No. 23 UWF Takes Down Shorter for Fourth Straight Win
October 27, 2024
A fast start for UWF’s football team on Saturday became solid enough.
The No. 23-ranked Argos scored three touchdowns in the first 14 minutes and went on to a 35-16 victory against the Shorter Hawks at PenAir Field, enabling UWF to sweep October with four consecutive wins.
“Obviously excited about a good win and to get another W in the column,” said UWF coach Kaleb Nobles. “There’s so many things to the outside eye that we’re focusing on to try and clean up and get better at.
“We got to celebrate the wins. I thought we played well on offense in the first half. We’ve got to finish better in the red zone (inside opponent’s 20-yard line) and we’ve got to improve and keep trying to find the best way to keep going in the red zone. I thought we played very well on defense.”
The Argos missed chances to extend the lead in the second quarter, including a 15-play drive that ended with UWF missing on eight plays inside the 10 to score a touchdown. Twice, Shorter was flagged for penalties that provided more chances.
UWF scored early in the third quarter, then added a final touchdown with 1:52 remaining.
“If we can figure out ways to score in the red zone on a couple of those drives in the second quarter, I think it changes things and gives a better feeling,” Nobles said. “We got to score and make the most of an opportunity when we get into the red zone.”
It’s something the Argos (5-2) plan to make a focal point as they head into the final three games of the season that will determine a post-season chance. Up next is a first-time trip next Saturday to Erskine College (1-5) in South Carolina for a game that will also count in the Gulf South Conference standings.
“It’s one guy on every play not doing his job and it affects the rest of the play,” Nobles said. “And so, when you get down near the goal line, everything is under a microscope, every block is important. If you’re not going to run the quarterback, you have a free guy (on defense) somewhere that the running back has to run through. It is small things that are definitely fixable if our guys will commit to understand they have to trust their teammates and do their job and not try to overthink things.”
UWF’s defense allowed just a field goal in the first half and yielded just 12 first downs. The group was led by junior Ja’Kobe Clinton with nine tackles, four of which were tackles for a loss, along with an interception later in the fourth quarter.
Clinton, a Sanford native, who transferred from Valdosta State after he joined the team last winter. He credits UWF defensive coordinator Kavell Conner with taking his game to a higher level.
“Coach Conner always tells us that we have to practice with urgency,” Clinton said. “I try to implement that every day in my mind. We play together as a collective unit and we when we step out on that field, we feel nobody can touch us. Every time we step on that field we just have to attack, attack.”
That’s what he did throughout Saturday’s game, along with Walker Robinson and Tyrence Crutcher, who had five tackles apiece. They were among 11 members of UWF’s defense that had multiple tackles.
Nobles’ concern, however, was UWF’s defense was on the field for 64 plays. He wants that number reduced in November with the Argos in the hunt for a GSC championship.
“I thought they did a phenomenal job,” Nobles said. “But you start getting out there for 65-70 plays, you’re eventually going to get tired. We had a couple guys banged up. Ralph Ortiz (second leading tackler) didn’t play. Traevon Mitchell (third leading tackler) didn’t play. Those two are two of the top guys in the country.”
Offensively, quarterback Marcus Stokes had another quality game, completing 20 of 33 passes for 271 yards, three touchdowns and only one interception.
Stokes threw a 7-yard TD pass to Jake Robinette in the first quarter, then hit Mikaiah Stephenson on a 43-yard score in the third quarter and finished the UWF scoring with a 29-yard catch-and-run by Jay Sharp in the fourth quarter.
TJ Lane was UWF’s top rusher with 75 yards.
Both Nobles and players credited the hot October streak to changing up things in practice as well as other preparation type of elements.
“I’m proud of how they have responded,” Nobles said. “There are certainly a lot of points and plays left out there that we could make moving forward.”
“Our backs were against the wall,” said Clinton, referring to the 1-2 start on the sesaon. “We had to come out swinging.”
The Argos have one final home game on Nov. 9 against North Greenville (4-3, 3-1) which won in four overtimes Saturday against Delta State – the team UWF last beat at home and then had the Statesmen knock off previously unbeaten West Alabama last week.
“We just try to come in every day and be 100 percent better,” Clinton said. “We’re not worried about the record, we’re not worried who we’re playing. All we are worried about is the Argos and what the Argos have to be and come out ready to play.”
