UWF’s Special Season Ends In National Semifinal Loss To Ferris State
December 11, 2022
The amazing post-season magic that UWF’s football team was always able to generate this time vanished at the worst possible time.
After rallying from a 17-3 deficit in the second quarter to tie the game at halftime, the Argos committed mistakes on their first three, second-half possessions, and it led to a 38-17 loss Saturday against defending national champion Ferris State in the NCAA Division II national semifinal at Top Taggart Field.
The Argos (12-2) had won all nine previous road playoff games – many of those in comeback fashion — including the one at Ferris State in the 2019 semifinal game that vaulted UWF to its historic national title.
But in this match of the past two champions – there was no D-2 title in the 2020 season halted by the coronavirus – it was Ferris State seizing control in the second half.
“Obviously, this moment is bitter, but I am extremely pleased with the season and what we were able to do,” said UWF coach Pete Shinnick, whose team had won its last 16 road games overall. “Not many teams get to play this far and just disappointed the way this thing ended.”
The big picture, however, is that UWF played in its third national semifinal in the six-year history of the program. Each time the Argos advanced this far, the semifinal game was on the road in a cold-weather place. Twice before, the Argos flew back to Pensacola with a championship game berth.
Game time temperature Saturday was 33 degrees and snow began to fall in the final minute of the game. But UWF was unfazed by the conditions in coming back from a sizeable deficit in the first half. The Argos scored two touchdowns in the final seven minutes of the second quarter to gain the emotional edge at halftime.
“I thought we could create from the first half and I thought we could be right where we wanted,” Shinnick said. “But the opening drive didn’t go the way we hoped, and they just kept capitalizing on things and it hurt us. Not the second half we hoped for.”
Ferris State (13-1) rushed for 325 yards and scored all five touchdowns on the ground. Marcus Taylor had 182 yards on the ground with a score, and Carson Gulker added 64 with three touchdowns.
UWF traveled home Saturday night after a season where the Argos came back from a double-overtime, home loss to Delta State to win 10 consecutive games in reaching this stage.
“A phenomenal season,” Shinnick said. “And hard to reflect on that when this thing (Saturday loss) is just present in your mind right now. But our guys did so much this year and accomplished so many things and I couldn’t be prouder of them.”
The game changed on two plays early in the second half.
UWF got the ball coming out of halftime and was on a 13-play drive when failing to convert on a 4th-and-2 play at the Ferris State 34. UWF quarterback Peewee Jarrett misfired a pass to David Durden.
Ferris State’s offense took over again. The Bulldogs took the lead in just nine plays on a 3-yard run.
On the ensuing possession, the Argos then committed a game-changing turnover when quarterback Peewee Jarrett was sacked by Caleb Murphy, his 25th of the season and Murphy was able to dislodge the ball.
Ferris State safety Travis Miracle recovered at the UWF 36. Mylik Mitchell, who threw just nine passes, had his biggest one on a 24-yard competition to the 1. It led to a third rushing touchdown by freshman backup quarterback, Gulker, who proved to be a force the entire game against UWF.
That gave Ferris State a two-touchdown lead just 31 seconds into the fourth quarter. On UWF’s next possession, the Argos tried to fake a punt from their 42 on a 4th-and-5 situation, but Ferris State’s defense snuffed it out.
The Bulldogs were back in the end zone eight plays later with the game-sealing score.
The Argos were only able to generate 298 yards total offense in the game, including just 83 yards in the second half. They entered the game as the second-most prolific offense in Division II, averaging 453 yards per-game. Included in that total was 243.2 yards rushing.
Saturday, the Argos had just 113 yards on the ground. The Argos also did not get a turnover, after forcing 42 in their previous 14 post-season games, including six turnovers, four of which were returned for touchdowns, in last week’s blowout win against Wingate in the Super Region 2 championship game in Pensacola.
Like many games this season, the Argos fell behind early in Saturday’s game. Ferris State used a 13-play, game-opening drive that used 6:28 off the clock to take a 7-0 lead.
The Argos answered with their own drive, attaining a first-and-goal from the 7. But two running plays and incomplete passes forced settling for a Griffin Cerra field goal.
Ferris State then scored touchdowns the next two times the Bulldogs had the ball. They had a 4th-and-2 situation from their own 42 and chose to go for it. UWF’s defense rose up and got the stop.
Two plays later, the Argos were back in the game on Jarrett’s 40-yard touchdown pass to David Durden, who later had to leave the game in the fourth quarter with an ankle injury.
