Week 10 preview: A pair of district titles are on the line in an action-filled slate of games
Last week, Pine Forest became the first area team to claim a spot for the 2022 state playoffs.
The Eagles, unbeaten with an 8-0 record, received an automatic bid by trouncing all comers en route to the District 1-3S title.
As Week 10 concludes district play, the question is which other teams will join Pine Forest in the big dance?
Two districts are up for grabs. Winners of its last six games, Navarre hits the road to face Gulf Breeze in the District 1-4S title game. Meanwhile, 9-0 Pensacola Catholic looks to break a near-decade drought when it plays at West Florida for 1-2S championship.
Elsewhere, Pine Forest and Northview aim to stay undefeated as both teams play from home. Meanwhile, the likes of Escambia, Pace and Jay try to strengthen their case for an at-large bid.
PNJ Football Leaderboard: Escambia, Santa Rosa Counties after Week 9 of 2022 season
PNJ Power Poll: Navarre and Pensacola Catholic wins shake up the top of the power rankings
Here's a look at the Friday's eight-game schedule..
Pensacola Catholic (9-0, 2-0 District 1-2S) at West Florida (5-2, 2-0 District 1-2S)
When: 7 p.m. Friday
Where: Marlon L. Bullock Field
RPI ranking: Pensacola Catholic (13.187) - second in Region 1-2S, third in Class 2S, 29th overall; West Florida (8.914) - fifth in Region 1-2S, eighth in Class 2S, 85th overall
Key players: 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.); 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: Pensacola Catholic - 49-33 win at Munroe; West Florida - Bye week
Last meeting: Oct. 29, 2021 - West Florida 30, Pensacola Catholic 7
The skinny: The Jaguars' last earned a district title in 2018. The Crusaders' dry-spell has been longer than that, previously winning a district in 2013 (Disclaimer - The program wasn't in a district from 2017-21). That was also the last time they won a game at Marlon L. Bullock Stadium. If Catholic finishes the deal on Friday, it would become the first area squad to reach 10 wins this season while accomplishing its first perfect regular season since 2019. Walking onto the field fairly fresh and healthy following a bye week, West Florida possesses a three-game winning streak thanks to a defense that has relinquished only seven points over its previously 10 quarters.
The game's most intriguing matchup is the Jaguars' passing attack of senior quarterback Markell Redding and junior quarterback John Nicholas lined up against arguably the area's best defensive line. Pensacola Catholic will have the advantage if its can disrupt an offense that moves the ball primarily through the air. But if the pass rushers are accounted for, West Florida can do some damage with its plethora of targets. Senior wide receivers Collin Betties, Andre Coleman and Patrick Delcour along with junior running back Marquez Jones each have at least three receiving touchdowns.
Patrick’s prediction (sure to be wrong): Pensacola Catholic 30, West Florida 24
Navarre (7-1, 3-0 District 1-4S) at Gulf Breeze (5-3, 3-0 District 1-4S)
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday
Where: Dolphin Stadium
RPI ranking: Navarre (11.384) - fourth in Region 1-4S, eighth in Class 4S, 51st overall; Gulf Breeze (6.798) - eighth in Region 1-4S, 21st in Class 4S, 130th overall
Key players: 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.); Gulf Breeze - Lumpy Deweese (DB, Sr.), Troy Coughlin (RB, Sr.), Battle Alberson (QB, Jr.), Brock Clayton (WR, Sr.) Turner McLaughlin (LB, Jr.), Dakota Watson (LB, Sr.), Bryson Rouillier (WR, Sr.); T
Last week’s results: Navarre - 23-21 win vs. Pace; Gulf Breeze - 49-21 win at Tate
Last meeting: Nov. 5, 2021 - Gulf Breeze 38, Navarre 26
The skinny: In last year's Beach Bowl, the Dolphins needed a Phillip Dillard fumble return touchdown in the final seconds to not only earn a state-playoff berth, but end the Raiders' season. Unlike 2021, this year's matchup isn't the season finale, but that only makes this game that much more important. Each team faces an elite team in Week 11, as Gulf Breeze is host to West Florida while Navarre welcomes Niceville to its home turf. With that said, both Santa Rosa County programs can avoid a stressful season finale by winning on Friday and capture an automatic bid.
The Raiders have won their last six games, which includes a two-point win against Pace last week. They lead the all-time series against Dolphins 14-9. However, they look to avoid consecutive losses to Gulf Breeze for the first time since 2006.
