Photo Gallery: Northview Takes On Marianna
September 9, 2013
The Northview Chiefs traveled to Marianna Friday night to take on the Bulldogs.
For a game results story, click here.
For a photo gallery featuring action photos, cheerleaders and the band, click here.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Northview Falls To 4A Marianna
September 7, 2013
The 4A Marianna Bulldogs defeated the Northview Chiefs 28-6 Friday night in Marianna.
The defending 1A state champion Chiefs were looking for revenge against the Marianna Bulldogs, but fell short of that goal. Last year in Bratt, Northview was up 42-26 in the fourth quarter before the Bulldogs rallied for a tie in regulation and pulled out a 48-42 win over the Chiefs in OT.
Friday night’s 28-6 loss was just as disappointing, if not worse in a game that a started about 15 minutes late after the Chiefs’ charter bus broke down just shy of the Marianna exit.
“It was a tough loss,” Northview head coach Sid Wheatley said. “Marianna’s got a fine football team. They are very skilled. If their running backs are able to break that first line, they make it tough. Our tackles have got to continue to get better. We’ve got to break down, be in control and get more bodies to the ball.”
Also defensively he pointed to several problems the Chiefs had lining up correctly for the play.
Offensively, Wheatley said the Chiefs lacked consistency against the Bulldogs. “It would look like we had a little drive going, and we’d turn it over,” he said.
Overall, the Chiefs racked up just shy of 200 yards Friday night, 127 in the air and 70 on the ground. Running back Ladarius Thomas contributed 50 of those yards. The Chiefs’ only touchdown of the night was a 27-yard pass from quarterback Daulton Tullis to Cameron Newsome. Hunter Sherouse had nine tackles for Northview, while Emanuel Etheridge and Jeffery Taylor both had seven tackles.
The Northview Chiefs will be on the road again next week to take on the Chipley Tigers in another non-district game. The Chiefs rolled over Chipley 50-29 last year, but historically are 2-5 against the Tigers. In 2011, Northview lost a regular season game against Chipley only to face them again and lose to the Tigers in the state semifinal game.
The Chiefs won’t play a district game until they face Jay on October 4.
For a photo gallery, click here.
Pictured: The Northview Chiefs at Marianna Friday night. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
They Did It For 32: Tate Beats PHS In Historic Game
September 7, 2013
Before Friday night, it had been about 20 years since the Tate Aggies beat the Pensacola High School Tigers. But it was one for the history books on a hot September night as Tate held on for a historic 14-12 victory.
Motivation for the Tate Aggies this week was to get a win for injured teammate Jesse Samuel — who wears jersey No. 32.
Jesse’s brother, Lavontia Samuel, wore that 32 jersey in honor of his brother Friday night against PHS.. Lavontia scored in the first quarter on a four-yard run and again in the 2nd quarter when he out sprinted the PHS defenders for a 75-yard scoring run. That would be all the scoring the Aggies would do for the night.
PHS would score in the third quarter on a 53-yard run, but the extra point was blocked by Tate’s Trace Penton. The blocked extra point proved to be a huge play because when the Tigers scored in the fourth quarter on a pass play, they were forced to go for two points. Tate’s defense was up to the task and stopped the Tigers’ quarterback short of the goal line to make it 14-12 with Tate in a lead they would hold all the way to sweet victory as the clock rolled down.
The defense and special teams deserved a lot of the credit for Tate’s win, Coach Ronnie Douglas said, adding that “Lavontia Samuel put the team on his back and carried them to a win”. Douglas said he has been pleased with all the hard worth the team did over the summer, and he’s happy it is beginning to pay off.
“”We are going to get used to this winning thing, and once we do it becomes a whole lot easier,” Douglas said.
Tate faces Panama City Bay next week at 7:30 at the home of the Aggies, Pete Gindl Stadium in Cantonment.
