Flomaton Speedway Results
September 9, 2009
The Flomaton Speedway held its annual Labor Day race Monday night, with plenty of high-speed action with four classes racing for the big money in their feature races.
Steve Fretwell of Milton took the checkered flag in the Bomber feature race, followed by Jamie Young, Tally Warrick, Doc McDaniel, Johnny Baxley, Chad Jordon, Rusty Peacock, Micheal Emmons, Richard Johnson, Sr., Terry Mayhair and Joe Chiles.
In the Street Stock feature race, first place went to Joey Settle of Brewton, followed by Bobby Resmondo, Evan Folmar, Wayne Hawthorne, Adam Ellison, Jarrod Johns, Chandler Burgess, Gary Dunsford, Adam Purvis, Todd Purvis and Dakota Gregory.
In the Crate Late Model race, Steven Brantley took the checkered flag, followed by Josh Huss, Kevin Maher, Steve Turner and Bo Odom, Seth Gransberry, David Odom, Kenny Townson, Gary Maher and Micah Mccall.
In the big car Stinger feature race, first place and the $500 purse went to Aaron Kiaunis, followed by Harry Beatty, Johnny Jackson, Damon Osborn, Dylan Barfield, Billy Walker, Bradley Haveard, James Hardin, Cody Burroughs, Holly Walker, Jeffery Hagen, Ken Osborne, Al Woods, Logan Lindsey, Casey Spears, Jimmy Boyington, Richard Johnson, Hunter Baker and Joe Kittrell.
Click here for more photos. For even more photos from the night, visit www.mikenewtonphotography.
Pictured top: Bomber feature winner Steven Fretwell (#24) has the lead as Doc McDaniel (#27S) tries to pass on the outside. Pictured inset: Steven Brantley won the Crate Late Model feature Labor Day race at the Flomaton Speedway. Submitted photos by Mike Newton Photography for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Celebration: Pensacola Pelicans Win South Division with 7-6 Triumph
September 8, 2009
After six lead changes, the Pensacola Pelicans topped the Fort Worth Cats 7-6 Saturday night to clinch the South Division of the American Association of Independent Baseball. For the first time since 2002, the Pelicans will compete for the championship. The Pelicans matched every attack that the Cats threw their way, with Hunter Davis earning his twenty-third save in the ninth inning.
Against Pelicans’ starter Aaron Jackson, Fort Worth took a 1-0 lead in the top of the first when Cameron Blair hit a solo home run. Pensacola earned the run right back in the bottom frame, however, when Kevin Reynolds doubled and scored on a Marshall McDougall base hit.
Pensacola took a 2-1 lead in the bottom of the second inning when Marcos Rodriguez grazed the plate. After a leadoff single by Rodriguez, Dallas Christison dropped a sacrifice bunt down, and Lou Palmisano knocked Rodriguez in with a single. The score would hold until the fifth inning, when both teams picked up three runs aided by errors.
Isa Garcia walked with one out in the top of the fifth inning. After a groundout to the second baseman, Brian Fryer hit a routine groundball to the shortstop. The throw to first went wide however, and Fryer reached on the error by the shortstop. Cameron Blair took advantage of the situation by driving in Garcia with a base knock. After Ron Hill replaced Aaron Jackson as the Pelicans’ pitcher, Pat O’Sullivan recorded his first hit of the playoffs, a single that scored both Fryer and Blair; 4-2 Cats.
Francisco Leandro walked to start the Pelicans’ fifth inning. After stealing second base, Leandro moved to third on a single by Antoin Gray. Chase Burch connected for a hit to drive in Leandro and cut the Cats’ lead to one. After Gary Lee replaced Cats’ starter Lee Gwaltney, Rodriguez walked. Dallas Christison batted next and popped the ball up halfway down the first base line. The Cats’ catcher was under the ball standing about a foot into fair territory when the ball caromed of his chest protector and fell into foul ground. The fair ball allowed Christison to reach on the error, and Gray and Burch scored to put the Pelicans ahead 5-4.
Fort Worth’s O’Sullivan reached on a fielder’s choice in the top of the seventh and scored when John Allen hit a homer to left. Heading into the seventh-inning stretch the Cats led 6-5.