WHAT’S NEXT?
WHO: UWF Argos vs. Erskine Flying Fleet
WHEN: Saturday, Nov. 2, 1 p.m. (Central Time)
WHERE: J.W. Babb Stadium, Greenwood, South Carolina
Photo: Emily Miller/UWF for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Ice Flyers Fall 5-2 To Birmingham Bulls (With Gallery)
October 27, 2024
The Pensacola Ice Flyers’ early season struggles continued Saturday night with the team falling to the visiting Birmingham Bulls with a 5-2 final in front of a crowd of 4,602 at the Pensacola Bay Center on Small Dog Race Night.
For a photo gallery, click here.
Here’s a quick recap of how the game unfolded:
1st Period
Cameron Cook started the scoring for the Ice Flyers with an assist by Matt Wiesner at with 9:25 on the clock.
The Bulls quickly answered with a goal from Kyler Mathews, assisted by Drake Glover and Carson Rose, with 7:37 left in the 1st.
2nd Period
Carson Rose took the lead for the Bulls early in the second period with an unassisted goal with 16:59 on the clock.
Rose found the back of the net again with an assist from Nikita Koyzrev shortly after extending the Bulls lead to 3-1.
MacGregor Sinclair brought the Bulls’ lead to 4-1 with an assist from Arkhip Ledziankou with 3:03 left in the period.
3rd Period
Matt Wiesner added a boost to the Ice Flyers with a goal assisted by Tim Faulkner and Shane Bull four minutes into the period bringing the score to 2-4.
Kolten Olynek hit on an empty net with :41 seconds left in the game securing the Bulls 5-2 win.
What’s Next?
- Next Game: Friday, November 1 at Roanoke
- Next Home Game: Friday, November 8.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Tate Aggies Beat Crestview 54-30 (With Photo Gallery)
October 26, 2024
The Tate Aggies beat the Crestview Bulldogs 54-30 Friday night on Carl Madison Field in Pete Gindl Stadium.
Win the win, the Aggies improve to 7-2, matching wins for their best season since 2007 when they went 7-4. But more importantly, Friday night was a battle to keep that last spot in the playoffs for the Aggies, ranked No. 8 in the region.
For a photo gallery, click here. Look for band, cheerleaders and other bonus photos soon on NorthEscambia.com.
The Aggies scored with two touchdowns from Elijah West, two from Laquarius Bradford, one from Carson Secchiari, and two from from Christian Neptune, who is back from injury status. Quarterback Taite Davis also scored on a keeper.
“It’s a great looking scoreboard,” head coach Rhett Summerford said following the win. “Hats off to our defense. The offense kind of clicked also.”
“It was nice to get No 1. (Neptune) back so that we have both sides of the offense that we can throw to and still a strong running game,” he said about the pivotal district win.
“Tonight before the game, I simply said, hey 1-0, that’s all we’ve got to do, and they responded tonight,” the head coach said.
Summer the Aggies will do it again next week against Escambia. The Gators are riding a five-game winning streak at 7-2.
“It’s exciting to see Tate be in the district picture. I know Pace is probably number one, but, hey, we are getting there, and I’m proud of our guys.”
For a photo gallery, click here.
During Friday night’s game, an injured Crestview player was transported off the field by Escambia County EMS. An update on his condition was not available.
Picture top: Carson Secchiari scores a touchdown for the Tate Aggies Friday night against Crestview. Inset: Back from an injury, Christian Neptune goes up to catch a pass. Below: Elijah West with a catch in the endzone for a touchdown. Second below: Taite Davis on a quarterback keeper. Third below: Christian Neptune with a touchdown reception. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Friday Night High School Scoreboard
October 26, 2024
FLORIDA
- Tate 54, Crestview 30 [Story, photos...]
- Jay 41, Wewahitchka 0
- Pensacola High 28, West Florida 21
- Escambia 14, Pine Forest 13
- Pensacola Catholic 55, South Walton 6
- Washington 49, Destin 8
- Pace 35, Navarre 7
- Niceville 43, Milton 3
- Mosley 48, Gulf Breeze 7
- Lighthouse Private Christian Academy 30, Central 22
- Bye: Northview
ALABAMA
- Flomaton 21, Cottage Hill 0
- T.R. Miller 43, Bayside Academy 0
- W.S. Neal 33, Mobile Christian 12
- Hillcrest (Evergreen) 45, Escambia County (Atmore) 22
- Bessemer 2, Escambia Academy 0*
*Escambia Academy has forfeited all remaining games due to injuries.