Story and photos by Darryl Singleton
Pictured top: Lavontia Samuel, wearing his brother’s No. 32 jersey, celebrates a 75-yard touchdown run as his injured brother, Jesse Samuel, looks on. Pictured below: The Tate student section “blacked out”. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Jay Slams Rocky Bayou 51-30 (With Photo Gallery)
September 7, 2013
If the public address announcer said it once, he said it a half dozen times Friday night in Jay — “Touchdown Royals”. The Royals defeated Rocky Bayou Christian 51-30.
Four of those touchdowns came from running back Braden Cross with 34 carries, 164 yards and four touchdowns. Victor Mischoe had couple of touchdowns, along with 85 yards on three carries, for the Royals.
Over all, the Jay Royals racked up just over 500 years on the night.
Jay (2-0) will celebrate homecoming next Friday night as they host the Yellow Jackets of Vernon.
Pictured top: The Jay Royals bear Rocky Bayou 51-30 Friday night in Jay. Photos by Michelle Gibbs for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
FWC Shuts Down Importation Of Deer Into Florida
September 7, 2013
In an effort to keep a potentially fatal disease from decimating the state’s deer population, Florida is immediately closing its borders to the importation of out-of-state deer.
The ban comes as a number of deer farmers have reportedly ramped up importation to increase their stocks because of the expected prohibition.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission on Friday unanimously agreed to prohibit the importation of deer and other cervids in an attempt to keep Chronic Wasting Disease from reaching the state’s deer population.
“I think the economy impacts are important, but the economy impacts would be far greater and outweighed if CWD (the disease) gets transmitted into our state,” Commissioner Ron Bergeron said during a meeting in Pensacola.
In addition to an executive order to immediately close the borders, the commission directed staff to develop additional rules intended to reduce the risk of spreading the disease, increase inspections and educate hunters about transporting carcasses.
Commissioner Adrien Bo Rivard said it’s better now to “err on the side of protecting the long-term well being of fish and wildlife,” though he’s philosophically opposed to the addition of new regulations. He said the ban could be lifted if improved preventive measures are found.
The vote comes with backing from several state lawmakers, including Senate President Don Gaetz, R-Niceville, who was among a group of legislators who initially opposed the ban but changed their tune in July, saying the scientific case for closing the border was stronger.
The disease has spread since being first detected in free-ranging populations in the mid-1980s around northeastern Colorado and southeastern Wyoming. The disease has been described as similar to Mad Cow disease, with animals becoming emaciated and often being found isolated and trembling.
Chronic Wasting Disease is not known to affect people.
Critics of the ban, including the Southeast Trophy Deer Association, contend that closing the border will actually increase the chance for the disease to turn up in Florida. They envision an increase in smuggling, increasing the risk that deer from impacted areas will be brought into Florida to make up for a drop in the amount of deer available for hunts.
Steve Munz, a deer farmer from Sumter County, argued that the state and proponents of the ban were using misleading information and proposed the commission instead increase permitting costs as a means to improve enforcement to check for the disease.
“I’m not for taxes and more money, I’m for what makes sense in life,” Munz said.
Several opponents of the ban recommended the state consider changing a requirement that imported deer come from herds that have been certified disease-free for at least five years. They suggested doubling the standard to 10 years.
Shawn Schafer, executive director of the North American Deer Farmers Association, said the state should consider an increase in monitoring of herds rather than prohibit the cross-border movement of deer.
“For Florida to say (the disease) is not here, you’re not testing enough,” Schafer said. “If you test enough animals you’re probably going to find it.”
But powerful backers of the ban said the rule is critical to preserving the future of hunting in Florida and for those who enjoy the outdoors.
Marion Hammer, representing the National Rifle Association and the Florida Veterinary Medical Association, contended that a few deer farmers and preserve operators were putting their self-interests above the long-term outlook for hunting in Florida.
“Leaving the border open even a crack exposes us to damage that is not reversible,” Hammer said during the meeting, which was broadcast across the state by The Florida Channel. “If CWD gets into Florida we will never be the same, it can never be reversed. It will affect our wildlife, our soil, and potentially our citizens.”