Again, UWF’s defense got a stop. Again, UWF’s offense answered. This time, Jarrett capped a 7-play, 74-yard drive by rushing in from the 10 with 1:22 left in the half.
It seemed another second half comeback win was possible for UWF. But on this day, it never developed at all in the second half.
Jarrett threw for 185 yards on 9-of-16 with one TD pass. He also ran for 35 yards. Shomari Mason had 36 yards on the ground and CJ Wilson had 30. Durden had three receptions for 98 yards.
The Northview Chiefs Head To State (With Photo Gallery)
December 10, 2022
The Northview Chiefs headed toward Tallahassee Friday afternoon for Saturday night’s state football championship.
For a photo gallery, click or tap here.
For a photo gallery from Bratt and Byrneville Elem., click or tap here.
After a big sendoff at the school, the Chiefs traveled to Bratt Elementary School, Ernest Ward Middle School and Byrneville Elementary School to the delight of sign-waving “little chiefs”.
The Northview Chiefs will face Hawthorne (11-0) in the state 1R championship game. Hawthorne is coming off a 28-0 shutout of Blountstown Friday night. The FHSAA 1-Rural state title game will be played at 7 p.m. (EST) on Saturday at Gene Cox Stadium in Tallahassee.
Pictured: The Chiefs sendoff Friday at Northview High School, and fans lined the East Highway 4 in Century. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Chiefs Flashback: Northview’s 2012 Football State Championship (With Photo Galleries)
December 10, 2022
It’s been a decade since the Northview Chiefs brought home their one and only football state championship.
For a NorthEscambia.com 2012 state championship flashback photo gallery, click or tap here.
Northview’s current 2022 quarterback Kaden Odom, a little shorter 10 years ago, was at the game in Orlando, as many of the 2022 Chiefs were with their families.
Northview football and Northview fans are family.
And tonight, the family is looking to do it again the Chiefs play Hawthorne at 7 p.m. (EST) Saturday in Tallahassee.
NorthEscambia.com was there a decade ago. Today, we are looking back at Northview Chiefs 2012 1A state champion with our game story and photos from Orlando.
Here is the NorthEscambia.com story from on December 8, 2012:
Northview Chiefs Win Florida 1A State Championship
The Northview High School Chiefs won the Florida Class 1A football championship Friday night in Orlando, beating the Trenton Tigers 42-21.
The road to Orlando had been oh so long for the Chiefs — losing out the past couple of years at the state semi-final level — making the victory oh so much sweeter Friday night.
The state title is the first ever for Northview, the only Escambia or Santa Rosa County team to make the Citrus Bowl in Orlando this year.
There were 3,609 fans on hand for Friday night’s game — over 1,500 of them making the road tip from North Escambia.
After a scoreless first quarter, La’Mikal Kyles scored for the Chiefs on a 58 yard run with 11:07 on the clock. And the Chiefs were just getting warmed up. Chad Smith was in with 8:25 in the half on a 20 yard blocked punt return.And LaDarius Thomas scored on a two-yard run with just 34 seconds in the half. With good kicks from Kevin Vaughan on all three touchdowns, the Chiefs held a 21-0 dominating lead at the half.
Trenton scored on a three yard run in the third, while Northview scored twice in the quarter. Neino Robinson had a 79 yard kickoff return, and Brannon Freeman added a touchdown with a 28 yard run.
Northview had one touchdown, a six-yard run from Kevin Vaughan, in the fourth, while Trenton scored twice. As the clock wound down, the Chiefs won the 1A championship 42-21.
Kyles finished the night with 113 yards and one touchdown on 12 attempts. Freeman had a touchdown and 61 yards on 11 attempts, and Thomas also added a TD and 39 yards on 10 attempts.
Trenton covered more artificial turf that Northview in the Citrus Bowl — 270 yards to Northview’s 226.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
What You Need To Know: Northview State Championship Game, Tickets
December 6, 2022
The Northview Chiefs (13-0) will face Hawthorne (11-0) in the state 1R championship game.
Here’s the info game you need to know:
- When: Saturday, Dec. 10 at 7 p.m. (EST)
- Where: Gene Cox Stadium, 601 Paul Russell Road, Tallahassee
- Tickets: $14 in advance, $17 the day off, plus convenience fee. $2 cost of parking is included at the ticket. Purchase only at GoFan. Under age 3 is free.
- Weather: Saturday: Sunny, 74. Saturday night: Partly cloudy, low 54. Sunday: Mostly sunny, 20% rain, high 71.
Look for more pre-game coverage this week on NorthEscambia.com, plus post-game coverage beginning Sunday.
