Captains Beat The Pelicans In Five
July 17, 2009
The Captains swept the Pelicans with the aid of rain on Thursday night, winning the final game of the series 3-2 in five innings. An hour and two minute rain delay occurred after the end of the fifth inning, ultimately ending in the game being called due to weather. Antoin Gray hit a two-run bomb for the Pelicans’ runs in the top of the third inning, his ninth round-tripper of the year, but Shreveport-Bossier scored two to tie in the bottom of the fourth. The Captains’ lone run in the bottom of the fifth would end up deciding the contest, as the Captains have now won eight straight games.
The Pelicans tapped the scoreboard first in the third inning. Luis Guance led off with a double, and came home when Antoin Gray hit his ninth homerun of the year. The Pelicans took a two-run lead, but the Captains would tie it in the fourth.
With one out, Andres Rodriguez hit a triple off the centerfield wall in the bottom of the fourth inning. Jose Torres followed with a walk, and Rodriguez scored when Dwayne White hit a sacrifice fly. Jonathan Reynoso batted next and hit a single, scoring Torres to tie the game at two apiece.
Adam Brandenburg made his third start for the Pelicans, pitching two outs into the bottom of the fifth. He walked Dan Williams to start the bottom-half of the fifth, Brandenburg’s third base on balls. He allowed his sixth and final hit on the next batter, as Bryan Sabatella put down a bunt single. After catching a pop-up from Richard Paz and recording his only strikeout with Chris Garcia, Brandenburg left his third earned run up to Joey Wedner. Wedner gave up a RBI-single to Andres Rodriguez and the Captains took a 3-2 lead. Torres followed and struck out, ending the fifth inning with a 3-2 Captains lead.
An hour and a two-minute rain delay followed, ending in the game being called and the Captains claiming victory. Brandenburg took the loss, and Ronald Lowe earned his fifth win of the year.
The Pelicans drive to Pensacola overnight to host the St. Paul Saints Friday through Sunday. Friday’s game begins at 6:35 p.m. and will be followed by a Boy Scout Campout on the field of Pelican Park. Tickets are available now at Pensacola-area Circle K locations, online at www.pensacolapelicans.com, and at the park on the day of the game. Saturday’s game will be followed by fireworks, and Sunday will be a Kids Day, with all Kids Club members gaining free admission while wearing the Kids Club t-shirts. For more information, please call the Pelicans at (850) 934-8444.
Pictured above: The rains came during the Pensacola Pelicans game Thursday night. Submitted photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
FHSAA Recinds Policy; High School Games Return
July 16, 2009
The Florida High School Athletic Association Board of Directors voted unanimously yesterday to rescind a new policy that would have reduced the number of games played in most high school sports.
The policy would have reduced varsity games by 20 percent and junior varsity games by 40 percent in most sports in an effort both to alleviate the financial crisis facing school districts and provide a uniform solution across the state. Varsity football was the one sport spared by cuts announced last April, with the schedule the next two years remaining at 10 games per year.
Since sports involving female athletes were all cut, many called foul, with a lawsuit claiming the policy amounted to gender discrimination under a law called Title IX. On Tuesday, the U.S. Justice Department and Department of Education filed a motion to join the lawsuit. Title IX prevents discrimination based upon gender in public schools.
The FHSAA was made aware of a possible Title IX violation and litigation in June, and worked diligently to be in compliance with Title IX. Since no compromise could be reached, a recommendation was made to hold a Board meeting to consider rescinding the amendments to the policy, the FHSAA said in a news release.
“I believe what we did in April was the best thing for the membership then, and given the situation, what we did today was in its best interest now,” said Board of Directors President Greg Zornes.
“I know there have been a lot of blogs and news articles about the FHSAA and this particular issue regarding gender equity. In actuality, the FHSAA is recognized by its peer members from other states as leading the nation in terms of providing equal and equitable opportunities for both boys and girls in high school,” said FHSAA Executive Director Roger Dearing. “We were yesterday, are today, and will be tomorrow, advocates for both boys and girls equally in creating life experiences that will make them healthier, happier and more competitive, while at the same time creating memorable experiences they will have for a lifetime.”
A temporary injunction meeting in the lawsuit is still scheduled for Friday, July 17. What impact, if any, the Board’s decision will have on that meeting is unknown.
The new policy would have seen baseball, basketball, softball and volley ball cut from 25 games to 20 allowed per year. At the JV level, those sports would have been cut from 25 maximum games per year to just 15. Junior varsity football teams would have been allowed to play six games rather than eight, while varsity football teams would have remained at 10 games per year.