Other groups and organizations in support of the ban include the United Sportsmen of Florida, the Quality Deer Management Association, the Florida Bowhunters Council, the Florida Chapters of the Safari Club International and the Humane Society of the U.S.
Philip Bryan, vice president of the Florida Deer Association, said protecting native deer species is “the most important thing.”
“Since we didn’t close it in June, in the month of August more deer has come in in one month than in any other time,” Bryan said.
The commission in June delayed a vote so more information could be gathered on the potential impacts of a ban, both economically and in the effectiveness of keeping out the disease.
Commission staff noted Friday that since the start of the year 800 cervids — 600 just in August — have been permitted to be imported by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. The number is up from 295 permitted in all of 2012.
The state has about 300 deer and game farms and 100 hunting preserves.
Clifford Shipley, a Chronic Wasting Disease expert from the University of Illinois’ College of Veterinary Medicine, said the actual source of the disease remains unknown and there is no known cure.
“It is a death sentence to a deer farm,” Shipley said.
If an animal is found with the disease, the entire population in the area, free-ranging or farmed, would need to be eradicated in order to prevent further spreading.
Currently, to reduce the chances of the disease entering Florida, the state also prohibits most deer from being imported from states and Canadian provinces where infected populations have been found.
The disease has been found in 22 states, with eight added to the list since 2010. None of the states where the disease has been detected are in the Southeast.
Florida now joins 18 other states that have banned the importation of deer, including all of Florida’s neighbors.
The new rule does exempt zoos, which would be allowed to bring in most cervids — except for white-tailed deer — from out-of-state facilities that have been cleared of the disease.
by The News Service of Florida
Escambia County Middle Defeats Ernest Ward (With Photo Gallery)
September 6, 2013
The Esambia County Middle School Eagles of Atmore defeated the Eagles of Ernest Ward Middle School 44-20 Thursday evening in Walnut Hill.
The Eagles of Escambia County Middle School in Atmore jumped out to a 24-0 lead by about halfway through the second quarter.
Ernest Ward’s only touchdown of the first half came on a pass to eighth grader Jacob McCullough, followed by a good two point conversion. That made it Atmore 24, Ernest Ward 8 with 5:20 to go in the half.
By halftime, the Atmore Eagles had expanded their lead to 38-8, but Ernest Ward fought back in the second half, still coming up short, 44-20.
For a photo gallery, click here.
Ernest Ward will be on the road for their two games — September 12 at T.R. Miller and September 17 at Escambia County Middle in Atmore. The Eagles will return home on September 26 to host the Panthers of Excel, Ala.
Pictured top: An Ernest Ward defender attempts to bring down at Escambia County Middle School Eagle. Pictured inset: Ernest Ward’s Jacob McCullough catches a pass for a touchdown run. Pictured below: Ernest Ward’s Keaton Solmonson attempts to stop an Atmore player from gaining yardage. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Atmore Blue Devils Cancel Junior Varsity Games Against Northview
September 6, 2013
Escambia County High School in Atmore has canceled their two scheduled junior varsity football games with the Northview Chiefs.
The ECHS JV Blue Devils were scheduled to play the Chiefs in Bratt next Monday and in Atmore on September 23
The remainder of the Northview JV football schedule is as follows:
Sept 19 – West Florida – Away
Oct 3 – West Florida – Home
Oct 17 – Baker – Home
All games are scheduled for 6 p.m.
Pictured: Northview’s JV Chiefs take on Escambia County High School in Atmore last season. NorthEscambia.com file photos, click to enlarge.
Do It For 32: Tate Aggies Host PHS Friday Night
September 5, 2013
Coming off what Coach Ronnie Douglas called a “tough” loss, the Tate Aggies are working to rebound this week as they face Pensacola High. The West Florida Jaguars defeated Tate 45-3 last Friday night.
Douglas said the Aggies have been forced to make some changes due to injuries, including senior linebacker Jesse Samuel, carried off the field on a stretcher and transported to the hospital by ambulance last Friday night. He may have suffered a season ending knee injury. Douglas said Samuel underwent surgery on Wednesday and is “doing well”.
