Tate Aggies Fall To The Escambia Gators (With Gallery)
November 2, 2024
The Escambia Gators defeated the Tate Aggies 34-14 Friday night in Cantonment to end the 2024 regular season.
The Aggies scored on 2-yard keeper from senior quarterback Taite Davis in the third quarter. Tate scored again on an 83-yard Carson Carson Secchiari touchdown run to tie it up 14-14 with 1:08 in the third, but the Gators battled back for the win.
For a photo gallery, click here.
“We got back in and got the momentum,” Tate head coach Rhett Summerford said. “We just couldn’t finish. ”
“I think we have a good enough team to be in,” Summerford said. “We didn’t who show it tonight. We’ve got to figure that out.”
The Tate Aggies, now at 7-3 were ranked seventh in the region heading into Friday night’s contest. It’s now a final wait and see to find out oi the Aggies are playoff bound with an at-large bid. Escambia (8-2) is guaranteed a playoff spot with the District 1-4A title.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Friday Night High School Scoreboard
November 2, 2024
Here are Friday night high school football schedule from the North Escambia area:
FLORIDA
- Escambia 34 Tate 14 [Story, photos..]
- Jay 49, J.U. Blacksher 23
- Pensacola 50, Gulf Breeze 25
- Pine Forest 19, West Florida 9
- Pace 48, Milton 0
- Central 34, Wewahitchka 28
- Pensacola Catholic 31, St. John Paul II 24
- Niceville 35, Navarre 7
- Flomaton 6, Northview 0 [Thursday-Story, photos...]
- Bye: Washington
ALABAMA
- Flomaton 6, Northview 0 [Thursday-Story, photos...]
- T.R. Miller 49, W.S. Neal 12
Pictured: The Tate Aggies fell to the 34-14 to the Escambia Gators Friday night. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Flomaton Gets Past Northview 6-0 In Season Ender
November 1, 2024
The Northview Chiefs came close to ending their season with a win, but they just could not find explosive plays and fell short to the Flomaton Hurricanes 6-0 Thursday night in Bratt.
The game remained scoreless until well into the fourth quarter, when NyZavion French scored on a 9-yard run for Flomaton with 5 minutes to go in the game. The extra point kick was short, giving the Hurricanes a 6-0 advantage.
For a photo gallery, click here.
Northview was able to drive to about the 30-yard line, but momentum was cut short with Dane King was sacked. Then Flomaton had to just run out the clock, but Canes fumbled it away with just 42.7 seconds to go in the game. Northview’s Jackson Helton recovered, giving the Chiefs less than a minute to for a tie and a possible win with a touchdown and a good kick.
On the final play, a pass from Northview’s Dane King to Same Reid was incomplete at time expired.
“I’m so proud of our kids. I thought we had a chance in there and fought hard, gave it all our effort,” Northview head coach Wes Summerford said. “We needed that big play, and I don’t think that big play ever happened. But we played an outstanding game. That’s one of the best games that I’ve seen in a couple of months, and so I’m proud of our kids for that.”
Despite the win, Flomaton head coach Doug Vickery said he felt like Canes fell short in their performance.
“That’s probably the worst game we’ve played all year,” Vickery said, crediting Northview for a good battle. “I told them before the game, you just don’t ever know. It’s like Alabama-Auburn; it’s such a rivalry game you just never know.
“You can’t talk enough about how great these kids are,” Summerford said about the Chiefs. “We all know it is a disappointing season, but the way they responded in the end is exactly what I came to Northview for and what I expect out of Northview.”
“We had a big talk t today about adversity and things like that and battling that, and how that is going to happen in life,” Summerford said. “That’s football. That’s lessons that nobody can teach that football teaches you. I’m so proud of our kids.”
The Flomaton Hurricanes finished their season at 6-4.
For a photo gallery, click here.
The Northview Chiefs ended 2024 at 2-8 as they have opted out of an experimental “B” playoff bracket for the bottom 16 FHSAA Rural Division teams that could have seen Northview traveling 800 miles to nearly Key West to take on Marathon High School. The FHSAA experiment is something Summerford said the program just can’t financially afford.
“I want our sports here to be successful; I just don’t think that is a good thing for us, but it may be a good thing for other teams,” he said, noting that several Northview football players also play basketball for the Chiefs in a season that begins soon.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Tate Golfers Ben Robinson And Baylor Touchstone Qualify For Regionals
November 1, 2024
Two Tate High School boys golfers are advancing to regional play next week.
Ben Robinson and Baylor Touchstone, both sophomores, qualified to compete in the 2024 Boys Golf 3A Regional in Port Orange, Florida, on Monday.
