Week 9 Preview: District 1-3S bout between Escambia and Pine Forest headlines this week's slate

Three weeks remain in the 2022 high school football regular season as plenty of Pensacola-area teams are jockeying for a berth into the state playoffs.

The Week 9 schedule includes nine games across two day, none with more anticipation that the game that will take place at Emmitt Smith Field.

Ranked first in Class 3S, undefeated Pine Forest takes on Escambia at 7 p.m. Friday. With a 3-0 record in District 1-3S, the Gators can be the area's first team to play to clinch a postseason spot by winning the district title.

PNJ Power Poll: Area rankings unchanged after Week 8, Pine Forest, West Florida remain on top

PNJ Football Leaderboard: Escambia, Santa Rosa Counties after Week 8 of 2022 season

AOTW: Gulf Breeze's Turner McLaughlin wins Athlete of the Week 

There are many other interesting games this week. Here's a look at the Week 9 slate.

Graceville (0-5) at Jay (3-4)

When: 6 p.m. Thursday

Where: Merle V. North Stadium

RPI ranking: Graceville (15.529) - ninth in Region 1-1R, 35th in Class 1R, 483rd overall; Jay (-2.447) - seventh in Region 1-1R, seventh in Class 1R, 327th overall.

Key players: Graceville - De’Vonte Robinson (QB, So.), Adam Washington Jr. (ATH, Jr.), Chipper Holland (LB, Jr.), Rylee Hutchinson (Jr.), McKinley Sorey (ATH, So.); 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: Graceville - 23-12 loss vs. Vernon; Jay - 49-13 loss vs. Northview

Last meeting: Sept. 23, 2016 - Graceville 50, Jay 7

The skinny: Jay is currently on the outside looking in after being crushed by Northview last week. The Royals dropped to seventh in the Region 1-1R rankings, a mere 0.095 rating points behind Bozeman for the sixth and final postseason spot. While the Bucks are set to face unbeaten Chipley, Jay can regain its position with a win against winless Graceville. The Tigers currently own a point differential of -167.

Patrick’s prediction (sure to be wrong): Jay 33, Graceville 12

Pensacola Catholic (8-0) at Munroe (4-3)

When: 6 p.m. Friday

Where: Correy Athletic Field

RPI ranking: Pensacola Catholic (11.597) - third in Region 1-2S, fifth in Class 2S, 39th overall; Munroe (4.981) - third in Region 1-1S, ninth in Region 1-1S, 163rd 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.); Munroe - Ostin Perkins (RB, Jr.), Jeremiah Johnson (LB, Sr.), Ahmari Borden (WR, Sr.), Keishawn Mashburn (DL, Jr.), Antonio Vazquez (LB, So.)

Last week’s results: Pensacola Catholic - 35-6 win vs. Walton; 42-0 win vs. Maclay

Last meeting: N/A

The skinny: The Crusaders’ pursuit of an undefeated regular season is a road show from now on. Pensacola Catholic looks to move to 9-0 against a Bobcats team that is only 4-3, but has a tougher strength-of-schedule rating (3.55 to Catholic’s -1.55). The trip to Quincy is the Crusaders’ longer road trip of the season. With a District 1-2A title on the line the following week at West Florida, Pensacola Catholic faces a potential trap game, but the team has proven thus far that it is up for any challenge.

Patrick’s prediction (sure to be wrong): Pensacola Catholic 34, Munroe 20

Pine Forest (7-0, 2-0 District 1-3S) at Escambia (5-2, 3-0 District 1-3S)

When: 7 p.m. Friday

Where: Emmitt Smith Field

RPI ranking: Pine Forest - ; Escambia -

Key players: 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.); 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: Pine Forest - Bye; Escambia - 28-27 win at Choctaw (2OT)

Last meeting: Sept. 30, 2021 - Pine Forest 22, Escambia 20

The skinny: The hype for this game started when the two teams crossed paths at media day this past summer. And frankly, this Friday at Emmitt Field Smith has Game-of-the-Year potential. Escambia and Pine Forest played one of the area's best games last year. The Gators had two possessions in the fourth quarter to go ahead, but the Eagles held them off to capture a 22-20 home win. That victory came in the midst of Pine Forest's 12-game winning streak in 2021.