Senior cornerback Rashan Johnson said the loss of Samuel will be motivation for the Aggies (0-1) as they host Pensacola High (0-1). This week’s motto, Johnson said, is “Do It For 32″, referring to Samuel’s No. 32 jersey number.
“We have been working hard this week trying to come back from that (loss), and they are always fast and talented,” senior Brett Blackwelder, strong safety, said about the Pensacola High Tigers.
Pensacola High School is “big and fast and we look forward to playing them at home”, Douglas said, adding that his players have been working hard to prep for their meeting with the Tigers.
Friday night’s game between Tate and Pensacola High kicks off at 7:30 at Tate’s Pete Gindl Stadium.
by Darryl Singleton
FWC To Consider Deer Importation Ban At Pensacola Meeting
September 5, 2013
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission will meet Thursday and Friday in Pensacola to consider several items, including a ban on importing out of state deer due Chronic Wasting Disease.
“Please accept this letter as acknowledgement that the scientific case for closing the border is stronger than we had originally understood,” Senate President Don Gaetz, Rep. Matt Gaetz, and Sen. Greg Evers wrote in a letter recently to the FWC. “We now believe that moving forward with (the ban) is the prudent course of action.”
Chronic Wasting Disease is similar to Mad Cow Disease and is fatal to deer. If a deer is found with the disease, the entire population — free-ranging or farmed — must be eradicated to prevent it from spreading.
Marion Hammer of the National Rifle Association, which backs the ban, says the disease could wipe out all the state’s deer.
“Some folks say it’s manageable. It’s not manageable,” Hammer said. “Why should you wait to try to manage something when you can take action to prevent getting it in the first place?”
But opponents of the ban said the move is unnecessary.
“I think it’s a shame,” said Chris Winsey, president of the Southeast Trophy Deer Association. “We’re just being prejudiced toward the deer versus any other animal that’s being moved in our state.”
“They don’t have enough data to close the border,” said Mike Vizcaino, a deer farmer in the St. Augustine area. “If these guys were really afraid of CWD, they would be promoting a statewide testing requirement rather than closing the borders.”
Currently, to reduce chances of the disease entering Florida, the state bans deer from being imported from those states and Canadian provinces where infected deer have been found. The ban also prohibits deer killed in those areas from being brought into Florida unless they have first been deboned or treated and mounted by taxidermists outside the state.
The state also requires that imported deer come from herds that have been certified disease-free for five years. Opponents of the ban have recommended the state consider doubling that time frame.
But Hammer said the disease is so deadly that if it spread to Florida, deer hunting would become too dangerous to continue.
“If we got Chronic Wasting Disease in the state of Florida, I’d never eat another piece of venison,” she said. “The risk is too great. So we need to take the steps that are best to prevent ever getting the disease to begin with.”
The disease is not known to affect people.
Backers of the ban include not only the NRA but the Florida Wildlife Federation, United Sportsmen of Florida, Florida Deer Association, Florida Zoo Association and the Humane Society.
The FWC meeting will take place Thursday and Friday at the Crowne Plaza Pensacola Grand Hotel at 200 East Gregory Street with sessions convening at 8:30 a.m. The Chronic Wasting Disease item appears on the agenda for Friday. The meeting is open to the public, and public comments will be allowed.
UWF Will Play Football In 2016
September 5, 2013
The University of West Florida will field a football team in the fall of 2016, college President Judy Bense announced Wednesday.
The Argos will be in the Gulf South Conference, home of seven Division II national champs over the last two decades. UWF won’t have a football stadium in place by their first 2016 kickoff, instead they will be looking for another Pensacola-area facility to call home field. A practice field at UWF, other facilities, equipment and salaries for coaches will come from outside sources including a Football Founders Club.
UWF will not raise student fees or tuition to fund the football program.
The Argos will use a private search firm to start looking for a coach at the end of this season.