Week 8 preview: District play returns to highlight seven-game slate in Pensacola area

Patrick Bernadeau, Pensacola News Journal
·10 min read

Week 8 of the 2022 FHSAA high school football season includes 11 of the Pensacola-area's 13 teams hitting the field on Friday.

Pine Forest and Gulf Breeze both are on a bye, but every other squad from Escambia and Santa Rosa counties will be in action.

With the exception of Northview and Jay renewing their rivalry, the Week 8 schedule is filled with district competition.

Pensacola and West Florida along with Pensacola Catholic and Walton do battle in District 1-2S. In District 1-3S, Escambia is host to Choctaw while Booker T. Washington welcomes Fort Walton Beach into town. Lastly, Milton travels to Navarre while Tate visits Pace in District 1-4S.

PNJ Football Leaderboard: Escambia, Santa Rosa Counties after Week 7 of 2022 season

PNJ Power Poll: Pensacola Catholic, Navarre and Northview climb in our latest rankings

PNJ Top Performers: Catholic's Rawls, BTW's Sherman, Pine Forest's McVay among Week 7's best

Here's an extended look at the Week 8 slate.

Week 8 Schedule

Northview (6-0) at Jay (3-3)

Jamarkus Jefferson (6) barrels into the end zone for a touchdown and a 33-0 Chiefs lead during the Jay vs Northview football game at Northview High School on Friday, Oct. 1, 2021.
Jamarkus Jefferson (6) barrels into the end zone for a touchdown and a 33-0 Chiefs lead during the Jay vs Northview football game at Northview High School on Friday, Oct. 1, 2021.

When: 7 p.m. Friday

Where: Merle V. North Stadium

RPI ranking: Northview (10.958) - first in Region 1-1R, third in Class 1R, 48th overall; Jay (-1.457) - sixth in Region 1-1R, 22nd in Class 1R, 308th overall

Key players: 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.); Jay - Landyn Cooley (DL/RB, Sr.), Hayden Morris (QB/DB, So.), Jackson Lawson (DB/RB, Sr.), Joe Norris (LB, Sr.), Trent Watson (OL, Sr.)

Last week’s results: Northview - 49-0 win at Blountstown; Jay - 28-0 loss vs. Baker

Last meeting: Oct. 1, 2021 - Northview 54, Jay 14

The skinny: These two rivals are separated by 17 miles, guaranteeing a tremendous atmosphere inside of Merle V. North Stadium. As of late, the rivalry has been one-sided, with the Chiefs winning the last six meetings by a combined margin of 240-87. If the Royals do snap their skid, it’d likely be due to their defense. In its three victories this season, Jay has held its opponents to an average of seven points. The problem is that Northview has been one of the highest-scoring teams in the state, having scored 49 points in each of its last three games.

Patrick’s prediction (sure to be wrong): Northview 42, Jay 14

Pensacola (0-6, 0-1 District 1-2S) at West Florida (4-2, 1-0 District 1-2S)

Quarterback Markell Redding (1) passes during the West Florida vs. Pine Forest football game at Pine Forest High School in Pensacola on Friday, Sept. 23, 2022.
Quarterback Markell Redding (1) passes during the West Florida vs. Pine Forest football game at Pine Forest High School in Pensacola on Friday, Sept. 23, 2022.

When: 7 p.m. Friday

Where: Marlon L. Bullock Field

RPI ranking: Pensacola (-8.115) - 14th in Region 1-2S, 56th in Class 2S, 423rd overall; West Florida (8.567) - fifth in Region 1-2S, eighth in Class 2S, 87th 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.); 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 - 44-7 loss at Pace; West Florida - 41-7 win vs. Tate

Last meeting: Oct. 22, 2021 - West Florida 50, Pensacola 6

The skinny: The Tigers have struggled to compete as of late. Each of Pensacola’s last four losses were played under a running clock. Matters won’t get much easier against a Jaguars offense hitting on all cylinders. West Florida has totaled 91 points over its last two games. Within that stretch, junior quarterback John Nicholas and senior quarterback Markell Redding have combined to complete 60 percent of their passes for 600 yards, eight touchdowns and one interception. Senior wide receiver Andre Coleman has been their favorite target over that span, collecting 11 catches for 234 yards and two touchdowns.