In 2022, both teams are currently on fire. The unbeaten Eagles are coming off a bye week and will be refreshed after some time off to heal from injuries. Escambia has won its last five games, which includes last week's double-overtime thriller over Choctaw.

Each team boasts stout defenses and explosive options on offense, which should present several intriguing individual matchup. Can Pine Forest's talented defensive backfield slow down Akeem Stokes, arguably the area's best wide receiver this season? Can Escambia's equally talented front-seven limit the Eagles' vaunted running attack?

The winner of this game has the inside track to the top-seed in Region 1-3S while the loser will likely receive the top at-large berth. With that to consider, this may just be round one, but each squad is desperate to come out of Friday night with the upper hand.

Patrick’s prediction (sure to be wrong): Pine Forest 21, Escambia 14

Gulf Breeze (4-3, 2-0 District 1-4S) at Tate (1-6, 0-3 District 1-4S)

When: 7 p.m. Friday

Where: Pete Gindl Stadium

RPI ranking: Gulf Breeze (6.196) - eighth in Region 1-4S, 24th in Class 4S, 141st overall; Tate (-4.005) - 16th in Region 1-4S, 56th in Class 4S, 353rd overall.

Key players: 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.); 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: Gulf Breeze - Bye; Tate - 38-9 loss at Pace

Last meeting: Sept. 3, 2021 - Gulf Breeze 14, Tate 0

The skinny: Each team suffered defeat the last time they stepped on the field. Tate competed early, but couldn’t keep up with Pace and dropped its fifth game in a row. Meanwhile, Gulf Breeze has had two weeks to stew over a 21-point loss at Pensacola Catholic. The Dolphins control their own destiny in the race for the district title where wins over the next two weeks would hand them the district crown. Tate has a chance to spoil those plans, but has to find a way to put points on the board. The team has been held to single figures over its last three games.

Patrick’s prediction (sure to be wrong): Gulf Breeze 38, Tate 10

Lighthouse Private Christian Academy (1-6) at Pensacola (0-7) 

When: 7 p.m. Friday

Where: Jim Scoggins Stadium

RPI ranking: Lighthouse Private Christian Academy - N/A; Pensacola (-7.784) - 13th in Region 1-2S, 53rd in Class 2S, 409th overall.

Key players: Lighthouse Private Christian Academy - Keyon Stoutemire (ATH, Sr.), Johnny Lewis Jr. (QB, So.), Damarion Crocker (ATH, Sr.), Keon Straughn (DL, Sr.), Dillon Thompson (DB, Sr.); Pensacola - Bobby Green (WR, Sr.), Ottah Bonner (LB, Sr.), Jaquan Kennedy (RB, Sr.), Devonsha O’Neal (QB, Sr.), A.G. Floyd (WR, So.)

Last week’s results: Lighthouse Private Christian Academy - 43-14 loss vs. Sneads; Pensacola - 40-2 loss at West Florida

Last meeting: N/A

The skinny: A bad stretch for Pensacola only got worse after the team was held to a season-low two points in a loss at West Florida. The Tigers have been outscored 198-33 in their last five contests, each of which went to a running clock. With that said, Pensacola not only has a better chance to compete this week, it has its best opportunity to crack the win column against the Stingrays. The Tigers will have the advantages in depth and size.

Patrick’s prediction (sure to be wrong): Pensacola 28, Lighthouse Private Christian Academy 18

Booker T. Washington (4-3, 1-1 District 1-3S) at Choctaw (2-5, 0-2 District 0-2)

When: 7 p.m. Friday

Where: Joe Etheredge Stadium

RPI ranking: Booker T. Washington (-0.005) - eighth in Region 1-3S, 38th in Class 3S, 284th overall; Choctaw (1.699) - sixth in Region 1-3S, 31st in Class 3S, 246th 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.); Choctaw - Cole Tabb (RB, Jr..), Jesse Winslette (QB, Jr.), Jayce Brown (WR, Sr.), David Pettway (DL, Sr.)