Pensacola retrieved the runs in the bottom of the inning when new pitcher Scott Vander Weg walked Burch and Rodriguez. Christison plated Burch with a base hit to tie the game, and the Cats brought in Ryan Trytten to pitch. Lou Palmisano collected his second hit of the night and drove in Rodriguez in the process, giving the Pelicans a 7-6 advantage. The score would hold as Francisco Butto shut down the Cats in the eighth and Hunter Davis kept them off the board in the ninth.
Jackson pitched 4.2 innings, allowing four runs (one earned) on three hits and two walks, notching a strikeout. Ron Hill pitched for six outs, yielding two runs (earned) on five hits and a walk, picking up two strikeouts. Francisco Butto earned the win for his scoreless inning and a third, blanking the Cats and striking out one. Hunter Davis earned the save, allowing a one-out hit, but then inducing a game-winning double play.
Gray, McDougall, Burch, and Palmisano all had two hits, with Burch slamming a double and Palmisano driving in two runs. Every Pelican had at least one hit except for Leandro, who walked, stole a base, and scored.
With the win, Pensacola won the best-of-five South Division Championship Series 3-1. The Pelicans will play in the Championship Series for the first time since 2002. First-year field manager Talmadge Nunnari was on the roster of that 2002 Pelicans team as a ballplayer. The Wichita Wingnuts and Lincoln Saltdogs will play the deciding game five on Sunday at 5:05 p.m. to determine the North Division winner. Pensacola will face that team starting Tuesday in a best-of-five championship series. Fans can hear all the action on NewsRadio 1620, or online via SportsJuice.com. Game three (and four and five, if necessary) will be played in Pensacola. Tickets are available online at www.pensacolapelicans.com, via phone at (850) 934-8444, or in person at the Pelicans Box Office, located on the campus of the University of West Florida.
Online Audio: Listen To Entire Northview Vs. Graceville Game
September 6, 2009
Northview Chiefs fans can now listen to entire Northview football games here on NorthEscambia.com — the new official voice of the Northview High School Chiefs.
Join us each Sunday for a complete game playback from the Northview Chiefs. You will be able to listen to each game online, or even download the game to your MP3 player and take it with you.
The audio from Friday night’s win over Graceville should play automatically on this page. If it does not, click the play icon below.
To download the entire game (MP3 format) for your iPod or other MP3 player, click here.
NorthEscambia.com needs sponsors to make this broadcast possible each week. Email news@northescambia.com for more information.
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Photo Gallery: Flomaton Flattens Red Level
September 6, 2009
Flomaton High School flattened Red Level Friday night at Hurricane Field.
The Cane’s Neiko Robinson threw a touchdown pass and ran 16 yards for another TD Friday night in Flomaton’s 38-16 win over Red Level. His touchdown pass to Civonta Mitchell was 40 yards.
Another touchdown pass, a 32-yarder, came from Jacob Newton to Da’tavis Ellis. Newton had another touchdown pass for 15 yards to A.J. Odom. Also for the Cane’s Odom had a 16-yard touchdown run, and Ryheem Dixon had a six yard score.
Flomaton is now 2-0, 1-0. The Canes are on the road next week against Southern Choctaw.
Click here for more photos submitted by Mike Newton Photography.
Pictured above: Action as Flomaton beat Red Level Friday night on a very wet Hurricane Field. Submitted photo by Mike Newton Photography for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
HD Video: Northview Chiefs
September 6, 2009
This exclusive NorthEscambia.com HD video includes some of the most exciting plays, the cheerleaders, mini-cheerleaders, the band, and an exclusive interview with Chief Head Coach Sid Wheatley.
Click the video below to watch. (If you are a dialup user, click the red “HD” button for the standard size video).
Northview Crushes Graceville 34-16 (With Large Photo Gallery)
September 5, 2009
The Northview Chiefs crushed Graceville 34-16 in the first game for Head Coach Sid Wheatley.
After long delay caused by lightning, the Chiefs stormed on the field in Bratt and never looked back with 381 offensive yards, 355 of those on the ground.
The Chiefs hit the scoreboard early, with 50 yards in the first three plays driving the Chiefs to a Dustin Yuhasz touchdown. Yuhasz was on fire for the Chiefs Friday night, racking up 15 carries for 159 yards and two total TD’s.
Click here for a complete photo gallery, including game photos, band, cheerleaders, mini-cheerleaders and the crowd. On Sunday, NorthEscambia.com will have a complete audio playback from the game.