Patrick’s prediction (sure to be wrong): West Florida 49, Pensacola 6

Fort Walton Beach (0-6, 0-2 District 1-3S) at Booker T. Washington (3-3, 0-1 District 1-3S)

When: 7 p.m. Friday

Where: Sherman L. Robinson Stadium

RPI ranking: Fort Walton Beach (-6.731) - 13th in Region 1-3S, 55th in Class 3S, 397th overall; Booker T. Washington (-1.288) - 302nd in Region 1-3S, 40th in Class 3S, 302nd overall

Key players: Fort Walton Beach - Lliam Dorman (DL, Sr.), Trevonn Gray (OL, Jr.), Garrison Kurtz (QB, Sr.), Sidney Davis (RB/LB, Jr.); 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.)

Last week’s results: Fort Walton Beach - Bye, Booker T. Washington - 66-34 win at Godby

Last meeting: Oct. 11, 2019 - Booker T. Washington 31, Fort Walton Beach 12

The skinny: After reaching the 60-point mark for the first time since 2002, the Wildcats have an excellent chance to return above the .500 mark for the first time since defeating Pensacola in their season opener. Their offense has been a key fixture to their wins, averaging an astonishing 53 points in their three victories. As much as Booker T. Washington should continue to light up the scoreboard on Friday, this matchup with the winless Vikings is a better opportunity for the defense to grow some confidence. The Wildcats have held their opponents below 20 points only once this season. However, Fort Walton Beach has totaled just 31 points through six games.

Patrick’s prediction (sure to be wrong): Booker T. Washington 44, Fort Walton Beach 13

Choctaw (2-4, 0-1 District 1-3S) at Escambia (4-2, 1-0 District 1-3S)

Escambia's Tyqan Stabler (No. 8) zig-zags his way through the line of scrimmage during the Friday Night district game against Washington.
Escambia's Tyqan Stabler (No. 8) zig-zags his way through the line of scrimmage during the Friday Night district game against Washington.

When: 7 p.m. Friday

Where: Emmitt Smith Field

RPI ranking: Choctaw (3.398) - fifth in Region 1-3S, 25th in Class 3S, 196th overall; Escambia (7.209) - second in Region 1-3S, 12th in Class 3S, 106th overall

Key players: Choctaw - Cole Tabb (RB, Jr..), Jesse Winslette (QB, Jr.), Jayce Brown (WR, Sr.), David Pettway (DL, 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: Choctaw - 63-27 win at South Walton; Escambia - Bye

Last meeting: N/A

The skinny: With the exception of Pine Forest, no area team has played better defensively this season than the Gators. Opponents are averaging just 12 points against Escambia. That number is down to eight points during the team’s current four-game winning streak. The Indians and junior Cole Tabb will test that defense. The star running back has rushed for 1,037 yards (8.1 yards per carry) and 12 touchdowns in 2022. If the Gators could notch another victory, it would not only move them to 3-0 in district play, they would clinch the district title with a win against the aforementioned Eagles the following week at home.

Patrick’s prediction (sure to be wrong): Escambia 31, Choctaw 17

Milton (2-4, 1-1 District 1-4S) at Navarre (5-1, 1-0 District 1-4S)

Milton's Tyree Haynes (No.5) finds a hole in the Gulf Breeze defense to pick up a few extra yards against the Dolphins during Friday night's gridiron action.
Milton's Tyree Haynes (No.5) finds a hole in the Gulf Breeze defense to pick up a few extra yards against the Dolphins during Friday night's gridiron action.

When: 7:30 p.m. Friday

Where: Bennett C. Russell Stadium

RPI ranking: Milton (0.394) - 14th in Region 1-4S, 42nd in Class 4S, 264th overall; Navarre (8.244) - fifth in Region 1-4S, 13th in Class 4S, 92nd overall

Key players: Milton - Raymond Cottrell (WR, Sr.), Emory Williams (QB, Sr.), T.J. Haynes (RB, Sr.), Tre'lin Carnegia (WR, Sr.), Manny Kimmons (DL, Jr.); 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: Milton - Bye; Navarre - 38-35 win at Mosley

Last meeting: Sept. 10, 2021 - Milton 18, Navarre 13

The skinny: There weren’t too many games in 2021 with a more exciting finish than Milton’s home win against Navarre. With less than two minutes remaining, Panthers quarterback Emory Williams and wide receiver Raymond Cottrell connected on a go-ahead 30-yard touchdown. Then, Milton forced a strip-sack to end the Raiders’ chances of a rally. As it searches for revenge, Navarre looks to claim its fifth-straight victory this season. The team is coming off, far and away, its best win of 2022 as it took a 38-35 last-second triumph at Mosley. Sophomore running back Eddie Love Jr. rushed for 200 yards while senior place kicker Taylor Gardner drilled a game-winning, 32-yard field goal with four seconds left.

