High School Football: Preview of Friday's Pensacola-area regional quarterfinal games

It's officially win-or-go-home season.

The Florida High School Athletic Association postseason gets rolling as the five-week journey to crown state champions begins Friday.

Of the seven Pensacola-area teams that have earned state playoff berths, six are in action this week. Here's a preview of the six regional quarterfinals involving local teams.

PNJ Football Leaderboard: Escambia, Santa Rosa Counties leaders entering the state postseason

4S preview: FHSAA Class 4S state tournament playoff preview

3S preview: FHSAA Class 3S state tournament playoff preview

2S preview: FHSAA Class 2S state tournament playoff preview

1R preview: FHSAA Class 1R state tournament playoff preview

Region 1-4S

No. 6 Pace (7-3) at No. 3 Buchholz (7-2)

When: 6:30 p.m. Friday

Where: Newberry High School

RPI ranking: Pace (7.469) - sixth in Region 1-4S, 19th in Class 4S, 125th in the state; Buchholz (13.509) - third in Region 1-4S, sixth in Class 4S, 32nd overall

Key players: Pace - Jackson Ward (LB, Sr.), Reice Griffith (K, Sr.), Nick Simmons (QB, So.), Jayson Alford (FB/LS, Sr.), Xakery Wiedner (ATH, Jr.), Ben Tyner (RB, So.); Buchholz - Creed Whittemore (QB, Sr.), Quinton Cutler (RB, Jr.), Jaren Hamilton (WR, Sr.), Jacrree Kelly (WR, Sr.), Gavin Hill (DL, Sr.), Kendall Jackson (DL, Jr.)

Last week’s results: Pace - 48-0 win vs. Hollis Christian Academy; Buchholz - 49-28 loss at Bolles

Last meeting: N/A

The skinny: The Patriots head to Gainesville to take on the Bobcats in a game that was pushed back a day due to Tropical Storm Nicole. Pace is the only area team to play a regional quarterfinal on the road.

Despite matching win totals, the Patriots played much weaker opponents than Buchholz in the regular season. The Bobcats had the toughest strength-of-schedule rating (6.68) among the eight playoff teams in Region 1-4S. Pace (2.22) ranks last on that list.

Buchholz are led by a pair of Division I commits in senior quarterback Creed Whittemore and senior defensive lineman Gavin Hill. Whittemore, a Mississippi commit, is the team’s leading passer and rusher while Hill, a Florida commit, is a 6-foot-4, four-star athlete that leads the defensive line. Additionally, the Bobcats feature the services of senior wide receiver Jaren Hamilton, who currently holds offers from Alabama, Michigan, Michigan State and Tennessee.

The Patriots have competed with everyone they’ve lined up against, as each of their three losses were decided by one score or less. With that said, Buchholz, who is one year removed from a state semifinal appearance, may have the athletes to present too stiff of a challenge.

Patrick’s prediction (sure to be wrong): Buchholz 38, Pace 21

No. 4 Creekside (8-2) at No. 5 Navarre (8-2)

When: 7:30 p.m. Friday

Where: Bennett C. Russell Stadium

RPI ranking: Creekside (12.021) - fourth in Region 1-4S, ninth in Class 4S, 49th overall; Navarre (11.379) - fifth in Region 1-4S, 11th in Class 4S, 61st overall

Key players: Creekside: Nicholas Williams (RB, Jr.), Wilson Edwards (QB, Sr.), Brendon McMillan (WR, Sr.), Jaylen Boyer (DB, Sr.), Ian Monney (LB, Sr.); Navarre - Zavier Hamilton (LB, Jr.), Ethan Newman (OL, Sr.), Terence Marshall (Jr., WR), Tyrell Marshall (DB, Jr.), Eddie Love (RB, So.), Jadon Reese (WR, Sr.)

Last week’s results: Creekside - 47-22 win at Ponte Vedra; Navarre - 35-14 loss vs. Niceville.

Last meeting: N/A

The skinny: This is the lone area matchup where the worst-seeded team plays at home. Navarre earned the right to host this regional quarterfinal by virtue of winning the District 1-4S title. Meanwhile, Creekside finished third in District 3-4S.

The Knights are postseason bound due in large part to a balanced offense that has scored more than 400 points this season. They averaged 296 rushing yards during a 3-0 start to the season and 260 passing yards through their last three games.

Creekside is led by Nicholas Williams. The junior running back has scored 18 total touchdowns and has rushed for 1,097 yards. Meanwhile, senior quarterback Wilson Edwards has completed 60 percent of his passes for 1,412 yards, 15 scores and six interceptions. Senior wide receiver Brendon McMillan is the team’s top threat on the outside, compiling 45 catches for 558 yards and three touchdowns.

If the team has one Achilles heel, it’s the defense. The Knights have relinquished 307 points, which is one more point than Navarre has scored. Still, the Raiders have to keep an eye on Jaylen Boyer. The senior defensive back finished with a team-high four interceptions.