“I’m extremely proud of the win,” Wheatley said. “We wanted good things to happen early, and we were fortunate enough to get that. I think it was key to get off to a good start.” The early win, Wheatley said, will give the Chiefs confidence coming off a poor 2-8 season last year. “I am proud of the kids; they have really worked hard.”
At first and 10 from 40 for the Chiefs, Jeremy Jackson picked up about 12 to move Graceville’s 48. On second down, Jackson gained about five up the middle. On third down, Yuhsaz went up the left side for a 44-yard touchdown run. A good kick from Brad Lowery, and the Chiefs were up 7-0 with 10:47 to go in the first quarter.
After little gain by the Tigers, the Chiefs took over on their own 46 with 6:33 to go in the quarter. Yuhsaz picked up 30 yards to Graceville’s 25 on the Chief’s first down. Jackson went down the center for a gain of about six yards to the 19. The Chiefs fumbled the wet ball on third down, and the Graceville Tigers recovered with 5:19 in the first quarter.
The Tigers gained nothing on their play, with Levi Gideons bringing the ball carrier down hard. The Chief’s Lonnie Gardener brought the Tigers offense to a dead stop for no gain on second down. A bad toss, and Austin Reid recovered the pigskin for the Chiefs at the 11.
With four minutes to go, the Chiefs were first and 11 from pay dirt. NHS QB Brandon Sheets took the snap, and with a fumble, the ball was back to the Tigers. On second down, Graceville fumbled again as the wet field slip and slide continued, but the Tigers recovered. On fourth and seven, the Tigers punted with Knight and Reid back deep for the Chiefs. The Chiefs were first and 10 at their 47.
Brad Lowery was back in as QB for the Chiefs and tossed to Yuhasz. Yuhasz fumbled, and the Tigers recovered and picked up a huge gain down to the three yard line where they were stopped by Jackson. Then it was the Tiger’s Leron Hoover to White for the Tigers, where a big Chief’s roadblock named Austin Arrington put on the brakes. Austin Reid stopped the next Graceville play. Graceville was fourth and goal from the one on the next play with 41 second on the clock. The Tigers were up the middle with a Hoover touchdown.
The Tigers were in for two, for an 8-7 Graceville lead with 35 seconds left in the quarter. And that’s where the first quarter ended — four turnovers and Graceville leading by one.
With QB-keeper in the second, take it around the left down to the five yard line. The Chiefs gained a couple for second and goal from the three. KaDaris Gace picked up about one to the two and a half. Lowery handed off to Grice for a Northview TD. A good kick from the Lowery, and the Chiefs were up 14-8 with 9:52 in the first half.
Graceville fumbled yet again, and Gardner recovered for the Chiefs, his second recovery of the night. With 8:26 in the half, the Chief were back in control of the ball at Graceville’s 37. Lowery handed off to Yuhsaz for a pickup of two. Lowery to Montaio Mitchell, with Mitchell hit almost immediately. Third and seven, Lowery thew long. The intended receiver went down just tipping the ball, but Mitchell miraculously came up with catch. First down at the six yard line, Lowery took the snap to the one.
A hand off to Jeremy Jackson up the middle gave the Chiefs another touchdown with 5:50 in the first half. The kick was off to the side and no good, and the Chief were up 20 to 8.
A Shawn Knight interception with 27 second to go in the half gave the Chiefs control again. A hand off to Jackson put the Chiefs in Graceville territory. NHS fumbled with 4.5 second in the half. On the last play of the half, Lowery thew the ball away, and the half ended with the Chiefs up 20-8.
A Lowery kick to the Graceville to start the second half ended with a Tiger hit hard by the Northview defense, and a fumble. Taylor Martin recovered the ball on the Tiger 25.
Yuhasz gained 20 on the first down to the five. First and goal from the five for the Chiefs, and Yuhasz picked up three for second and goal. Grice gained a little ground for about third and goal. Grice was in for another Northview TD. A good Lowery kick, and the Chiefs were up 27-8 with 9:17 to go in the third quarter.
Graceville made third and 12 before — no big surprise here — another turnover with an interception by Mitchell for the Chiefs. The Chiefs were first and 10 from their 48. The Chiefs marched to their 27. That’s where Yuhasz recovered his own fumble with 6:13 in the quarter. Kyles picked up 15 for a Chief first down.