The maximum number of games in other sports, such as track and field, golf and cross country, were also cut.
Pictured above: Sarah Killam, member of Northview High School’s Cross Country team, rounds the corner toward the finish line in a race last September. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Shreveport Beats The Pelicans
July 15, 2009
The Captains out-dueled the Pelicans 2-1 on Tuesday night to extend their winning-streak to six games. Luke Massetti earned the win to improve to 5-1 on the season, as Kyle Middleton took the loss and fell to 4-2. Justin Dowdy pitched a perfect ninth for the Captains to earn his ninth save of the year.
The Captains wasted no time in taking the lead, putting a run up in the bottom of the first inning. Bryan Sabatella led off with a single, and then stole second base. On the throw down to second, however, neither infielder covered the bag, and thus the play was ruled an error on the second-baseman, as per the rulebook. Sabatella advanced to third on the play, and scored when Chris Garcia hit a sacrifice fly to centerfield.
Pensacola tied the game up in the third inning, as Luis Guance started it off with a single. He stole second base, and scored when Marcos Rodriguez ripped a base hit.
Shreveport-Bossier took the lead, and eventually the game, after scoring a run in the fifth inning. With one out, Sabatella hit his second single, stole his second base, and scored his second run when Richard Paz singled.
Kyle Middleton pitched seven innings for the Pelicans, allowing two runs, of which one was earned. He yielded eight hits, but no walks, as he struck out six batters. Tyler Wilson pitched a one-two-three eighth, striking out one.
The Pelicans are back in action tomorrow, as Dane DeValk will throw for Pensacola against the Captains’ Jimmy Heard. All the action can be found on NewsRadio1620 and online at SportsJuice.com. The pregame show starts at 6:50 with first pitch scheduled for 7:05 p.m.
Pictured above: Tyler Wilson of Andalusia, Ala, on the mound Tuesday evening for the Pensacola Pelicans. Submitted photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Northview High Football Coach Keene Resigns
July 14, 2009
Northview High School Head Football Coach Cody Keene has resigned, leaving the school to head to Hooper Academy in Montgomery.
Keene announced his decision to his football team at a Monday morning practice and then met with the team’s seniors to stress the importance of good leadership to them. After that meeting, he sat down exclusively with NorthEscambia.com to talk about his decision.
“I was presented with another challenge that will allow us to be closer to my wife’s family, and closer to my kids,” Keene said, adding that his wife’s family is from Montgomery. “It is an opportunity that we have been praying about for months.”
Keene will be the fifth head coach at Hooper Academy in the past six years. But that does not bother him; he was the seventh coach in nine years at Northview.
He said he is proud of where the Chiefs have gone in his five seasons as head coach. Three of those six years were winning seasons, including back-to-back winning seasons from 2005 to 2007. One undefeated regular season. Two district championships. Three trips to the playoffs. Three Northview players gone on to college careers. Keene is proud of the numbers. But he’s prouder of the kids.
“I’m proud of these guys, and I am proud of where this program is,” he said.
There’s a bond between a coach and his players, one that Keene takes very seriously.
“It was hard on me; it was hard on them,” he said about his announcement to the players Monday morning. “But the kids are great kids. They will be fine.”
He is looking to the seniors to provide leadership for the rest of the team.
“There are some good leaders in that group, and they will lead the team through the transition,” he said, adding that he has faith that the remaining coaching staff will be able to lead the team until his replacement is announced. “One of them (the coaches) will step up to the challenge until a decision is made. They are good coaching team.”
Keene said this year will be an exciting one for the Chiefs. In a new district, Northview will face teams like Jay, Freeport, Sneeds and Bonifay. “All teams, except Jay because we didn’t play them, that we beat that 9-0 year,” he added with a smile.
“They are kids more like us — rural, small schools,” he said. “There will be real competition again for us in the district. Northview will have the opportunity to compete, the opportunity to win.”
Keene is confident that Northview will have a good season with the new district and talented assistant coaches.
“They are going to be fine,” he said. “I appreciate the support we have had from the fans, and I ask that they continue to support us.
While Keene said everything about Northview and his departure was positive, there was one major negative he wanted NorthEscambia.com to point out. You can read about it in another story by clicking here.
Northview Principal Gayle Weaver said Keene will be missed.
“He has been one of the best things that’s ever happened to Northview High School,” she said. “He has been the players’ friend, academic adviser and mentor.”
“He instilled a work ethic in the players on and off the field,” Weaver said. “He built a wonderful football program at Northview High School. He will be missed.”
