Youth Football: NWE 2-2 Against Andalusia; Century Splits With Georgiana
September 23, 2019
NWE finished 2-2 against the Andalusia Bulldogs Saturday in youth football action, and Century split with Georgiana, Alabama.
NWE Football
Freshman
NWE 31, Andalusia 0
Sophomore
Andalusia 31, NWE 12
Juniors
NWE 32, Andalusia 13
Seniors
Andalusia 42, NWE 8
Century Sports Association
Georgiana def. Century
Century 18, Georgiania 6
Tate Holds Lil Aggie Cheerleader Camp; They Will Perform On Oct. 4
September 23, 2019
The Tate High School Cheerleaders held their annual Lil Aggie cheerleader camp Saturday.
On Friday, October 4, the Lil Aggies will cheer with the Aggie cheerleaders during the first quarter as Tate hosts Navarre. Kickoff is at 7 p.m.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
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.
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.
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.
Friday Night Finals
September 21, 2019
Here is tonight’s North Escambia area high school football schedule:
FLORIDA
- Northview 34, Holmes County 22 [Photos, details...]
- Crestview 47, Tate 7 [Photos, details...]
- Escambia Academy 38, Jay 20
- Pine Forest 24, Navarre 6
- Catholic 35, Pensacola High 12
- Washington 34, Mosley 27
- Escambia 42, Gulf Breeze 0
- Pace 17, Fort Walton Beach 3
- Milton, 37 Choctawhatchee 21
- West Florida – OPEN
ALABAMA
- Escambia Academy 38 Jay 20
- W.S. Neal 27, Escambia Co. 7
- Bayside Academy 30, T.R. Miller 29
- Flomaton 53, St. Michael 21 (Thursday – click for details)
NorthEscambia.com file photo.
Flomaton Hurricanes Defeat St. Michael Catholic 53-21
September 20, 2019
The Flomaton Hurricanes defeated the St. Michael Catholic Cardinals 53-21 Thursday night at Majors Field in Fairhope.
The Hurricanes opened the scoring in the first quarter with a 16-yard rushing touchdown from senior Jate’vius Franklin followed by a two point conversion from seniorDa’quan Johnson for an 8-0 lead.
Flomaton was just getting started, adding a 58-yard touchdown from Johnson, a 6-yard touchdown rush from senior Sam Smith, and a 19-yarder from junior Travon Brown to give the defending 3A station champion Hurricanes a 29-0 lead at the end of the first quarter.
Brown added a 1-yard TD from Brown, a 6-yard touchdown from Brown and a 1-yard touchdown from Franklin for a commanding 47-7 lead at the half.
Up next, the 4-0 Flomaton Hurricanes will set their sights on the Blue Devils of Escambia County High School on September 27.
Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Northview Lady Chiefs Hold ‘Gold Digger’ Game For Childhood Cancer
September 19, 2019
The Northview Chiefs volleyball team held their annual Gold Digger game, defeating W.S. Neal. The Gold Digger game is Northview’s annual fundraiser game for the American Childhood Cancer Association.
The Lady Chiefs also recognized the participants in their youth volleyball clinic.
While the volleyball district tournament is weeks ago, the Gold Digger event was the last home game for the Lady Chiefs. They will be on the road the remainder of the season.
Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Haas Center: UWF Football Generates $9.7 Million In Economic Impact
September 18, 2019
An economic impact analysis completed by the University of West Florida’s Haas Center shows the 2018 football season generated an estimated $9.7 million in sales in Escambia County.
The Haas Center used various inputs, including ticket, concessions and merchandise sales information from UWF Athletics, student spending and other data in its calculations. Nearly half of the economic impact resulted from more than 13,000 visitors to the area and their spending on retail, restaurants, bars, accommodations and other items.
“The results of the report will be invaluable in helping the University administration improve the game day experience for visitors and attract and retain sponsors,” said Dave Scott, UWF athletic director. ‘This truly shows the value that UWF Football has on the community and the campus as a whole.”
UWF football’s economic impact was associated with $6.1 million in value added to the economy, supporting 94 jobs and generating approximately $4.6 million in personal income. The study completed by the Haas Center also details information about out-of-town visitors who attended home games. An estimated 55% stayed in Pensacola overnight, with 33% staying in paid accommodations such as hotels or condos. The majority stayed in downtown Pensacola, where they accounted for approximately $1.2 million in sales.
“The report’s initial goals were to illustrate to key stakeholders the economic value of the program, the games and its visitors,” said Amy Newburn, director of market research for the Haas Center. “It also highlights key qualitative measures, like game experience or recommending an Argo game to a friend, that show how much the community enjoys the presence of UWF football in downtown Pensacola.”
UWF will host the Virginia University of Lynchburg in its 2019 football home season opener at 6 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 21 at Blue Wahoos Stadium. The Argos will host five home football games this season.
Tate Finishes Strong In Golf Tourney; Beaver Ties For Lowest Score
September 18, 2019
The Tate High School golf team finished fifth in a 17 team event held at the A.C. Golf Course aboard NAS Pensacola with a team score of 334. Ethan Beaver tied for the lowest score during the round at 71. Submitted photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.