Both teams have played well in close contests. Navarre is 4-0 in one-score games while Creekside are 4-1.

Patrick’s prediction (sure to be wrong): Navarre 35, Creekside 31

Region 1-3S

No. 8 Rickards (4-6) at No. 1 Pine Forest (9-0)

When: 7:30 p.m. Friday

Where: Lon R. Wise Stadium

RPI ranking: Rickards (0.255) - ninth in Region 1-3S, 38th in Class 3S, 278th overall; Pine Forest (17.320) - first in Region 1-3S, first in Class 3S, 11th overall

Key players: Rickards - Keyon Brown (WR, Sr.), Tristen Sion (DB, Sr.), Devontae Roberts (WR/DB, So.), Jalen Wiggins (DL/TE, So.), Keenan Moore (OL/DL, Sr.), Rico Watkins (WR/DB, Sr.), Reshard Mack (LB, So.), Ja’Kari Winters (QB, Sr.); Pine Forest - T.J. Wilson (QB, Sr.), Elijah Douglas (DL, Sr.), Donielle Hayes (WR, Sr.), Jonathan Daniels (OL, Jr.), Tyrese Thomas (DB, Sr.) Cam Kelly (DB, Sr.), Miequle Brock (RB, Jr.), Lamartaz Odoms (LB, Sr.)

Last week’s results: Rickards - 28-21 loss at Madison County; Pine Forest - Bye

Last meeting: Nov. 12, 2021 - Pine Forest 26, Rickards 7

The skinny: Of the 248 teams across the nine classifications to qualify for the state playoffs, Rickards is one of 15 squads to get in with a losing record.

The Raiders rebounded from a 0-3 start to finish 4-3 in their final seven games and win District 2-3S. Their reward is a date with a team expected to make a run towards a state title.

The two teams met in a regional quarterfinal last season, with the Eagles cruising to a home victory. Rickards returns to Lon R. Wise Stadium with loads of talent, led by senior wide receiver Keyon Brown. The Oklahoma commit has a team-best six receiving touchdowns.

As the owner of a plus-290 point differential, Pine Forest had a bye week after completing an undefeated regular season. The team may be playing better than last year’s state runner-up squad, but the Eagles must continue to prove it. Don’t be surprised if they send a message on Friday.

Patrick’s prediction (sure to be wrong): Pine Forest 48, Rickards 7

No. 7 Middleburg (5-5) at No. 2 Escambia (7-3)

When: 7:30 p.m. Friday

Where: Emmitt Smith Field

RPI ranking: Middleburg (2.522) - seventh in Region 1-3S, 27th in Class 3S, 227th in overall; Escambia (9.025) - second in Region 1-3S, 12th in Class 3S, 98th overall

Key players: Middleburg: T.J. Lane (RB, Sr.), Austin Cruce (LB, Jr.), Jaybo Jenkins (QB, Jr.), Mike Mitchell (RB, Sr.), Kristian Russell (DB, Sr.); Escambia - Ammiel Steele (QB, Sr.), Akeem Stokes (WR, Sr.), Trevion Killette (ATH, Jr.), Alfred Washington (OL, Sr.), Lejon Williams (LB, Jr.), Tadarius Wright (ATH, Sr.)

Last week’s results: Middleburg - 28-14 win at Fernandina Beach; Escambia - 35-6 win at Pensacola

Last meeting: Nov. 13, 2020 - Escambia 44, Middleburg 0

The skinny: Middleburg has suffered more winless seasons (five) than years above the .500 mark. However, the Broncos are a program on the rise and will walk into Emmitt Smith Field in search of an upset.

The team has won five of its last six games following an 0-4 start to the season. Middleburg’s surge was spearheaded by T.J. Lane. The senior running back has racked 1,786 rushing yards, which is good for ninth in the state. He has recorded 16 of the team’s 29 offensive touchdowns. The next closest skill-position player has four scores.

Escambia defensive coordinator Gary Cowart will devise a plan to slow down Lane, and if the defense succeeds, the visitors likely do not have a diverse-enough attack to compete.

Meanwhile, the Gators ended the regular season with the area’s top passer and receiving. Senior quarterback Ammiel Steele led the Escambia and Santa Rosa counties with 2,067 passing yards. More than half of those yards went to Akeem Stokes. The senior wide receiver had area-bests of 67 catches for 1,045 yards. He was the only local player so far to eclipse 1,000 receiving yards.

On the other side of the ball, Lejon Williams is the team’s most productive tackler. The junior linebacker has piled up 98 tackles, which ranks him fourth in the area.