From 3A District 1, the Pace and Chiles teams advanced to state.
In girls 3A District 1, Niceville and Pace are headed to state.
Pictured top: Tate golfers Baylor Touchstone (left) and Ben Robinson are headed to regionals on Monday. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Northview’s Anna Kunke Win 1A District Title; Northview Team Qualifies For Regionals
October 30, 2024
Northview High School’s Anna Kunkel won the 1A district championship shooting a 69 at the Eagle Spring Golf Course in DeFuniak Springs.
Pensacola Catholic claimed victory in the competition, finishing with a score of 343 Walton took second place with a score of 413, followed by Baker in third at 418.
Northview placed fifth in the tournament and qualified for regionals, with a score of 441. Jay came in sixth, close behind with a score of 450.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
No. 23 UWF Takes Down Shorter for Fourth Straight Win
October 27, 2024
A fast start for UWF’s football team on Saturday became solid enough.
The No. 23-ranked Argos scored three touchdowns in the first 14 minutes and went on to a 35-16 victory against the Shorter Hawks at PenAir Field, enabling UWF to sweep October with four consecutive wins.
“Obviously excited about a good win and to get another W in the column,” said UWF coach Kaleb Nobles. “There’s so many things to the outside eye that we’re focusing on to try and clean up and get better at.
“We got to celebrate the wins. I thought we played well on offense in the first half. We’ve got to finish better in the red zone (inside opponent’s 20-yard line) and we’ve got to improve and keep trying to find the best way to keep going in the red zone. I thought we played very well on defense.”
The Argos missed chances to extend the lead in the second quarter, including a 15-play drive that ended with UWF missing on eight plays inside the 10 to score a touchdown. Twice, Shorter was flagged for penalties that provided more chances.
UWF scored early in the third quarter, then added a final touchdown with 1:52 remaining.
“If we can figure out ways to score in the red zone on a couple of those drives in the second quarter, I think it changes things and gives a better feeling,” Nobles said. “We got to score and make the most of an opportunity when we get into the red zone.”
It’s something the Argos (5-2) plan to make a focal point as they head into the final three games of the season that will determine a post-season chance. Up next is a first-time trip next Saturday to Erskine College (1-5) in South Carolina for a game that will also count in the Gulf South Conference standings.
“It’s one guy on every play not doing his job and it affects the rest of the play,” Nobles said. “And so, when you get down near the goal line, everything is under a microscope, every block is important. If you’re not going to run the quarterback, you have a free guy (on defense) somewhere that the running back has to run through. It is small things that are definitely fixable if our guys will commit to understand they have to trust their teammates and do their job and not try to overthink things.”
UWF’s defense allowed just a field goal in the first half and yielded just 12 first downs. The group was led by junior Ja’Kobe Clinton with nine tackles, four of which were tackles for a loss, along with an interception later in the fourth quarter.
Clinton, a Sanford native, who transferred from Valdosta State after he joined the team last winter. He credits UWF defensive coordinator Kavell Conner with taking his game to a higher level.
“Coach Conner always tells us that we have to practice with urgency,” Clinton said. “I try to implement that every day in my mind. We play together as a collective unit and we when we step out on that field, we feel nobody can touch us. Every time we step on that field we just have to attack, attack.”
That’s what he did throughout Saturday’s game, along with Walker Robinson and Tyrence Crutcher, who had five tackles apiece. They were among 11 members of UWF’s defense that had multiple tackles.
Nobles’ concern, however, was UWF’s defense was on the field for 64 plays. He wants that number reduced in November with the Argos in the hunt for a GSC championship.
“I thought they did a phenomenal job,” Nobles said. “But you start getting out there for 65-70 plays, you’re eventually going to get tired. We had a couple guys banged up. Ralph Ortiz (second leading tackler) didn’t play. Traevon Mitchell (third leading tackler) didn’t play. Those two are two of the top guys in the country.”
Offensively, quarterback Marcus Stokes had another quality game, completing 20 of 33 passes for 271 yards, three touchdowns and only one interception.
Stokes threw a 7-yard TD pass to Jake Robinette in the first quarter, then hit Mikaiah Stephenson on a 43-yard score in the third quarter and finished the UWF scoring with a 29-yard catch-and-run by Jay Sharp in the fourth quarter.
TJ Lane was UWF’s top rusher with 75 yards.
Both Nobles and players credited the hot October streak to changing up things in practice as well as other preparation type of elements.
“I’m proud of how they have responded,” Nobles said. “There are certainly a lot of points and plays left out there that we could make moving forward.”
“Our backs were against the wall,” said Clinton, referring to the 1-2 start on the sesaon. “We had to come out swinging.”