Molino Recreation Baseball, Softball Registration Open
December 6, 2022
Registration is now open for the Molino Recreation Association at Don Sutton Park for the 2023 baseball, softball, and t-ball seasons.
To register, click or tap here.
Registration is open through January 10 for softball and January 22 for baseball and t-ball on a first come, first available basis.
The baseball draft is January 24-27 and practice begins January 30. Opening day is March 4 and games end on May 5.
Tate Varsity Cheerleaders Get Clean Sweep In Tampa; JV Gets National Invite
December 4, 2022
It was a clean sweep for the Tate Aggies varsity cheerleaders in Tampa.
The varsity squad took first place at the UCA Regionals, first place in the traditional routine out of 18 teams and first place in game day out of four teams.
Their performance earned the varsity two bids to Nationals — one in the game day division and one in traditional.
The Tate JV cheerleaders also competed and received a bid to Nationals.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
UWF Advances To National Semifinals With 45-14 Win Over Wingate
December 4, 2022
In another mind-boggling way, UWF’s football team produced its latest gem and newest rarefied place.
The Argos wowed with four defensive touchdowns, a feat which may be unmatched in recent college postseason history, en route to rolling past Wingate, 45-14, Saturday to win the Super Region 2 championship at Pen Air Field. The blowout win, matching the Argos’ biggest point differential in postseason, sends them into the NCAA Division II national semifinals for the third time in UWF’s six-year, program history.
Three of those defensive scores came in succession to start the second half. It meant by the time UWF’s offense actually took a snap in the third quarter, less than a minute remained and it was 45-7.
“What an amazing game,” said UWF coach Pete Shinnick, who then added, jokingly. “Just really disappointed in our offense that only had the ball for 56 seconds in the third quarter. I have never seen a third quarter like we had.
“It might be one of the best, if not the best defensive effort I have ever seen in my life. Fired up about that.”
Adding to the emotional joy, the sixth-ranked Argos (12-1) will play next Saturday at fifth-ranked Ferris State (12-1), located in Big Rapids, Michigan, next Saturday at 11 a.m. (CST) for a chance to reach the Division II national championship game for a third time and extend a record as the fastest startup college football program to attain this kind of success.
UWF won at Ferris State 28-14 on December 14, 2019, in that year’s semifinals to advance to the national title game the Argos won against Minnesota State in McKinney, Texas.
Already, UWF’s third region championship is fifth-best, all-time, among South Region teams in D-2 history.
“It really has been different groups each time,” said Shinnick, who was hired in 2014, two years before UWF’s inaugural first game. “(2017) was a special time with it being the first. We won (national title) in ‘19 and this is a brand new start of another group.
“The University of West Florida is an amazing place. We’ve known that since the beginning. And we just continue to find the right pieces to make this program what it is.”
Seven different UWF players scored touchdowns. Only two were offensive guys. Three were pick-6, interception returns from Anthony Johnson Jr, Keon Voison and Kode Lowe, who combined to tie the NCAA Division II playoff record for interception scores in a game.
“It was something special. I have never seen something like that,” said UWF star linebacker Will Breland, who recovered a fumble, forced a fumble, had an interception and a quarterback pressure that led to one of those pick-6 scores.
“Two or three of those defensive scores, I was on the sideline, waiting to get in and right back out there, when we had guys scoring.”
All of this flurry of astonishment occurred after Wingate scored the game’s first touchdown with under five minutes left in the first quarter. UWF only led 10-7 with less than three minutes left before halftime.
And then, dynamite ignited.
As linebacker Lowe applied pressure, Wingate grad-senior quarterback Shaw Crocker rushed a throw that Johnson Jr. swiped out of the air and returned 36 yards for a score to make it 17-7 with 2:33 left.
“I felt that was a big play in the game,” Johnson Jr. said. “We really needed that. We trust our offense always, but sometimes we (defense) have to make plays, too.”
On the ensuing possession from the Wingate 40, Breland intercepted a Crocker pass and returned it 22 yards with 53 seconds left in the first half. Eight plays, two timeouts later, UWF quarterback Peewee Jarrett took a snap with 4.9 seconds left from the 5 and threw a perfect dart to Jakobe Quillen for a touchdown as time expired.
“I was like, okay we owe the defense here and we owe them a couple touchdowns,” said Jarrett, who passed for just 149 yards in the game with limited possessions.
Said Shinnick: “Pewee is on the sidelines (during timeout) telling me, “Coach I will get (pass) off in time. I will get it before 4.9 seconds. And he didn’t… but he threw a touchdown.”
