in the final 30 seconds for the Statesmen, who also allowed West Georgia to score 28 points in the final quarter of a 52-42 loss three weeks ago.
Photo: Morgan Givens/UWF
Escambia County Woman Killed In Alabama Wreck
November 27, 2022
An Escambia County (FL) woman was killed in a wreck in Mobile County, Alabama.
A single-vehicle crash that occurred at approximately 1:35 p.m. Friday claimed the life of 54-year old Shanda D. Butler, according to the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency. The 2007 Ford Taurus she was driving left the roadway and struck several trees on Highway 45 about five miles south of Citronelle.
Butler was pronounced deceased on the scene.
Further details were not released as state troopers continued their investigation.
Jeep Falls Off I-110 Overpass Onto SUV Below
November 27, 2022
A vehicle fell off an I-110 overpass into another vehicle below Saturday afternoon in Escambia County.
A Jeep driven by a 20-year old from Seminole, Alabama, was traveling north on I-110. The driver attempted to change lanes and collided with the concrete traffic barrier on the east side of the elevated roadway. The Jeep traveled about 100 feet against the concrete barrier before it “turned over the traffic barrier and overturned in midair”, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. The Jeep fell onto a Dodge Journey below on East Jordan Street, crushing the rear of the SUV.
The 63-year old female driver of the Dodge Journey and her 20-year old male passenger, both from Pensacola, suffered minor injuries. The driver of the Jeep was seriously injured when it fell off the interstate as was her 65-year old female passenger.
None of the injuries were life threatening.
The driver of the Jeep was cited for careless driving.
Photos: WEAR 3 for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Here Are This Week’s Road Construction Traffic Trouble Spots
November 27, 2022
Drivers will encounter traffic disruptions on the following state roads in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties as crews perform construction and maintenance activities. Due to the Thanksgiving holiday travel period. there will be no lane closures or other activities that impede traffic on major state roads through 12 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 28.
Escambia County:
- Interstate 10 (I-10) Escambia County Welcome Center – The front parking lot is temporarily closed as crews work to resurface the pavement. The other parking areas remain open. Temporary sidewalk modifications are also in place while work is underway.
- U.S. 98 Pensacola Bay Bridge Replacement – Drivers will encounter alternating lane closures and lane shifts on the Pensacola Bay Bridge Sunday, Nov. 20 through Tuesday, Nov. 22 from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Crews will be using lanes on the current bridge as a platform to perform miscellaneous construction activities on the westbound (Gulf Breeze to Pensacola) structure.
- Pace Boulevard from Barrancas Avenue to Massachusetts Avenue – Pedestrians will encounter alternating sidewalk closures on Pace Boulevard, between Barrancas Avenue and North Palafox Street (U.S. 29), as crews perform sidewalk and curb improvements. Pedestrians will be detoured to the signalized intersections to access the sidewalks on the other side of Pace Boulevard during this time.
- East Nine Mile Road (U.S. 90A) from Chemstrand Road to East of Baldridge Drive – The bicycle lanes are temporarily closed to allow crews to widen the turn lanes and construct new five-foot bicycle lanes. In addition, the speed limit on this section of East Nine Mile Road has been reduced from 45 mph to 35 mph as vehicles and bicycles will share the roadway. The closure and speed limit reduction will be in place until the project is complete next summer.
- North Ninth Avenue (State Road (S.R.) 289) Carpenter’s Creek Bridge Replacement – The Ninth Avenue northbound bridge over Carpenter’s Creek is open with four travel lanes, two in each direction. Drivers will continue to encounter intermittent and alternating lane closures as crews place the final layer of asphalt and perform final work activities.
- Pensacola Boulevard (U.S. 29) from Brent Lane (S.R. 296) to North of I-10 – Drivers will encounter alternating lane closures Sunday, Nov. 20 through Tuesday, Nov. 22 from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. as crews pave the roadway.
- Lillian Highway (S.R. 298), from North of U.S. 98 to East of Fairfield Drive (S.R. 727) and Lillian Highway at Blue Angel Parkway (S.R. 173) - Drivers may encounter intermittent lane closures on Lillian Highway, between U.S. 98 and Blue Angel Highway for erosion control operations. Shoulder closures will be present throughout the project for erosion control installation.
- Cervantes Street (U.S. 90) Routine Underground Utility Maintenance at A Street Intersection – Motorist will encounter intermittent lane closures from 8 p.m. Monday, Nov. 21 through 8 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 22 to tie in a new waterline to the watermain.