Monday was Keene’s last day physically at Northview. He will be taking accumulated leave days until his official resignation date of August 14.
NorthEscambia.com file photos, click to enlarge.
Junior Little League Tourney Underway; NWE Falls
July 12, 2009
The Junior League All-Star Tournament got underway Saturday at Bradberry Park in Walnut Hill with host team Northwest Escambia losing their first game.
NWE fell 6-3 to Niceville-Valparaiso. Also Saturday, Defuniak Springs beat Shalimar 4-2.
The Northwest Escambia All-Stars will take on Shalimar Monday evening at 7:30, while Niceville-Valparaiso will play Defuniak Springs at 5:00 Monday at Bradberry Park.
For a complete photo gallery from the game, click here.
Pictured: Action from Northwest Escambia versus Niceville-Valparaiso Saturday night at Bradberry Park In Walnut Hill. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
NWE Girls Win 11-12 Year Old Softball Championship
July 9, 2009
The Northwest Escambia All-Stars won the 11-12 Year Old All-Star District 1 Tournament championship Wednesday night in Destin.
NWE beat Niceville 4-1 to claim the district title. They will advance to the sectional tournament July 18 and 19 in Destin.
Pitching for NWE Wednesday night, Mallory Ryan had seven strikeouts and allowed just two walks. Reagan Bell, Danielle Steadham, Cheyenne Schoonover and Kyndall Hall each scored once for Northwest Escambia.
The NWE All-Stars were undefeated during the tournament, with a 7-0 win over Niceville, a 12-1 win over Shalimar and Wednesday night’s 4-1 win over Niceville.
Pictured above: The NWE 10-11 Year Old All-Stars with their championship banner Wednesday night in Destin. Pictured front: (L-R) Addy Lee, Kyndall Hall, Kendal Cobb, Courtney Peebles, Darby Randolph, Mallory Ryan, Danielle Steadham, Cheyanne Schoonover, Reagan Bell and Madison Arrington. Pictured back row: Manager Jerry Mason and Coach David Arrington. Submitted photo by Kim Ryan for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Pensacola Pelicans Game Halted By Rain
July 8, 2009
The Pelicans and Diablos will have to wait until Wednesday to see who wins the first game of their six-game series. With the score tied 5-5 midway through the fifth inning, rainfall postponed Tuesday’s game. The game will be resumed Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. with the Pelicans batting in the bottom of the fifth.
What baseball was played on Tuesday was exciting, as both teams scored in the first inning. Arnoldo Ponce scored the first run of the game for El Paso after hitting a one-out single. Jorge Alvarez walked, and Juan Camacho followed up with a RBI single. A throwing error by the third baseman allowed Alvarez to score as well, and the Diablos led 2-0.
Pensacola rallied back with three runs in the bottom of the fourth. Francisco Leandro walked with one out, and Antoin Gray singled as well. Chase Burch singled to load the bases, but was out at second when Marcos Rodriguez reached on a fielder’s choice. Leandro scored on the play, however, and the Diablo lead was cut in half. Lou Palmisano followed with a RBI single that scored Gray to tie the game, and Adam Darby hit a base knock that plated Rodriguez, but Darby was thrown out trying to stretch it to a double.
The Pelicans starting pitcher was Jason Navarro, signed on Tuesday after playing triple-A ball in Mexico earlier this year. Navaroo retired the Diablos in order, bringing the Pels up in the bottom of the second. Pensacola added two more runs when Adam Deleo walked and Francisco Leandro hit his first homerun of the season to make the score 5-2 Pelicans.
El Paso made it close again in the top of the third, as Jorge Alvarez hit a two-run fence-clearer of his own to make it 5-4. With rain falling in the top of the fifth, El Paso’s Mike Provencher tied it up by scoring Arnoldo Ponce on a RBI fielder’s choice. The game was called after the top of the fifth was over. Francisco Leandro will lead off the bottom of the fifth when play resumes at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday evening. The scheduled game for July 8 will be shortened to a seven-inning affair and will take place following the conclusion of the first game.
Editors note: Would you like to read more stories about the Pensacola Pelicans? Email news@northescambia.com and let us know that you want to read Pelicans stories.
NWE Girls Slam Shalimar 12-1; Advance To Tourney Finals
July 7, 2009
The Northwest Escambia All-Stars will play for the 11-12 Year Old All-Star District 1 Tournament championship Wednesday night. NWE advanced to the finals after a 12-1 win over Shalimar Monday night in Destin.