In all, UWF forced six turnovers. The defense outscored the Argos offense 28-17.
“We never really got to do what we planned,” said Wingate coach Joe Reich, whose team was playing in the Super Region 2 championship/national quarterfinals for the first time in team history. “We turned the ball over and It’s like you never get a chance to get started.”
Wingate (11-3) ranked No. 22 entering the game, was UWF’s first-round playoff opponent in 2017 and 2019, both years the Argos went to the national title game.
This Wingate team, however, boasted a defense that had allowed opponents just 10.2 points per-game and was ranked second nationally in scoring defense, third nationally in total defense.
“We’re thinking okay (after scoring first), this is what we expect,” Reich said. “But I had a concern coming into the game, we play really hard and I was concerned about penalties, because we played this song before on occasion.
“And then you add the turnovers into it and it’s a recipe for disaster. And that’s what happened.”
Wingate committed six first-half penalties, four of which were personal fouls, as both teams engaged in post-play jawing and shoving at times.
And when Wingate got the ball to start the third quarter, the Bulldogs committed the first of three turnovers on consecutive possessions to put the game out of reach.
On the seventh play of the second half, Will Breland made a big hit on Crocker to dislodge the ball. Johnson scooped up the fumble and went 37 yards for a touchdown. Wingate ran five plays the next time it got the ball. On the sixth play, Voison made his big interception and went 64 yards for a score.
“We were going good, and I really felt like it was going to be a back-and-forth game and we never got back on track,” Reich said. “Turnovers just crushed us. And we lost some discipline. That’s on me. I take responsibility for that. We got to do better than that.
“Pete Shinnick, we’ve been competing against each other for a long time, and he’s one the best coaches in any division right now. His teams are just phenomenal. So well coached. I give them the credit.”
Lowe’s interception and 31-yard score came with 6:59 left, which meant UWF’s offense with Jarrett taking a snap did not occur until 3:03 left in the third quarter.
“This is the first time I have ever made the playoffs with any team, so to be able to be a factor and help our team win games is great,” said Jarrett.
GAME NOTABLES
— While it was a tough day for UWF placekicker Griffin Cerra, who missed two field goals (he made a 32-yarder to give UWF the lead for good in the second quarter) and had an extra point go awry on a bad snap, he had a heart-warming week.
On Monday, Cerra missed practice and traveled to Seattle, Washington to donate special plasma needed to save a life through the Be The Match. The 4-hour procedure was successful, and Cerra returned the following day.
“He’s had an amazing week,” Shinnick said. “He’s probably done more in a week than any of us will ever do in a week in our lifetime.”
— Since 1990, a school from the Gulf South Conference has advanced to the Division II national semifinals 25 of the last 31 seasons.
— The Argos have now forced 42 turnovers in 14 playoff games.
Photo: Morgan Givens/UWF
Undefeated Northview Chiefs Head To State With 21-11 Win Over Union County (With Gallery)
December 3, 2022
It’s been a decade since the Northview Chiefs brought a state championship trophy back to Bratt, but they have a little trip to Tallahassee planned to pick up the hardware and earn the rings.
The Chiefs defeated the Union County Tigers 21-11 Friday night in Bratt’s Tommy Weaver Memorial Stadium in the Class 1-R state semifinal.
It was the toughest battle of the season for the Chiefs as they improved to a school-record 13-0.
“It feels awesome,” Northview head coach Wes Summerford said. “It’s a little bit surreal right now. It will probably take a few hours, and yeah, we’re going to Tallahassee!”
Summerford credited a team effort for the win, but gave extra credit to his seniors, several of whom have played together since their youth football days.
“That’s our senior leadership,” Summerford said. “These guys will run through a brick wall for each other, and they just about did that; I think they did everything but that tonight.”
For a photo gallery, click or tap here. (Band, cheerleaders, fans, celebration and more photos coming soon.)
In the first couple plays of the game, Jefferson broke free for a long sprint down to the 1-yard line. But the Tigers held him from crossing the goal line in four straight downs.
But in the second quarter, the Chiefs would be first on the board on a 37-yard run from Jefferson and a good extra point by Brandon Ferguson.
In the second quarter, Jefferson was in again from 32-yards out. Toss in a field goal from the Tigers, and it was 14-3 at the half.
In the fourth, Union County was in from 2-yards out to cut Northview’s lead to 14-9.
After eating about eight minutes off the clock, QB Kaden Odom found Jefferson for another touchdown with just over a minute to go to seal the win, 21-11.
