Tate’s Burks Signs With Florida Gulf Coast Community College
January 26, 2015
Tate High School senior Samantha Burks signed a letter of intent recently with Florida Gulf Coast Community College in Panama City. Joining her for the signing were here family Mark, Donna, Carla and Abbie; grandfather Waylon Burks, great uncle Donald Burks and grandparents Rebecca and Barry Millette. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
FHSAA Releases Final Football Classifications For Next Four Years
January 24, 2015
The Florida High School Athletic Association has released final football series classifications for the next four years.
Tate, Crestview and Niceville move down from 7A to Class 6A. That creates a local 1-6A with Escambia, Pine Forest, Washington and Tate. Northview, Baker and Jay stay in 1-1A, while Freeport slips over to District 2 Class 1A.
Class 6A
District 1
Escambia
Pine Forest
Tate
Washington
District 2
Navarre
Gulf Breeze
Milton
Pace
District 3
Choctawhatchee (Fort Walton Beach)
Fort Walton Beach
Crestview
Niceville
Class 5A
District 1
Arnold (Panama City Beach)
Bay (Panama City)
Mosley (Lynn Haven)
Pensacola
West Florida
Class 3A
District 1
Pensacola Catholic
Taylor County (Perry)
Florida High (Tallahassee)
Class 1A
District 1
Baker
Jay
Northview (Bratt)
District 2
Cottondale
Graceville
Holmes County (Bonifay)
Sneads
Vernon
Wewahitchka
Tate Football Wins Appeal, Moving Down To 1-6A
January 23, 2015
According to the Tate High football program, the Florida High School Athletic Association has approved the school’s classification appeal — moving the school from 1-7A down to 1-6A.
Under tentative four-year classifications released in December by the FHSAA, Tate was in 1-7A with Niceville, Navarre and three Tallahassee schools – Chiles, Leon and Lincoln. The school appealed, citing financial travel restraints due to travel distances.
The Aggies were reclassified to District 1 Class 6A with Escambia, Washington, Pine Forest, Milton and Pace.
NorthEscambia.com file photo.
Lady Chiefs Celebrate Senior Night With Win Over Catholic
January 21, 2015
The Northview Chiefs earned a 32-30 Senior Night win over the Catholic Crusaders Tuesday.
The Lady Chiefs jumped out to an early 8-0 lead and led 8-4 at the end of the first quarter, but Catholic went on a 12-0 run to take a 12-8 lead in the second quarter. Catholic led 16-14 at the break. The score was tied at 21 heading into the fourth, when the Lady Chiefs outscored Catholic 11-9 to secure the victory.
The Chiefs were led by E’Layzha Bates with 11 points and De’Asia Fountain with 10. Angel Lathan chipped in with 7, and Autumn Albritton had 4.
The Crusaders were led by Titianna Fleming with 11 points.
The Chiefs are off until the district tournament, where they play Holmes County on January 27 at 6:00 p.m. The district tournament is at Baker.
Pictured with Coach Derek Marshman are Northview seniors Megan Bryan, Morgan Ward, Angel Lathan and E’Layzha Bates. Submitted photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Kilcrease Signs With Jefferson Davis Community College
January 21, 2015
Atmore Christian School senior Grace Kilcrease signed with Jefferson Davis Community College in Brewton Tuesday. Pictured with Kilcrease are her parents Woody and Angie Kilcrease (seated), and Jefferson Davis Coach Misti Nims, Atmore Christian Coach Yoder, Molino Lady Astros travel team coach Donnie Nicholson and Atmore Christian Principal Tim Battles. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Golfer Bubba Watson Purchases Part Ownership In The Blue Wahoos
January 20, 2015
Two-time Masters Champion Bubba Watson has purchased ownership in the Pensacola Blue Wahoos, joining majority owners Quint and Rishy Studer.
“Ever since I went to my first Blue Wahoos game I have been a big fan of the team. I love the atmosphere, it’s such a great place to go with friends and family. I wish Pensacola had a team like this when I was growing up. There’s something special about pulling for the hometown team. It’s great that Quint and Rishy were willing to let me be a part of it. I look forward to a long and exciting partnership with them. I just hope Quint doesn’t get tired of my crazy ideas because I have been known to have a few. One thing I know for sure is that you won’t see me out there in a uniform playing. I already asked, and they said I can’t do that even if I own part of the team,” said Watson.
Bruce Baldwin ,president of the Blue Wahoos, made the announcement Monday afternoon at Pensacola Bayfront Stadium. Following the announcement, Watson took two ceremonial swings from home plate – one with his signature hot pink shafted driver and the other with a Louisville slugger. Jamie Walczak, who pitched for the Wahoos last season, threw to Watson.
Watson is no stranger to the team’s home field, throwing out ceremonial first pitches and greeting Wahoos players and fans in 2012 and 2014 after each of his Masters wins. In 2014, he even wore the famed green jacket while throwing out the first pitch.
“We are thrilled to welcome Bubba Watson into the ownership and to have Bubba’s family, Angie, Caleb and Dakota, as part of the Wahoos family, enjoying the Wahoos Life,” said Quint Studer. “Over the years many have been touched by Bubba beyond golf. His work to make life better for others is what attracted Rishy and I to him. Bubba sends a message of belief and giving, always striving to be the best he can be. Rishy, Bubba and I all view the Wahoos as an investment in improving the quality of life for people. Together we will continue to create great experiences for all ages, make lifelong memories for our fans, be a super place to work and now, with Bubba’s leadership, we will gain a national and international awareness for the Blue Wahoos and Northwest Florida.”
Known for incredible shot-making, mammoth drives, a hot pink shafted driver and an electric personality, Watson is a true all-American superstar. Born in Pensacola and raised in nearby Bagdad, he began the game of golf at age six with a cut down 9-iron and plastic golf balls. As a professional golfer, he has twice won the Masters, golf’s most prestigious tournament, and is a seven-time winner on the PGA Tour.
The first game of the season for the Blue Wahoos is April 9.
Courtesy photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
West Florida’s Gunter Signs With Tallahassee Community College
January 19, 2015
West Florida High School’s Kristin Gunter recently signed her national letter of intent to play softball at Tallahassee Community College. She was a member of the Jaguar’s 2014 Class 4A State Champion softball team and was named first team All-Area Shortstop. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Northview Lady Chiefs Defeat Catholic
January 17, 2015
The Northview Lady Chiefs took the lead and never trailed Friday night as they defeated Catholic High 42-35.
The Lady Chiefs were led by seniors E’Layzha Bates with 16 and Angel Lathan with 14 points. Sophomore Dimonique Davis scored 7, sophomore Autumn Albritton scored 3 and junior Abbie Johnson scored 2.
The Lady Crusaders were led by T. Flemings with 11 points and J. Falco with 7 points.
The two teams meet again Tuesday night at Northview at 7:00 p.m.
Jay’s Blackmon Signs To Play Softball At Jeff Davis
January 16, 2015
Jay High School senior Dana Blackmon signed Thursday to play softball for the Jefferson Davis Warhawks in Brewton. Blackmon was the Warhawks’ first signee from the 2015 class. Courtesy photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Four Tate Players Named To All-State Class 7A Team
January 9, 2015
Four members of the Tate High School Aggie football team have been named to the Florida All-State Class 7A team.
Linebacker Marquis Cass (6-0, 220) was named to the first team defense. Christ Terrell was named to the second team defense, and Reggie Payne was named to the third team offense.
Tate quarterback Sawyer Smith received an All-State Class 7A team honorable mention.