The Argos have one final home game on Nov. 9 against North Greenville (4-3, 3-1) which won in four overtimes Saturday against Delta State – the team UWF last beat at home and then had the Statesmen knock off previously unbeaten West Alabama last week.
“We just try to come in every day and be 100 percent better,” Clinton said. “We’re not worried about the record, we’re not worried who we’re playing. All we are worried about is the Argos and what the Argos have to be and come out ready to play.”
WHAT’S NEXT?
WHO: UWF Argos vs. Erskine Flying Fleet
WHEN: Saturday, Nov. 2, 1 p.m. (Central Time)
WHERE: J.W. Babb Stadium, Greenwood, South Carolina
Photo: Emily Miller/UWF for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Ice Flyers Fall 5-2 To Birmingham Bulls (With Gallery)
October 27, 2024
The Pensacola Ice Flyers’ early season struggles continued Saturday night with the team falling to the visiting Birmingham Bulls with a 5-2 final in front of a crowd of 4,602 at the Pensacola Bay Center on Small Dog Race Night.
For a photo gallery, click here.
Here’s a quick recap of how the game unfolded:
1st Period
Cameron Cook started the scoring for the Ice Flyers with an assist by Matt Wiesner at with 9:25 on the clock.
The Bulls quickly answered with a goal from Kyler Mathews, assisted by Drake Glover and Carson Rose, with 7:37 left in the 1st.
2nd Period
Carson Rose took the lead for the Bulls early in the second period with an unassisted goal with 16:59 on the clock.
Rose found the back of the net again with an assist from Nikita Koyzrev shortly after extending the Bulls lead to 3-1.
MacGregor Sinclair brought the Bulls’ lead to 4-1 with an assist from Arkhip Ledziankou with 3:03 left in the period.
3rd Period
Matt Wiesner added a boost to the Ice Flyers with a goal assisted by Tim Faulkner and Shane Bull four minutes into the period bringing the score to 2-4.
Kolten Olynek hit on an empty net with :41 seconds left in the game securing the Bulls 5-2 win.
What’s Next?
- Next Game: Friday, November 1 at Roanoke
- Next Home Game: Friday, November 8.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Tate Aggies Beat Crestview 54-30 (With Photo Gallery)
October 26, 2024
The Tate Aggies beat the Crestview Bulldogs 54-30 Friday night on Carl Madison Field in Pete Gindl Stadium.
Win the win, the Aggies improve to 7-2, matching wins for their best season since 2007 when they went 7-4. But more importantly, Friday night was a battle to keep that last spot in the playoffs for the Aggies, ranked No. 8 in the region.
For a photo gallery, click here. Look for band, cheerleaders and other bonus photos soon on NorthEscambia.com.
The Aggies scored with two touchdowns from Elijah West, two from Laquarius Bradford, one from Carson Secchiari, and two from from Christian Neptune, who is back from injury status. Quarterback Taite Davis also scored on a keeper.
“It’s a great looking scoreboard,” head coach Rhett Summerford said following the win. “Hats off to our defense. The offense kind of clicked also.”
“It was nice to get No 1. (Neptune) back so that we have both sides of the offense that we can throw to and still a strong running game,” he said about the pivotal district win.
“Tonight before the game, I simply said, hey 1-0, that’s all we’ve got to do, and they responded tonight,” the head coach said.
Summer the Aggies will do it again next week against Escambia. The Gators are riding a five-game winning streak at 7-2.
“It’s exciting to see Tate be in the district picture. I know Pace is probably number one, but, hey, we are getting there, and I’m proud of our guys.”
For a photo gallery, click here.
During Friday night’s game, an injured Crestview player was transported off the field by Escambia County EMS. An update on his condition was not available.
Picture top: Carson Secchiari scores a touchdown for the Tate Aggies Friday night against Crestview. Inset: Back from an injury, Christian Neptune goes up to catch a pass. Below: Elijah West with a catch in the endzone for a touchdown. Second below: Taite Davis on a quarterback keeper. Third below: Christian Neptune with a touchdown reception. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Friday Night High School Scoreboard
October 26, 2024
FLORIDA
- Tate 54, Crestview 30 [Story, photos...]
- Jay 41, Wewahitchka 0
- Pensacola High 28, West Florida 21
- Escambia 14, Pine Forest 13
- Pensacola Catholic 55, South Walton 6
- Washington 49, Destin 8
- Pace 35, Navarre 7
- Niceville 43, Milton 3
- Mosley 48, Gulf Breeze 7
- Lighthouse Private Christian Academy 30, Central 22
- Bye: Northview
ALABAMA
- Flomaton 21, Cottage Hill 0
- T.R. Miller 43, Bayside Academy 0
- W.S. Neal 33, Mobile Christian 12
- Hillcrest (Evergreen) 45, Escambia County (Atmore) 22
- Bessemer 2, Escambia Academy 0*
*Escambia Academy has forfeited all remaining games due to injuries.