Pictured: The Tate Aggies beat Crestview 54-30 Friday night. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge
Huntsville Havoc Spoil Ice Flyers Season Opener
October 21, 2024
by Bill Vilona, Ice Flyers Correspondent
The Ice Flyers knew their season-opener Saturday night would provide a gauge, facing a veteran team that reached the league’s championship series a year ago.
The results were mixed.
Amid the positive elements with a group of rookie players, the Ice Flyers couldn’t answer the Huntsville Havoc’s second period lead and wound up in a 4-1 loss, before a crowd of 6,032 for the season debut at the Pensacola Bay Center.
The crowd and the energy were among the best for an opening night in franchise history. Included in the crowd was former Ice Flyers great Adam Pawlick, one of the franchise greatest players, who began a new element with a drum beat before the game.
“It was a great showing from our fan base again,” said Ice Flyers coach Gary Graham. “What an environment for our guys to see. We obviously know the elephant in the room… we have a lot of new players this year and I think that was a great example of what this town is and how exciting it is to be an Ice Flyer and play here.
“I thought everything was great on that side of things. I loved our first period. I thought with only having a couple days with practice for a lot of these guys, I thought we came together pretty quickly.
“What I didn’t like, we had two wide open, back-door goals in the first period that should have been goals. A two on one in the second period and we don’t get a shot off. We started trying to get too cute with the puck and we talked about this last year. We are not going to put up with that this year. We have to be a team that constantly shoots and gets to the net.”
The game’s defining moment occurred seconds after the Ice Flyers had killed off a penalty. As Troy Button exited the penalty box, the Havoc’s Jack Jaunich skated into the Ice Flyers zone and got a wrist shot through traffic above the faceoff circles that found the net.
That goal with 15:05 left, “I think someone must have skated in front of (Ice Flyers goaltender Kevin Resop) and that definitely let the air out of the sails a little bit.”
With four minutes remaining, his team trailing 3-1, Graham pulled Resop for an extra attacker. The Ice Flyers got some chances, but eventually the Havoc got a goal on an empty net with 1:12 remaining.
The Ice Flyers will have this week to practice and refocus for back-to-back games next week at Huntsville, then back home against Birmingham. The Havoc beat Birmingham in overtime 5-4 on Friday night.
Graham said he was encouraged by most of what he saw Saturday and will continue to get some things worked on during this week of practice.
Here’s a few elements about the game.
FIRST PERIOD
The game’s first two goals occurred just 21 seconds apart. The Havoc scored first when Jaunich gathered a rebound in front of the net, moved right and flicked the puck over a sprawling Resop with 13:35 left.
Soon after the ensuing faceoff, Tyler Adams scored his first pro goal on a rebound to tie the game.
And then, the fans were energized by a terrific fight between the Ice Flyers’ newcomer Kolby Johnson and Huntsville’s Dominick Procopio. Both landed haymakers, but Johnson landed more and eventually knocked Procopio to the ice with a punch and then got the crowd going even louder.
With 6:14 left, Ice Flyers newcomer Natan Vertes wristed a shot that seemed a sure goal, until Havoc goaltender Brian Wilson made the save of the game with his glove to thwart Vertes. Another newcomer Greg Smith also was turned away by Wilson on a point blank shot with 2:22 left.
Wilson finished the game with 32 saves.
SECOND PERIOD
Huntsville scored the only goal of the period on a rebound shot by Doug Elgstam with 8:13 remaining. The two-on-one opportunity the Ice Flyers had that Graham reference happened less than a minute later, but ended without a shot.
The period had only one penalty.
THIRD PERIOD
The Ice Flyers Cameron Cook nearly scored a shorthanded goal when he got a breakaway less than three minutes into the period. But again, Wilson turned away his backhand shot and Huntsville then responded with its third goal
GAME NOTABLES
The Ice Flyers honored their former service dog-in-training, Ranger, who is now the best pup friend of a young special needs boy. He was there with his parents and Ranger, part of the partnership the Ice Flyers have with Canine Companions.