Patrick’s prediction (sure to be wrong): Escambia 38, Middleburg 10

Region 1-2S

No. 6 Bay (8-2) at No. 3 West Florida (7-2)

When: 7:30 p.m. Friday

Where: Marlon L. Bullock Stadium

RPI ranking: Bay (7.948) - sixth in Region 1-2S, 13th in Class 2S, 112th overall; West Florida (12.345) - third in Region 1-2S, fifth in Class 2S, 44th overall

Key players: Bay - Will Smiley (ATH, Sr.), Qwann Pennywell (LB, Sr.), Dominick Gianfrancisco (LB, Jr.), Ty Carter (LB, Sr.), Seth Warren (QB, Sr.), Marquis Bell (ATH, Sr.); West Florida - Markell Redding (ATH, Sr.), Ahmarion Moultrie (LB, Sr.), Oneal Daniels (DL, Sr.), Zeyvian Avery (OLB/DE, Sr.), Marquez Jones (RB, Jr.)

Last week’s results: Bay - 41-6 loss at Northview; West Florida - 14-7 win at Gulf Breeze

Last meeting: Oct. 13, 2021 - West Florida 49, Bay 14

The skinny: This matchup includes two teams carried by their defenses.

During an eight-game winning streak, Bay recorded four shutouts and relinquished 38 total points. That stretch includes a pair of victories over state playoff teams: a 35-6 win against Port St. Joe on Sept. 9 and a 7-0 triumph over South Walton on Oct. 14.

However, the Tornadoes’ regular season was bookended with blowout losses. They were on the wrong side of a 41-7 defeat to Enterprise (Ala). Last week, the team fell 41-6 at Northview.

While Bay looks to remove the stench from its previous, West Florida aims to continue its roll.

After limping to a 2-2 start, the Jaguars have won their last five games. Within that stretch, senior quarterback Markell Redding has accounted for 12 total touchdowns while throwing just a single interception. Elsewhere, Ahmarion Moultrie has produced 49 total tackles while senior defensive linemen Oneal Daniels and Zeyvian Avery have combined for seven sacks.

Since halftime of its win against Walton on Sept. 30th, West Florida has allowed just 30 points over the last 18 quarters.

Patrick’s prediction (sure to be wrong): West Florida 42, Bay 7

No. 5 Wakulla (7-3) at No. 4 Pensacola Catholic (9-1)

When: 7 p.m. Friday

Where: Gorecki-LeBeau Stadium

RPI ranking: Wakulla - fifth in Region 1-2S, 10th in Class 2S, 78th overall; Pensacola Catholic - fourth in Region 1-2S, eighth in Class 2S, 55th overall

Key players: Wakulla - Xavier Blake (RB, Sr.), Samron Brinson (WR, Jr.), Haden Klees (QB, Jr.), Jeremiah Thomas (ATH, So.), Tanner Lanie (LB, Jr.), Todd Williams (LB, Sr.); Pensacola Catholic - Ja’Bril Rawls (DB, Sr.), Tim Gulley (DL, Sr.), Jayvion Showers (WR, Jr.), Zack DeJesus (LB, Sr.), Aidan Byrd (QB, Sr.), Demontrae Gaston (ATH, Jr.), C.J. Nettles (RB, So.)

Last week’s results: Wakulla - Bye week; Pensacola Catholic - Bye week

Last meeting: N/A

The skinny: Both teams are coming off a bye and are trying to avoid ending their season with consecutive losses.

Winning seven of its first eight games, Wakulla has dropped its last two games, each by one score. Pensacola Catholic started the season 9-0, but couldn’t close out a perfect regular season after a decisive defeat at West Florida during the District 1-2S title game.

The War Eagles have players that have put up major numbers across the board. Defensive, the Crusaders will have to contend with senior defensive end Todd Williams. The three-star Tulane commit is tied for fourth in Class 2S with 13 sacks. Elsewhere, junior linebacker Tanner Lanier has collected a team-best 108 tackles and five sacks. Sophomore defensive back Jeremiah Thomas has 84 tackles and a team-high three interceptions.

Offensively, the War Eagles have surpassed 2,000 yards through the air and another 2,000 on the ground. Junior quarterback Haden Klees has completed nearly 63 percent of his passes with a 20-3 touchdown-to-interception ratio. Xavier Blake has rushed for 1,228 yards (7.5 yards per carry) and eight scores. Junior wide receiver Samron Brinson leads the team with 37 catches, 13 of which went for touchdowns. Meanwhile, in addition to his defensive number, Thomas has a team-best 739 receiving yards.

Blake is certainly a challenge for Catholic’s front seven while Brinson and Thomas present a test for the Crusaders’ young secondary.

The home team will receive a boost with the return of Koby Howard. The four-star sophomore wide receiver is set to make his season debut after missing the entire regular season with a broken tibia.

Patrick’s prediction (sure to be wrong): Pensacola Catholic 31, Wakulla 28

Patrick's prediction record through the regular season: 71-17

Patrick Bernadeau is a sports reporter for the Pensacola News Journal. He can be reached at (850) 503-3828, on Twitter @PatBernadeau or via email at pbernadeau@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Pensacola News Journal: 6 Pensacola high school football teams begin playoff journey on Friday