Pictured: The Tate Aggies beat Crestview 54-30 Friday night. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge
Huntsville Havoc Spoil Ice Flyers Season Opener
October 21, 2024
by Bill Vilona, Ice Flyers Correspondent
The Ice Flyers knew their season-opener Saturday night would provide a gauge, facing a veteran team that reached the league’s championship series a year ago.
The results were mixed.
Amid the positive elements with a group of rookie players, the Ice Flyers couldn’t answer the Huntsville Havoc’s second period lead and wound up in a 4-1 loss, before a crowd of 6,032 for the season debut at the Pensacola Bay Center.
The crowd and the energy were among the best for an opening night in franchise history. Included in the crowd was former Ice Flyers great Adam Pawlick, one of the franchise greatest players, who began a new element with a drum beat before the game.
“It was a great showing from our fan base again,” said Ice Flyers coach Gary Graham. “What an environment for our guys to see. We obviously know the elephant in the room… we have a lot of new players this year and I think that was a great example of what this town is and how exciting it is to be an Ice Flyer and play here.
“I thought everything was great on that side of things. I loved our first period. I thought with only having a couple days with practice for a lot of these guys, I thought we came together pretty quickly.
“What I didn’t like, we had two wide open, back-door goals in the first period that should have been goals. A two on one in the second period and we don’t get a shot off. We started trying to get too cute with the puck and we talked about this last year. We are not going to put up with that this year. We have to be a team that constantly shoots and gets to the net.”
The game’s defining moment occurred seconds after the Ice Flyers had killed off a penalty. As Troy Button exited the penalty box, the Havoc’s Jack Jaunich skated into the Ice Flyers zone and got a wrist shot through traffic above the faceoff circles that found the net.
That goal with 15:05 left, “I think someone must have skated in front of (Ice Flyers goaltender Kevin Resop) and that definitely let the air out of the sails a little bit.”
With four minutes remaining, his team trailing 3-1, Graham pulled Resop for an extra attacker. The Ice Flyers got some chances, but eventually the Havoc got a goal on an empty net with 1:12 remaining.
The Ice Flyers will have this week to practice and refocus for back-to-back games next week at Huntsville, then back home against Birmingham. The Havoc beat Birmingham in overtime 5-4 on Friday night.
Graham said he was encouraged by most of what he saw Saturday and will continue to get some things worked on during this week of practice.
Here’s a few elements about the game.
FIRST PERIOD
The game’s first two goals occurred just 21 seconds apart. The Havoc scored first when Jaunich gathered a rebound in front of the net, moved right and flicked the puck over a sprawling Resop with 13:35 left.
Soon after the ensuing faceoff, Tyler Adams scored his first pro goal on a rebound to tie the game.
And then, the fans were energized by a terrific fight between the Ice Flyers’ newcomer Kolby Johnson and Huntsville’s Dominick Procopio. Both landed haymakers, but Johnson landed more and eventually knocked Procopio to the ice with a punch and then got the crowd going even louder.
With 6:14 left, Ice Flyers newcomer Natan Vertes wristed a shot that seemed a sure goal, until Havoc goaltender Brian Wilson made the save of the game with his glove to thwart Vertes. Another newcomer Greg Smith also was turned away by Wilson on a point blank shot with 2:22 left.
Wilson finished the game with 32 saves.
SECOND PERIOD
Huntsville scored the only goal of the period on a rebound shot by Doug Elgstam with 8:13 remaining. The two-on-one opportunity the Ice Flyers had that Graham reference happened less than a minute later, but ended without a shot.
The period had only one penalty.
THIRD PERIOD
The Ice Flyers Cameron Cook nearly scored a shorthanded goal when he got a breakaway less than three minutes into the period. But again, Wilson turned away his backhand shot and Huntsville then responded with its third goal
GAME NOTABLES
The Ice Flyers honored their former service dog-in-training, Ranger, who is now the best pup friend of a young special needs boy. He was there with his parents and Ranger, part of the partnership the Ice Flyers have with Canine Companions.
Adam Pawlick led the Ice Flyers to two SPHL championship and was the league’s top scorer during 10 years ago during that season. He returned to begin a new tradition the Ice Flyers have started with a drum beat to begin the game.
NEXT PUCK DROP
- WHO: Ice Flyers at Huntsville Havoc
- WHEN: Friday (Oct 25), 7 p.m.
- WHERE: Propst Arena, Huntsville, Ala.