Santa Rosa County:
- Pensacola Bay Bridge (U.S. 98) Replacement – Drivers will encounter alternating lane closures and lane shifts on the Pensacola Bay Bridge Sunday, Nov. 20 through Tuesday, Nov. 22 from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Crews will be using lanes on the current bridge as a platform to perform miscellaneous construction activities on the westbound (Gulf Breeze to Pensacola) structure.
- U.S. 90 Bridge Replacement over Simpson River - Construction crews have temporarily shifted eastbound traffic to the westbound bridge over Simpson River. The shift is expected to be in place through March 2023. During this time, there will be two westbound lanes and one eastbound travel lane using the westbound bridge. Due to the traffic shift, there will not be dedicated bike lanes on the bridge. Drivers are urged to use extra caution as they will be temporarily sharing the bridge with cyclists. Drivers are also reminded that the speed limit is 35 mph through the work zone.
- I-10 Resurfacing East of S.R. 281 (Avalon Boulevard) to East of S.R. 87 – Motorists can expect intermittent nighttime lane closures Monday, Nov. 21 and Tuesday, Nov. 22 for construction activities.
- U.S. 90 Routine Utility Maintenance from Fellowship Baptist Church to Santa Villa Drive in Pace – Drivers will encounter alternating lane closures Monday, Nov. 21 and Tuesday, Nov. 22 from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. for routine utility maintenance.
- U.S. 98 Widening from Bayshore Road to Portside Drive – Motorists will encounter the following traffic impacts:
- Median and turn-lane closures from Bayshore Road to Tiger Point Drive.
- Intermittent lane closures and additional median closures between S.R. 281 and Bayshore Road Sunday, Nov. 20 through Wednesday, Nov. 23 from 9 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. for stormwater drainage improvements and paving operations.
- Settlers Colony Boulevard will remain closed to complete necessary drainage improvements. Motorists, bicyclists, and pedestrians will access Settlers Colony Boulevard via Venetian Way and Coronado Drive. Detour signs will be in place. Residents may experience noise, vibrations, and dust during daytime hours as part of this drainage improvement effort.
All activities are weather-dependent and may be delayed or rescheduled in the event of inclement weather.
Northview Destroys Chipley 42-6 For Region Title (With Photo Gallery)
November 26, 2022
The Northview Chiefs destroyed the 11-0 Chipley Tigers 42-6 Friday night in Bratt to claim a 1R regional championship and a seat at the Final Four table next week.
Oh, and the Chiefs are planning to hire a sign guy.
“I promise you I am going to put ‘State Champions’ up there in the biggest font,” head coach Wes Summerford told the team after the big win, pointing to the press box sign in Tommy Weaver Memorial Stadium that proclaims the Chiefs as state champions in 2012 — the last time they won a regional championship.
“Tell them to bring me my trophy,” quarterback Kaden Odom told his teammates the postgame huddle.
“I’d like to do it all over again to tell you the truth. I couldn’t be more proud of the guys. I know there was a moment where I was just emotional because going from last week — the guys knew I wasn’t happy with them (last week), backs against the wall,” Summerford said.
For a photo gallery, click or tap here.
“I think our whole team stepped up. It just shows the character,” he said. “We talked a lot about that this week; there’s so many leaders in our building, and that’s awesome.”
In the regional battle of the undefeateds, perhaps no one really expected such a complete domination by the powerhouse Chiefs — and even a running clock in the second half under the FHSAA’s “mercy rule”.
Senior Jamarkus Jefferson led the Chiefs with five rushing touchdowns. The other TD from the Chiefs was on an 18–yard pass from Odom to Wyatt Scruggs.
By the fourth quarter, Northview had backed off full throttle, giving several key first string players a rest.
“He’s just a freshman; you’re playing a freshhhh—mannn,” the Northview sideline chanted at Chipley as freshman Daniel Earnest repeatedly gained yardage against the perplexed Tigers.
“With this crowd behind us tonight, we knew we were ready,” Odom said. “Coaches put together a great game plan, and we go out there and execute it. Coach always says Friday is payday. We came out here, and we got paid today. It feels good.”
“I feel great. It’s been a long time since we’ve been here,” Jefferson said. “We just had to handle business and do what we had to do.”
Next week, Northview (12-0) will host the Fightin’ Tigers of Union County High (8-2).
And the Chiefs will be ready.
“We’ve got to go win this,” Jefferson said.. We can’t let up. We’ve got to go handle business.”