Mallory Ryan pitched a no hitter with just two errors. She had struck out five and had a single walk. Ryan also scored two runs for the NWE All-Stars.
Darby Randolph, Madison Arrington and Reagan Bell also scored two for NWE. Cheyenne Schoonover, Courtney Peebles, Kyndall Hall and Danielle Steadham scored one each for the NWE All-Stars.
NWE will play for the 11-12 Year Old All-Star District 1 softball title Wednesday night against the winner of Tuesday night’s Niceville versus Shalimar team. NWE has beat Niceville 7-0 already in the tournament, and downed Shalimar 12-1. In the event NWE should lose Wednesday night, they will play again Thursday night. If they win Wednesday night, they are tournament champions.
Click here for more photos from the game.
Pictured above and below: Members of the NWE All-Stars after a 12-1 in over Shamilar Monday night in Destin. Submitted photos by Kim Ryan for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Firecracker 5K: Honoring The Memory Of A Local Blind Runner
July 5, 2009
Last year, Angie White of Flomaton was legally blind when she ran the Firecracker 5K in Pensacola for the Fourth of July. Saturday, several area runners ran the race in her memory.
Angie was diagnosed with a brain tumor in September 2007, and was left legally blind. She ran the Firecracker on July 4, 2008, with husband Earnie White and best friend Jo Nolin holding her arms, guiding her across the finish line. It took her just less than an hour, almost 50 minutes behind the leader. Friends cheered and shouted her name as she crossed the finish line at number 732 out of 736 runners.
Angie died in February of this year after her battle with the disease called glioblastoma multiforme. Saturday, several runners from the area — including Earnie White and Jo Nolin — ran this year’s Firecracker 5K without Angie. They ran to honor her memory in the race that benefits those in need served by the Ronald McDonald House.
When doctors discovered the mass in her head, it was the size of a tennis ball. She underwent surgery on September 23, 2007. She stopped breathing. She survived the emergency procedure doctors performed, but her sight did not.
After the surgery, she was left unable to walk, unable to sit up. She credited the Lord for allowing her the strength to finish the race.
White often ran 5K and 10K races and even competed in the triathlon. She was active in her community as well, serving in the Flomaton Quaterback Club and Flomaton Band Boosters. She was a member of the Flomaton Baptist Church.
White died February 11, 2009, at the age of 49. She was survived by her husband, Earnest Ray White and three children.
Pictured top: Angie White (center) was legally blind when she ran last year’s Firecracker 5K on the July 4. She ran with the support of friend Jo Nolin (left) and husband Earnie White. Submitted photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
North Escambia Area Runners Place In Firecracker 5K, Including Two In Top 10
July 5, 2009
Matt Dobson of Jay and Alan Ash of Atmore finished in the top 10 overall out of over 700 in Saturday’s Firecracker 5K in Pensacola. They were two of many runners from the North Escambia area taking part in the annual Fourth of July event.
Dobson, 39, finished fifth with a time of 16:28.8 to finish first in the male 36-39 age group. Neil McDonagh of Pensacola finished first overall with a time of 14:58.3.
Ash, 18, was sixth overall, first in the 15-19 age group, with a time of 16:34.5. John Nguyen, 16, of Cantonment finished 31 overall, sixth among males 15-19.
Hugh Long of Atmore finished first in the male 70-74 age group with a time of 28:28.1.
Dale Ash of Atmore was the top area walker in the Firecracker 5K, finishing ninth overall and first among females 40-49.
The race raised over $26,000 for the Ronald McDonald House.
Other North Escambia area runners and walkers are listed below, followed by their city, age, age group finish and time:
Top North Escambia area Firecracker 5K Runners:
- 5 Matt Dobson Jay FL 39 1M 35-39 16:28.8
- 6 Alan Ash Atmore AL 18 1M 15·19 16:34.5
- 31 John Nguyen Cantonment FL 16 6 M 15-19 19:28.0
- 45 James Dillard Cantonment FL 5 M35-39 20:31.3
- 64 Deanna Stewart Jay FL 22 1 F 20-24 21:25.2
- 85 Kevin P James Cantonment FL 26 9 M 25-29
- 66 D Rachel Yonke Cantonment FL 24 2 F 20-24 21:33.5
- 87 Matthew Yonke Cantonment FL 28 11 M 26-29 22:31.2
- 92 Matt Ash Atmore AL 20 11 M 20·24 22:45.2
- 107 Mark W. Gibson Cantonment FL 52 10 M 50-54 23:09,5
- 119 Danny Gainey Cantonment FL 42 7 M 40-44 23:46.1
- 124 Thomas Sapp Cantonment FL 43 8 M 40-44 23:54.0
- 173 Chris Dufour Cantonment FL 35 19M 35-39 25:30.1
- 193 James Alan Ash Atmore AL 61 16 M 50-54 25:58.2
- 223 Tom Richardson Cantonment FL 44 11 M 40-44 26:49.5
- 225 Melanie Garrett CantonmElnt FL 32 10 F 30-34 26:52.6
- 240 Brooke RowlllI Cantonment Fl 28 8 F 26-29 27:07.