“The best moment of the game is when we scored that touchdown,” Summerford said. “We were just trying to get a first down. I never had any doubt these seniors would come up with a big play, and boy they did with that catch.”
“Jamarkus told me before the play…he’s like ‘dude, I’m going to slip out and be open, I promise. Give me the ball, and I trusted him’,” Odom said. “I took a lick, but delivered a strike to him.”
“We always talk about big time plays, big time things,” Jefferson said. “Kaden told me that he was going to give it to me; he told me to make a play. And that’s exactly what he did. He threw it to me, and I made a play.”
The Union County Tigers finished their season at 8-3.
The Northview Chiefs will face Hawthorne (11-0) in the state 1R championship game. Hawthorne is coming off a 28-0 shutout of Blountstown Friday night. The FHSAA 1-Rural state title game will be played at 7 p.m. (EST) on Saturday, December 10 at Gene Cox Stadium in Tallahassee.
For a photo gallery, click or tap here. (Band, cheerleaders, fans, celebration and more photos coming soon.)
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Tate’s Drew Reaves Signs To Play Baseball At PSC
December 1, 2022
Tate High School senior Drew Reaves signed Wednesday to play baseball at Pensacola State College.
“I would like to thank God, as He has put me with these abilities to be able to go to PSC and play,” Reaves said. “Also, He has put me with this great family which led to these great friends, teammates, coaches, and ultimately to where I am at today.”
For more photos, click or tap here.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Student Athletes Honored At FCA Go The Distance Banquet
November 28, 2022
The Fellowship of Christian Athletes Going the Distance Awards were presented recently at a banquet hosted by the First Baptist Church of Pensacola.
Athletes from Escambia and Santa Rosa counties were honored for their participation in cross country, golf, swimming and volleyball. The winners were chosen by their teammates based upon their integrity, dedication, character, and FCA values.
Volleyball
- Jordyn Dunaway — West Florida
- Layna Lowry — Jay
- McKenna Simmons — Northview
- Piper Sealey — Central
- Abby Price — PHS
- Alyx Zapatka — Washington
- Kaleigh Windham — Pace
- Alyssa Moodie — Tate
- Grace Tenniswood — East Hill
- Jacque Martin — West Florida
- Amber Yates — Catholic
- Madi Shane — Gulf Breeze
- Emma Carroll — PHS
- Abbie McNair — Escambia
- Riley Gates — Milton
Swimming
- Dylan Sigley — Catholic
- Davan Webster — Gulf Breeze
- Emi Gato — Gulf Breeze
- Kevin Herr — Gulf Breeze
- Sheridan Albanesi — Milton
- Noah Day — Milton
- Dominica Estes — Pine Forest
- Emilio Watts — Pine Forest
- Andrew Oestman — Navarre
- Claire Sczesny — Navarre
- Emily Lyons — Tate
- Korbin Menser — Tate
Golf
- Chase Guillot — Lighthouse
- Edgardo Zane Estrada — Escambia
- Jason Paynter — West Florida
- Jocelyn Vickery — Escambia
- Alex Sweeney — Catholic
- Jaden Gray — Pace
- Aiden Czarnecki — Milton
- Adyson Illian — Tate
- Isabella Ortiz — Pace
- Keller Fairchild — Washington
- Jack Patrick — Gulf Breeze
- Gabby Branning — Gulf Breeze
- Kayla Willis — Milton
- Ben Amjad — PHS
- Elizabeth Owens — Catholic
- Mia Brown — West Florida
- Jayda Pandes — Navarre
- Sarah Rudd — Pine Forest
- Sidney Lane — Washington
- Landon Ray — Tate
- Gabrielle Hultstrand — PHS
Cross Country
- Kada Beihl — Navarre
- Gavin Anthony — Navarre
- Jody Godwin — Jay
- Katelyn Harrison — Jay
- Ronen Lim — Gulf Breeze
- Zella Tavai — Gulf Breeze
- Jayla Rudolph — Pine Forest
- Chrisshaun Terrell — Pine Forest
- Marcelo Owens — Catholic
- Emma Thompson — Catholic
- Gretchen Dedolph — Milton
- Victoria Dela Cruz — East Hill
- Austin Metheny — East Hill
- Alithiah Sturdivant — Escambia
- Isaiah Sgarlata — Escambia
- Jack McAuley — West Florida
- Charlotte Nesmith — West Florida
- Victoriah Reed — Washington
- Hal Tubbs — Washington
- Sydney Smiga — Pace
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