Adam Pawlick led the Ice Flyers to two SPHL championship and was the league’s top scorer during 10 years ago during that season. He returned to begin a new tradition the Ice Flyers have started with a drum beat to begin the game.
NEXT PUCK DROP
- WHO: Ice Flyers at Huntsville Havoc
- WHEN: Friday (Oct 25), 7 p.m.
- WHERE: Propst Arena, Huntsville, Ala.
UWF Cruises Past Chowan for Third Straight Win
October 20, 2024
by Bill Vilona, UWF Correspondent
The scheduled mid-morning trip Saturday to the stadium with UWF’s football team was hampered by a stalled bus in the hotel parking lot.
The game itself, however, worked out much smoother for the Argos.
With impressive efficiency, No. 23-ranked UWF produced touchdowns on its first four possessions, while its defense delivered another smothering performance in a 35-6 victory against Chowan University at the Hawks’ Garrison Stadium.
The Argos (4-2), who ended September with consecutive losses, now have a chance to sweep October next Saturday at home, as they continue their push for a potential post-season position.
Minus a couple blemishes, it was a win that brought smiles. Even a team photo afterward.
“We missed two field goals, we missed a wide open touchdown on a fourth-down call that we schemed up pretty good, so that’s 13 points right there that should be on the board for us… a little frustrated about that, but I’m very proud of how our guys played,” said UWF head coach Kaleb Nobles, speaking on the post-game radio interview with Will Kennedy, voice of the Argos.
“I thought they did a good job of playing for 60 minutes the whole time,” Nobles said.
Five different players scored touchdowns, including senior Zac Offord, who produced the first touchdown of his UWF career with a nice end zone catch from quarterback Marcus Stokes on a 24-yard pass in the fourth quarter to complete the scoring.
What also stood out was UWF amassed 285 yards rushing, led by TJ Lane with 96 yards and a second-quarter touchdown. Jay Sharp scored on an 11-yard run to cap a nine-play drive in the second quarter.
“Those guys have been ready all week and did a good job of running the football well in practice,” Nobles said. “I’m proud of those guys. We built up a little bit of depth with Jamontez (Woods) out and Jay Sharp a little banged up, but he’s getting a lot better. So, excited about the running game and how we ran the ball (Saturday).”
The Argos defense held Chowan (2-4) to minus-4 yards rushing in the first half and just 38 yards for the game. UWF had 14 tackles for loss, three sacks, a forced fumble and an interception as part of a dominant defensive effort.
“That defensive line has done a phenomenal job of whoever is there, staying ready, and making plays,” Nobles said. “Those guys had relentless effort. They do a phenomenal job getting after the quarterback and making it uncomfortable for him.”
The game had some emotional attachment for Nobles. He was UWF’s quarterback in the inaugural 2016 season when the Argos lost at Chowan (35-28) in a loss that ultimately cost UWF a winning record in the first year of playing football.
That trip also included travel challenges. In Saturday’s case, the team’s equipment truck arrived on time, but the team was late arriving, and it altered a pregame warmup schedule.
“Our guys were resilient,” Nobles said. “We packed every player on one bus, had five coaches (travel separately) to get here. We didn’t get into our normal pregame routine. We did as much as we could. I’m proud of the guys for the way they handled it. They didn’t blink at all and they handled this trip well.”
The Argos scored the game’s first points in nearly a blink.
After forcing Chowan into a three-and-out to start the game, UWF took advantage of a short punt, got the ball at the Hawks 42 and scored on their third snap when Stokes hit Da’Mani Brown on a 39-yard pass in the end zone.
After Chowan answered with a field goal, UWF closed the first quarter when Corey Scott caught a 19-yard pass from Stokes. Lane’s touchdown with 5:40 left in the second quarter followed a 38-yard punt return by Virgil Lemons, after he reversed field and raced to the Chowan 11.
Stokes finished completing 10 of 22 passes for 148 yards. He also had 67 yards rushing, matching the total for redshirt freshman Keeshaun Glanton, who had his most extensive playing time this season.
In the second half, UWF offense was slowed by a fumble and failed fourth down conversions, but the defense ensured Chowan didn’t gain an edge.
The Argos travel all night from Murfreesboro, North Carolina, located near the coastal edge of the state near the Virginia line.