Last week’s results: Booker T. Washington - 42-0 win vs. Fort Walton Beach; Choctaw - 28-27 loss at Escambia (2OT)

Last meeting: Sept. 14, 2012 - Booker T. Washington 19, Choctaw 17

The skinny: Two weeks ago, Booker T. Washington reached the 60-point mark for the first time since 2002. Last week, the Wildcats defense pitched its first shutout since the 2020. The team also looks to match a milestone from that season: a stretch of three straight wins. A victory would greatly enhance Booker T. Washington’s playoff prospects as the team would be the region’s last at-large bid if the season ended today. With a win, the Wildcats would likely vault past the Indians, who are positioned as the second at-large bid at the moment.

Patrick’s prediction (sure to be wrong): Booker T. Washington 30, Choctaw 27

Milton (2-5) at Crestview (3-4)

When: 7 p.m. Friday

Where: Jack Foster Stadium

RPI ranking: Milton (0.363) - 15th in Region 1-4S, 47th in Class 4S, 275th overall; Crestview (3.670) - 12th in Region 1-4S, 32nd in Class 4S, 193rd 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.); Crestview - Marion Hawthorne (LB, Sr.), Jerome Brazan (QB, Jr.), Jason Jones (RB, Sr.), Cecil Perdue (ATH, Sr.), Simeon White (DB, Sr.)

Last week’s results: Milton - 34-27 loss at Navarre; Crestview - 38-26 loss at Mosley

Last meeting: Aug. 27, 2021 - Crestview 27, Milton 14

The skinny: After dropping a district game last week to Navarre, Milton may be playing for pride at this point with a postseason berth likely out of reach. There is one particular item the team can target: the Panthers need to win its final three games to avoid its first losing season since the 2018 season. Crestview has won four of the last five meetings between the two teams.

Patrick’s prediction (sure to be wrong): Crestview 28, Milton 21

Northview (7-0) at Marianna (1-6)

When: 7 p.m. Friday

Where: Marianna High School

RPI ranking: Northview (10.810) - first in Region 1-1R, fourth in Class 1R, 51st overall; Marianna (-7.613) - 12th in Region 1-2S, 52nd in Class 2S, 405th 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.); Marianna - Nikyan Harvey (DL, Jr.), Brady Brock (QB, Jr.), Torin Clark-Hussey (WR, So.), Jaden McCall (ATH, Jr.), Ryan Paramore (ATH, Sr.)

Last week’s results: Northview - 49-13 win vs. Jay; Marianna - 39-0 loss at Gadsden Country

Last meeting: Oct. 22, 2021 - Northview 21, Marianna 14

The skinny: The Bulldogs have scored 59 points through seven games this season. Northview, on the other hand, has put up 49 points in each of its last four games. Even while moving to 7-0 with a 49-13 win at Jay, the Chiefs collectively were disappointed in their performance, specifically their play out of the gates. While the two teams were separated by only a touchdown, don’t be surprised if this 1R powerhouse takes its frustration out on Marianna.

Patrick’s prediction (sure to be wrong): Northview 42, Marianna 7

Pace (5-2, 2-0 District 1-4S) at Navarre (6-1, 2-0 District 1-4S)

When: 7:30 p.m. Friday

Where: Bennett C. Russell Stadium

RPI ranking: Pace (6.617) - eighth in Region 1-4S, 21st in Class 4S, 132nd overall; Navarre (9.753) - fourth in Region 1-4S, 10th in Class 4S, 66th 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.); 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: Pace - 38-9 win vs. Tate; Navarre - 34-27 win vs. Milton

Last meeting: Oct. 15, 2021 - Navarre 41, Pace 34

The skinny: This matchup with huge district implications features several of the area’s best special teams performers and as well as three of the best up-and-coming runners. Navarre sophomore running back Eddie Love Jr. has surpassed the 1,000-yard rushing mark this season while the Pace tandem of sophomore tailback Ben Tyler and sophomore quarterback Nice Simmons have combined for more than 1,000 yards and 18 touchdowns on the ground. Meanwhile, Patriots senior kicker Reice Griffith and Raiders senior kicker Taylor Gardner have each produced game-winning field goals this season. Also on special teams, Navarre junior Terence Marshall leads the area with three kickoff return touchdowns.

The Raiders have controlled this matchup as of late, winning their last 11 meetings with Pace. If Navarre can make it 12 in a row, the team will play for a district title the following week at Gulf Breeze.

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

Patrick's prediction record through Week 8: 52-12

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: Week 9 Preview: Escambia eyes District 1-3S title with win over Pine Forest