Patrick’s prediction (sure to be wrong): Navarre 28, Milton 17

Tate (1-5, 0-2 District 1-4S) at Pace (4-2, 0-1 District 1-4S)

Patriots head coach Kent Smith keeps an eye on the action during the West Florida vs Pace football game at Pace High School on Friday, Sept. 9, 2022.
Patriots head coach Kent Smith keeps an eye on the action during the West Florida vs Pace football game at Pace High School on Friday, Sept. 9, 2022.

When: 7:30 p.m. Friday

Where: Pace High School

RPI ranking: Tate (-3.544) - 16th in Region 1-4S, 57th in Class 4S, 346th overall; Pace (6.522) - sixth in Region 1-4S, 18th in Class 4S, 120th overall

Key players: Tate - Andre Colston (RB, Jr.), Carmelo Campbell (WR, Sr.), Taite Davis (QB, So.),  Jaxson Moore (OL, Jr.), Kaydon Biggs (LB, So.); 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.)

Last week’s meeting: Pensacola - 44-7 loss at Pace; West Florida - 41-7 win vs. Tate

Last meeting: Oct. 1, 2021 - Pace 37, Tate 0

The skinny: Last week, one team halted a skid while the other team saw its losing streak climb. Tate was held to seven points for the second-straight road game as the team dropped its fourth consecutive contest in a loss at West Florida. Meanwhile, Pace avoided a three-game slide by beating down Pensacola. Of course, when facing a Patriots team, stopping the run is paramount. The Aggies have been decent at run defense as of late, holding their last two opponents to 4.2 yards per carry. That’s compared to an average of 8.1 yards allowed in Week 3 and 4.

Patrick’s prediction (sure to be wrong): Pace 41, Tate 10

Walton (5-1, 0-1 District 1-2S) at Pensacola Catholic (7-0, 1-0 District 1-2S)

Jayvion Showers (4) takes it in for a touchdown and a 6-3 Crusaders lead during the Gulf Breeze vs Catholic football game at Pensacola Catholic High School in Pensacola on Thursday, Oct. 6, 2022.
Jayvion Showers (4) takes it in for a touchdown and a 6-3 Crusaders lead during the Gulf Breeze vs Catholic football game at Pensacola Catholic High School in Pensacola on Thursday, Oct. 6, 2022.

When: 7:30 p.m. Friday

Where: Gorecki-LeBeau Stadium

RPI ranking: Walton (6.158) - sixth in Region 1-2S, 16th in Class 2S, 128th overall; Pensacola Catholic (10.841) - third in Region 1-2S, sixth in Class 2S, 50th overall

Key players: 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.); 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: Walton - Bye; Pensacola Catholic - 38-17 win vs. Gulf Breeze

Last meeting: Oct. 12, 2012 - Pensacola Catholic 26, Walton 0

The skinny: Last week, the Crusaders took control in the second quarter and never looked back in a dominant week at home against Gulf Breeze. As enjoyable as it was to blast a rival, unbeaten Pensacola Catholic has its eyes set on a more meaningful district matchup against a talented Braves squad. Four different Walton running backs have scored at least three touchdowns while senior quarterback Paul Dillon has thrown 14 touchdowns to just two interceptions. He’ll have to contend with a Crusaders defense that’s recorded 22 sacks between 11 different players. Senior defensive lineman Tim Gulley and junior defensive lineman Courtney Clark each have four sacks to lead Catholic.

Patrick’s prediction (sure to be wrong): Pensacola Catholic 42, Walton 21

Patrick's prediction record through Week 5: 45-12

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: Football: District games highlight Week 8 in the Pensacola area