Patrick’s prediction (sure to be wrong): Gulf Breeze 28, Navarre 24
Booker T. Washington (4-4, 1-2 District 1-3S) at Pine Forest (8-0, District 1-3S)
When: 7 p.m. Friday
Where: Lon R. Wise Stadium
RPI ranking: Booker T. Washington (-1.333) - ninth in Region 1-3S, 41st in Class 3S, 314th overall; Pine Forest (16.288) - first in Region 1-3S, first in Class 3S, 15th overall
Key players: Booker T. Washington: Jaylen Lewis (LB, Sr.), Reed Robinson (WR, Sr.), E.J. Townsend (LB, Sr.), Davis Sherman (QB, Jr.), Malachi Gilbert (DB, Sr.), B.J. Jenkins (WR, 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.)
Last week’s results: Booker T. Washington - 44-7 loss at Choctaw; Pine Forest - 36-3 loss at Escambia
Last meeting: Oct. 29, 2021 - Pine Forest 49, Booker T. Washington 15
The skinny: The Wildcats face a must-win situation when they roll into Lon R. Wise Stadium. The problem is that the challenge comes against the top-ranked team in Class 3S. By virtue of Booker T. Washington's loss last week at Choctaw, Pine Forest claimed their fourth-straight district title with an impressive victory at Escambia. Winning every game by 14 points or more, the Eagles own a massive point-differential of plus-240, meaning they are thrashing teams by more than four touchdowns per game.
Patrick’s prediction (sure to be wrong): Pine Forest 38, Booker T. Washington 10
Pace (5-3, 1-2 District 1-4S) at Milton (2-6, 0-3 District 1-4S)
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday
Where: Haywood Hanna Stadium
RPI ranking: Pace (6.262) - 10th in Region 1-4S, 28th in Class 4S, 144th overall; Milton (-0.730) - 15th in Region 1-4S, 49th in Class 4S, 302nd 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.); Milton - Raymond Cottrell (WR, Sr.), Emory Williams (QB, Sr.), T.J. Haynes (RB, Sr.), Tre'lin Carnegia (WR, Sr.), Manny Kimmons (DL, Jr.)
Last week’s results: Pace - 23-21 loss at Navarre; Milton - 49-28 loss at Crestview
Last meeting: Oct. 29, 2021 - Milton 35, Pace 28
The skinny: Possibly the area's tightest battle over the past decade resumes in Milton. Over their past 10 meetings, the Panthers and Patriots have played one-score games eight times, including Milton's 35-28 victory at Pace last year. The Panthers hold a 6-4 edge over those 10 games. The Patriots enter Friday just outside the playoff picture as they are ranked 10th in Region 1-4S, 0.536 RPI points behind Gulf Breeze for the final at-large bid.
Patrick’s prediction (sure to be wrong): Pace 38, Milton 31
Escambia (5-3) at Tate (1-7)
When: 7 p.m. Friday
Where: Pete Gindl Stadium
RPI ranking: Escambia (7.806) - third in Region 1-3S, 13th in Class 3S, 108th overall; Tate (-4.085) - 16th in Region 1-4S, 56th in Class 4S, 349th overall
Key players: Escambia - Ammiel Steele (QB, Sr.), Akeem Stokes (WR, Sr.), Trevion Killette (ATH, Jr.), Lejon Williams (LB, Jr.), Tadarius Wright (ATH, Sr.), Ty'Qwan Stabler (RB, Jr.); Tate - Andre Colston (RB, Jr.), Carmelo Campbell (WR, Sr.), Taite Davis (QB, So.), Jaxson Moore (OL, Jr.), Kaydon Biggs (LB, So.)
Last week’s results: Escambia - 36-3 loss vs. Pine Forest; Tate - 49-21 loss vs. Gulf Breeze
Last meeting: Sept. 24, 2021 - Escambia 35, Tate 0
The skinny: On a night where two of the area's storied programs lock horns once more, one of the greatest coaches in the nation will be honored. The field at Pete Gindl Stadium will be dedicated to legendary head coach Carl Madison. Enshrined in the Florida High School Athletic Association Hall of Fame last year, Madison coached Tate from 1971-82 and led the Aggies to a state title in 1980. It was the first-ever state championship for a Pensacola-area school in a large classification. He later guided Pine Forest to back-to-back state titles in 1987 and 1988. Escambia head coach Mike Bennett played for Madison from 1975-78. The dedication ceremony begins at 6:30 p.m..