- 247 Sue l James Cantonment FL 53 2 F 50-54 27:18.3
- 264 Richard Thomas Murray Cantonmant FL 39 24 M 35-39 27:40.5
- 267 Lynn Lambeth Flomaton AL 45 6 F 45-49 27:42.2
- 271 Scott Wilford Cantonment FL 37 25 M35·39 27:45.7
- 276 Keegan Lambeth Flomaton AL 18 30 M 15-19 27:48.8
- 295 Hugh Long Atmore AL 72 1M 70-74 28:28.1
- 320 Earnest White Flomaton AL 54 20M 50-54 29:24.6
- 333 Robert Bath Molino FL 58 11 M 55-59 29:56.9
- 383 Robyn Sapp Cantonment FL 35 9 F 35-39 31:19.1
- 394 Steve Lambeth Flomaton AL 48 32 M 45-49 31:37.9
- 415 Brian K McGill Atmore AL 49 34 M 45·49 32:11.9
- 455 Jo Nolin Flomaton AL 59 4 F 65·59 33:21.4
- 462 Dee Ann Keliy Cantonment FL 35 19 F 35-39 33:29.7
- 477 Mary Nixon Molino FL 55 5 F 55·59 34:14.6
- 504 Victoria Fox Cantonment FL 26 23 F 25-29 35:13.3
- 515 Dawn Thomas Cantonment FL 44 23 F 40-44 35:36.2
- 537 Terry Kelly Atmore AL 45 39 M 45·49 36:31.7
- 538 Kimberly Kelly Atmore AL 41 24 F 40·44 36:33.0
- 539 Katherine S McGill Atmore AL 49 24F 4549 36:33.8
- 560 Amanda Patterson Cantonment FL 37 28 F 35-39 37:09.2
- 562 Erica Bondurant Atmore AL 27 27 F 25-29 37:13.8
- 572 Emily Russell Jay FL 12 5 F 10-14 37:42.8
- 573 Alison Russell Jay FL 14 6 F 10-14 37:44.3
- 575 Terri Dufour Cantonment FL 30 41 F 30-34 37:53.7
- 579 Pamela Clark Cantonment FL 37 31 F 35-39 38:02.0
- 587 Cecily Sauls Cantonment FL 46 27 F 45-49 38:47.9
- 603 Stephanie Boyett Cantonment FL 30 47 F 30-34 40:12.8
- 606 Jill Conner Flomaton AL 32 49 F 30-34 40:17.3
- 636 Nathan Gainey Cantonment FL 9 4M 0·9 41:54.6
- 645 Rai Lopez Cantonment FL 43 36 F 4044 42:34.2
- 650 Juie Russell Jay FL 37 37 F 35-39 43:28.2
- 655 Susan Hendrix Molino FL 45 33 F 45·49 43:35.6
- 662 Cyndi Jolly Cantonment FL 56 14 F 55·59 43:57.2
- 694 Shawna Moore Flomaton AL 23 23 F 20-24 51:02.4
Top North Escambia area Firecracker 5K Walkers:
- 9 Dale Ash Atmore AL 49 1 F 40·49 40:02.1
- 16 Candace R. Gibson Cantonment FL 56 3 F 50-59 41:55.2
- 33 Robyn Klumpp Cantonment FL 34 4 F 30-39 45:44.4
- 34 Phillip Klumpp Cantonment FL 43 2 M 40-49 45:44.9
- 49 Kathy Walker Cantonment FL 36 9F 30-39 48:06.9
- 56 Sandy Russell Cantonment FL 50 13 F 50·59 48:23.8
- 62 Susan Jernigan Cantonment FL 36 10 F 30-39 49:51.3
- 63 Nancy Pelfrey Cantonment FL 54 18 F 50-59 49:51.6
- 70 Brandi Morris Cantonment FL 27 2 F 20-29 50:21.6
- 73 Sherry Cunningham Century FL 55 3 F 60-69 50:59.5
Pictured above: Runners start the Firecracker 5K Saturday morning in Pensacola. Submitted photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.