On his third carry of the night, freshman Kyles carried it in for another Chiefs touchdown. Another successful Lowery kick, and the Chiefs expanded their lead to 34-8 with 4:52 in the third.
The Tigers managed to put eight on the board with 6:55 in the fourth to make it 34-16. And that’s where the game ended, with Northview beating Graceville 34-16.
The Chiefs will be at home in the first district game next week against South Walton.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
The Chief Rides Again: Mascot Returns To Northview High
September 4, 2009
The crowd roared as sophomore Raylin Spence and her horse Sammy thundered into the Northview High School football stadium Thursday night during the annual Meet the Chiefs night.
A giant Northview flag was blowing in the wind as they raced around the football field as Chiefs fans marked the return of a mascot to high school football at Northview.
“I’ve very excited,” Raylin said. “This will get some more school spirit going on at Northview for sure.”
Friday night’s Northview season opener will be the first time the NHS Chiefs have had a mascot at a football game in several years.
Pictured above: Northview’s new mascot races across the Northview football field Thursday night. Pictured below: Raylin Spence and her horse Sammy. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
No “Kiddie Tax” County Fee For Youth Sports
September 4, 2009
The Escambia County Commission rejected a $10 per child youth sports fee, but they did vote to increase several other recreation fees at the their Thursday night meeting.
Currently, athletic associations that use county-owned parks for little league sports do not pay for the use of the parks. Instead, the athletic associations maintain and manage the parks in exchange for their use. But under a proposal considered by the Escambia County Commission Thursday night, athletic associations would have been assessed a fee of $10 per child, per sport after October 1.
With two of four county commissioners at Thursday’s meeting speaking out in opposition against the plan, it failed to get the majority vote needed to pass.
The plan would have pumped about $30,000 into the county’s general fund to help pay salaries in the parks and recreation department.
But commissioners Kevin White and Wilson Robertson voiced strong opposition to the plan that became dubbed by some as the “kiddie tax”.
“What we are trying to do is have all of our recreation fees pay for all of our recreation staff,” Keith Wilkins, deputy bureau chief Neighborhoods and Community Services, said, adding that two of four positions have already been cut from his department. He said the county’s adult sports programs do pay for themselves, but youth sports do not.
The youth leagues mow their fields and do the upkeep on their parks, except for major repairs, he said.
“So when they say ‘hey we are doing all of the work’, to them they are doing all work on a daily basis,” Wilkins said at a Thursday morning agenda review meeting. “There is a cost incurred that they don’t see.” With no funds from the youth leagues going to the county, Wilkins said the county’s costs are not covered for managing their 19 associations. He said their are other costs, including “ownership of the land…we do own the land that we lease to them at $1 a year”.
“The biggest argument I’ve gotten so far is that it is going to reduce the players because of income…that’s been a big blow,” Young said.
“I understand that there is a concern there, particularly for the less affluent neighborhoods that it would put an undue burden on them,” Wilkens said. “You’re right, it could have an effect.”
Other Recreation Fees Increase
The commission did vote to increase the rental fee for park pavilions from $25 to $30.
Commissioners also votes for fee increases for county-operated adult athletic league teams by $50. A new fee for high school soccer games at Brosnaham Park will be imposed at $50 for day games or $75 for night games. Building fees, such as using a press box or concession stand, were also increased by $10.
Photo Gallery: Hundreds Turn Out To Meet The Chiefs
September 4, 2009
Hundreds of people turned out Thursday night to Meet the Chiefs at Northview High School.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Tate Dominates Washington, 38-7
September 4, 2009
The Tate Aggies dominated the Washington Wildcats Thursday night, 38-7.
With about four and half minutes to go in the first quarter, senior Blake Cicheskie had a 26-yard field goal for the Aggies to put them up 3-0. Then in the second quarter, defensive back Q Ford picked up a 52 yard run to put the Aggies up 9-0 with 9:42 on the clock. The point after was no good. The quarter ended with Tate up 9-0.
In the second half, Washington scored from the two. With a good kick, Washington closed in 9-7. About four minutes later, with 3:35 to go in the third, Tate QB Edwin Richburg was in for the TD on a two yard run.
The fourth was all Aggies all the time. A 14-yard touchdown from Q Ford, a one yard TD from Thumper Grice and a seven yard run from Russell Ruth all added to Tate’s total. Blake Cicheskie made the point after following all three runs.
The Aggies will be home next Friday night against Pensacola High School.