“We’ll be ready. These guys, we come ready to work every week, and Friday takes care of itself,” Odom said. “Our last stop is Tallahassee when we hold that state championship trophy, baby!”
For a photo gallery, click or tap here.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Help Wanted: Century Needs To Find Two Residents To Fill Council Seats
November 26, 2022
The Century Town Council needs to fill two town council seats in a process that will begin playing out in January.
Seat 3 on the Century Town Council is currently vacant and will remain vacant until the start of a new term in January, at which time the council seat will remain, well, vacant, albeit maybe just for a few minutes while before a temporary appointee is named that might be forced to vacate the seat in a few weeks after an election to fill the vacancy for the next four years.
Confused? At times, the town has been confused too as they work to sort it all out.
On September 27, Seat 3 councilman Leonard White resigned just hours before a budget meeting, citing time constraints due to his job as correctional officer at the Century Correctional Institution.
That obviously leaves Seat 3, one of five seats on the council, vacant. Because there are less than six months remaining in White’s term, the town’s charter indicates that a replacement can’t be appointed unless the council loses additional members and their quorum.
Seat 3 held by White, Seat 4 currently held by James Smith, Jr., and Seat 5 held by Sandra McMurray Jackson were up for election this year. Jackson was the only candidate to qualify for Seat 5, so she was reelected automatically. No one qualified for Seat 3 or 4.
Due to a strange provision in the town’s charter that says new council members are to be sworn in on the first Monday of January, the council will meet on Monday January 2, despite it being both a federal and state holiday.
At that time, the council will swear in Jackson and appoint temporary members for Seats 3 and 4. Then, a special election will be held within 60 to 90 days later for two members to finish the remainder of the four year terms.
At this week’s council meeting, current council members Jackson, Luis Gomez, Jr. and Dynette Lewis expressed concerns about making sure they have a quorum of three present at every meeting for the rest of the year in order to conduct town business.
Smith was not present at the meeting where Gomez stated that another council member might resign soon.
The town is searching for two people to appoint to the council in January; interested citizens can contact town hall or council members Gomez, Jackson or Lewis.
Pictured top: (L-R) Century council members Sandra McMurray-Jackson, Luis Gomez, Jr., and Dynette Lewis at a meeting recently. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
One Shot In Drive-By At Escambia County Apartment Complex
November 26, 2022
One person was injured in a drive-by shooting Friday night at an Escambia County apartment complex.
It happened about 5:40 p.m. at the Moorings Apartments on Old Spanish Trail Road.
One person and four vehicles were hit by gunfire in the drive-by, according to the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office. An update on the victim’s condition has not been provided.
Friday night, the ESCO said no suspect has been identified as their investigation continued.
Anyone with information is asked to call the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office at (850) 436-9620 or Crime Stoppers at (850) 433-STOP.
Tate High Alumni Group Donates To Community Food Pantry
November 26, 2022
Tate High School Alumni recently made a donation to the community food pantry at the Crossroads Thrift Store in Molino to benefit local families. Grace Paulchek (pictured left) presented the food on behalf of the alumni association. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Escambia Animal Shelter Offering ‘Home For The Holidays’ Adoption Specials
November 26, 2022
The Escambia County Department of Animal Welfare is offering a “Home for the Holidays” adoption special now through December 31.
Anyone looking to adopt will be able to take home a cat or kitten for $10, or a dog or puppy for $25. Escambia County residents are also required to pay a separate $11 licensing fee at the time of adoption. Adoption fees include spay or neutering services, microchips, heartworm tests and the initial vaccinations including rabies vaccinations.
“Sending a pet home with its forever family during the holidays can be an incredible experience for the animal and the family,” said Animal Welfare Director John Robinson. “We hope you will open up your home to a pet for the holidays and beyond. If you can’t adopt right now, we encourage you to become a foster or volunteer this holiday season and help make a difference in the life of an animal.”
The Escambia County Animal Welfare and Adoption Center, located at 200 W. Fairfield Drive, is open Monday-Friday from 12-5 p.m. and Saturdays from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. The shelter is open regular hours today, November 25.
Flomaton Man Killed In Santa Rosa County Wreck
November 25, 2022
A Flomaton man was killed in an early morning wreck Friday in Santa Rosa County.
The 35-year old man was driving his pickup truck through a construction zone on Highway 90 near Woodbine Road where he collided with the end of a guardrail, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. He was pronounced deceased at the scene.
There were no other people or vehicles involved.
Troopers said he was not wearing a seat belt.
File photo.