They will begin preparations Monday for Shorter, one of two remaining home games. UWF is now 3-1 in the Gulf South Conference, after beginning the game in third place in league standings.
WANT TO GO?
WHO: Shorter University Hawks vs. UWF Argos
WHEN: Saturday (Oct. 26), 4 p.m.
WHERE: PenAir Field on UWF campus
Photo: Scott Miller/UWF for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Tate Aggies Beat Washington 35-14 (With Gallery)
October 19, 2024
The Tate Aggies snapped a two-game losing streak Friday night as they beat the Wildcats of Washington 35-14 on Carl Madison Field.
Elijah West has two first half touchdowns for the Aggies, one on a 15-yard pass from Taite Davis and the other on a 34-yard pass from Davis.
Tate’s Carson Secchiari added a pair of TDs in the second half, one for 23 yards and one from 16 yards out.
The third Aggie touchdown of the night was a 19-yarder from senior Demorian Clay.
For a photo gallery, click here.
Look for fan, cheerleader and band photos coming soon.
“It’s nice to have a win and come back after a rough stretch there and get a W,” Tate head coach Rhett Summerford said. “We ran the ball well. We had not done that in a couple of weeks.”
The defense played well and stopped the runs. They made them play the football, and made them one-dimensional, and that helped us tonight,” he added.
Up next, the Tate Aggies will host the Crestview Bulldogs in a district matchup. Crestview (3-5) is coming off a 23-20 loss to Escambia Friday night.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Blountstown Shuts Out Northview 34-0
October 19, 2024
The Northview Chiefs fell on the road Friday night to Blountstown 38-0.
After a bye week, the Chiefs (2-7) will hope to bounce back as they host a season finale against the Flomaton Hurricanes (4-4) in a Thursday night Halloween game.
Pictured: The Northview Chiefs were shut out by Jay last week, 34-0. NorthEscambia.com file photos, click to enlarge.
Friday Night Football Scoreboard
October 19, 2024
Here are Friday night football scores from across the North Escambia area.
FLORIDA
- Tate 35, Washington 14 [Story, photos...]
- Blountstown 38, Northview 0 [Read more...]
- West Florida 23, Milton 20
- Escambia 23, Crestview 20
- St. Michael Catholic (Ala.) 38, Pensacola High 37
- Vernon 16, Central 9
- Navarre 48, Gulf Breeze 20
- Pace 29, Pine Forest 6 (Thursday)
ALABAMA
- Hillcrest (Evergreen) 48, Flomaton 17
- Monroe Acad. 2, Escambia Acad. 0 (forfeit)
- Satsuma 14, Escambia County (Atmore) 13
- Jackson 48, W.S. Neal 0
NorthEscambia.com photo.
Escambia County Extends SEC Women’s Soccer, Sun Belt Basketball Championship Agreements
October 18, 2024
Escambia County has approved new agreements to host the Southeastern Conference Women’s Soccer Championships and the Sun Belt Conference Basketball Championships through the end of the end of the decade.
The SEC Women’s Soccer Championships were first held at Ashton Brosnaham Soccer Complex in 2022, with the first agreement continuing to 2024 for the tournament that begins November 3. Under the new agreement approved Thursday, the SEC Women’s Soccer Championships will continue to be hosted by the county and Pensacola Sports at Ashton Brosnaham off 10 Mile Road in 2025 and 2026 with an option to renew for three on-year periods through 2029.
The 2022 event saw record-breaking attendance numbers and generated $2.5 million in local economic impact, according to Escambia County, with several million more in 2023.
An agreement to host the 2021-2025 Sun Belt Conference Basketball Championships at the county-owned Pensacola Bay Center was also extended Thursday. Under the new agreement, the Sun Belt tournament will continue at the Bay Center for 2026-2030.
“Thrilled. Absolutely thrilled,” Pensacola Sports President Ray Palmer said Thursday afternoon. “One of the things that is so exciting is the reality that when these conferences find a home, and a neutral site home, it really takes years to grow the event they way they want it to grow, and we want it to grow.”
“The fact that they believe in what we are doing…I just think we couldn’t be prouder,” Palmer added.
Pictured: The record-setting SEC Women’s Soccer Tournament at Ashton Brosnaham Soccer Complex in October 2022. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