Patrick’s prediction (sure to be wrong): Escambia 38, Tate 14
Pensacola (1-7, 0-2 District 1-2S) at Walton (6-2, 0-2 District 1-2S)
When: 7 p.m. Friday
Where: Yates Memorial Stadium
RPI ranking: Pensacola (-5.848) - 12th in Region 1-2S, 49th in Class 2S, 382nd overall; Walton (7.218) - sixth in Region 1-2S, 13th in Class 2S, 123rd overall
Key players: Pensacola - Bobby Green (WR, Sr.), Ottah Bonner (LB, Sr.), Jaquan Kennedy (RB, Sr.), Devonsha O’Neal (QB, Sr.), A.G. Floyd (WR, So.); Walton - Paul Dillon (QB, Sr.), LaQuann Adams (DB, Sr.), Jawaun Campbell (DL, Jr.), Nuke McKenzie (ATH, Jr.), Makei Jones (RB, Sr.), Devon Tyson (WR, Sr.)
Last week’s results: Pensacola - 38-6 win vs. Lighthouse Private Christian Academy; Walton - 28-19 win vs. Blountstown
Last meeting: N/A
The skinny: The Tigers and Braves both are in search of their first district win. Each team has dropped a pair of district games by combined totals of 75-10 and 85-35, respectively. Both are coming off wins last week. Pensacola collected its maiden victory in the Cantrell Tyson era after smothering Lighthouse Private Christian Academy. It was the first time the Tigers have scored in double figures since Week 2.
Patrick’s prediction (sure to be wrong): Walton 35, Pensacola 14
Jay (3-4) at Blacksher (Ala.) (6-3)
When: 7 p.m. Thursday
Where: John M. Sawyer Memorial Stadium
RPI ranking: Jay (-2.682) - sixth in Region 1-1R, 23rd in Class 1R, 329th overall; Blacksher - N/A
Key players: Jay - Landyn Cooley (DL/RB, Sr.), Hayden Morris (QB/DB, So.), Jackson Lawson (DB/RB, Sr.), Joe Norris (LB, Sr.), Trent Watson (OL, Sr.); Blacksher - Nathan Cole (QB/LB, Sr.), Daniel Kirchharr (WR, Sr.), Morgan Dean (RB, Sr.)
Last week’s results: Jay: Game canceled; Blacksher - 48-0 win at Washington County (48-0)
Last meeting: Oct. 29, 2021 - Jay 24, Blacksher 0
The skinny: Jay was out of action last week after Graceville backed out due to a lack of players. Suffering defeat in their last two games, the Royals seek to repeat last year's result versus the Bulldogs. The boys in royal blue earned a 24-0 shutout for their only victory of 2021. Jay needs to contain Nathan Cole if its wants to return to the .500 mark. Blacksher's senior quarterback has accounted for 944 rushing yards, 334 passing yards and 19 total touchdowns.
Patrick’s prediction (sure to be wrong): Jay 26, Blacksher 21
Escambia County (Ala.) (4-5) at Northview (8-0)
When: 7 p.m. Friday
Where: Tommy Weaver Memorial Football Stadium
RPI ranking: Escambia County - N/A; Northview (10.174) - first in Region 1-1R, fourth in Class 1R, 71st overall
Key players: Escambia County - Dakota DeSpain (QB, Sr.), James Whatley (RB, Jr.), Lorenzo Arnold (WR, Jr.), Elijah Thomas (WR, Sr.), Lebron Hooks (DB, Sr.), Xavion Bradley (OL, Jr.); Northview - Jamarkus Jefferson (RB/LB, Sr.), John Michael Ward (OL/DL, Sr.), Kaden Odom (QB/CB, Sr.), Luke Bridges (RB/SS, Sr.), Aidan Broadhead, (WR/DB, Sr.)
Last week’s results: Escambia County - 55-19 loss at Orange Beach (Ala.); Northview - 42-14 win at Marianna
Last meeting: N/A
The skinny: The unbeaten Chiefs had a four-game stretch of 49-point performances broken in a win at Marianna ... where they scored 42. The area's highest-scoring team has chance to continue its torrid pace when it faces an opponent that has allowed 209 points over a current four-game losing streak. As much as they've struggled keeping teams out of the end zone, the Blue Devils do have playmakers on defense. Junior linebacker Xavion Bradley leads Escambia County with 57 tackles, 10 tackles for loss and three sacks. Meanwhile, senior defensive back Lebron Hooks had racked up nine interceptions.
Patrick’s prediction (sure to be wrong): Northview 49, Escambia County 24
Patrick's prediction record through Week 8: 59-13
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: Catholic plays West Florida for District 1-2S title, Beach Bowl decides 1-4S
