Tate Aggies Honored As Blue Wahoos Beat The Biscuits (With Gallery)
April 11, 2025
Thursday night was a big night for the Tate Aggies as they watched the Blue Wahoos beat the Blue Wahoos 8-5 in Pensacola.
The Aggies baseball team had their season awards dinner on the party porch with a group of 160 people that was a combination of team members, parents and friends. All six Tate seniors on the team — Kaleb Posta, Brayden Beck, Tate Davis, Nate Ozuna, Zane Warrington and Sheppard Edgar — were all honored by throwing out ceremonial first pitches to Blue Wahoos outfielder Dalvy Rosario.
For a photo gallery of the Aggies at the Blue Wahoos, click here.
Tate head coach Brett McCullough said he thought a team outing at Blue Wahoos Stadium was the perfect setting for a season team event. The Aggies will be in the district post-season playoffs beginning next week.
Spohn, Sasaki Lead Two-Out Attack in 8-5 Wahoos Win
Harrison Spohn ignores any scenario with each at-bat to ensure a consistent approach.
“Just keeping things simple,” he said. “Pretending there’s no one on base, just so my brain doesn’t go crazy.”
He was perfectly focused Thursday, driving in three runs on three hits, including a go-ahead triple, as the Blue Wahoos used two-out magic for all their runs in an 8-5 victory against the Montgomery Biscuits on Pensacola Mullets Night at Blue Wahoos Stadium. The team took on its alternate identity wearing Pensacola Mullets uniforms – a tradition that began years ago on each Thursday home game.
Spohn’s night was one half of the huge production from the bottom of the batting order. Centerfielder Shane Sasaki, robbed of a home run Wednesday night, had fate on his side this time, driving in four runs with two big swings. He doubled off the wall in left center in the second inning, then blasted a two-run homer that scored Spohn in the sixth inning.
Spohn also came up with the game’s biggest defensive play. The Biscuits were in position in the eighth inning with runners on second and third to again erase a Blue Wahoos lead. Matthew Etzel, who had driven in two runs earlier, scorched a line drive off reliever Ricky DeVito. But Spohn was in the right position for a big catch that resulted in an inning-ending double play. In the ninth, Dale Stanavich earned his first save by striking out Brock Jones with a sweeper pitch and two runners on base.
The Blue Wahoos (5-1) got eight runs on eight hits. That kind of offense was needed on this night.
“It’s always nice to get the season on the right start, but it’s a long season. We gotta keep it going,” said Spohn on the post-game stadium interview with the Blue Wahoos’ Carter Bainbridge.
Blue Wahoos starter Robby Snelling, the team’s highest-rated prospect, encountered difficulty but struck out a season-high nine batters. He gave up a pair of homers and four runs, while becoming the first Blue Wahoos starter to work into the sixth inning. Snelling seemed in command with a 4-1 lead through four innings. But a leadoff homer by Willy Vasquez in the fifth inning was followed by a pair of singles, then runners advancing into scoring position, when Mathew Etzel delivered a two-out, two-run single.
In the game-deciding sixth inning, Cody Morissette had a one-out single, then stole second. Spohn followed with his RBI triple.
“Just (looking for) something in the zone, right?” Spohn said of his approach. “That’s all you got to do in this game in Double-A.”
Sasaki then blasted a slider over the left center wall with a 106 mph exit speed to make it 7-4. In the eighth inning, Spohn’s RBI single with two outs scored Johnny Olmstead, who had reached on a two-base error.
WANT TO GO?
WHO: Montgomery Biscuits vs. Blue Wahoos
WHERE: Blue Wahoos Stadium
WHEN: Friday Thru Sunday.
GAME TIMES: Friday and Saturday games all start at 6:05 p.m. The game on Sunday starts at 1:05 p.m.
Game action written by Bill Vilona.
Sappington’s Hat Trick, Helmig’s Saves Power Tate Girls Lacrosse To 7-3 Playoff Win
April 11, 2025
submitted for NorthEscambia.com
Junior standout Tori Sappington recorded a hat trick and sophomore goalie Carly Helmig anchored a stout defense as the Tate Aggies girls lacrosse team defeated Milton in the first round of the 2A District 1Girls Lacrosse tournament at Tate High School.
Sappington was the offensive engine for Tate, finding the net three times on nine shots on goal. Her scoring prowess set the tone, but the offense featured contributions across multiple classes. Junior Taelyn Hubbard added a goal and the team’s lone assist, while sophomore Abigayle Keever, freshman Ashlee Edgar, and senior Hannah Keeler each chipped in with a goal apiece. Edgar and Keeler were notably efficient, converting their only shots of the game into goals. As a team, Tate registered 17 shots on target.
While the offense put up seven goals, the defense and goaltending were equally impressive. Helmig played the entire game in cage, turning aside 9 of the 12 shots she faced for a strong .750 save percentage. Her performance kept the opposition largely in check, allowing just three goals against.
The defensive effort extended to controlling loose balls, as Tate collected 26 ground balls throughout the match. Sappington led the way here as well, scooping up a team-high 5 ground balls. Sophomore Lily Meteiver contributed 4, while Hubbard and freshman Brooke Odom added 3 each.
Tate also found success on the draw, winning 7 draw controls, with Sappington again playing a central role in gaining possession for her team.
No. 4 Tate advances to the semifinals at 6 p.m.on Monday, April 14 at No. 1 Gulf Breeze.
NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.
Upper 40s Tonight
April 11, 2025
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Friday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 48. North wind 5 to 10 mph.
Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 69. North wind 5 to 10 mph.
Saturday Night: Clear, with a low around 44. North wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 75. Calm wind becoming southwest around 5 mph.
Sunday Night: Clear, with a low around 54. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Monday: Sunny, with a high near 81. Light southwest wind increasing to 5 to 10 mph in the morning.
Monday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 60. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph.
Tuesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 79.
Tuesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 50.
Wednesday: Sunny, with a high near 77.
Wednesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 52.
Northview Softball And Baseball, Tate Softball Earn Wins Thursday Night
April 11, 2025
SOFTBALL
Northview 11, West Florida 1
The Northview Lady Chiefs dominated the West Florida Jaguars 11-1 on Thursday night in Pensacola.
In a complete game, Mikayla McAnally gave up two hits and one run while walking none and striking out 10 in a seven innings.
Avery Stuckey went 3-4 for the Chiefs, while Addysen Bolen and Jamison Gilman each had three RBIs. Bailey Burkette, Aubrey Hadley, and Daviona Randolph each had multiple hits.
Up next for the Chiefs is a trip to rival Jay on Tuesday, April 15.
Tate 4, Gulf Breeze 3
The Tate Aggies beat Gulf Breeze 4-3 Thursday night in Cantonment.
Peyton Womack earned the win for the Lady Aggies, surrendering eight hits and three runs in seven innings, walking four and striking out five.
Mykamia Padgett recorded two RBIs, going 2-3 for the night. Peyton Womack also had two hits for Tate. Kinzlee Biggs, Aubrey Jordan, Taylor Robinson and Carlyn Ham each added one hit.
Tate will host Navarre Friday at 6:30 for senior night.
BASEBALL
Northview 4, Baker 2
The Northview Chiefs earned a big 4-2 district win over Baker Thursday night in Bratt.
Braynt Mason earned the win for Northview, surrendering just one hit and no runs in five innings, walking one and striking out five. Jase Portwood and Grayden Sheffield pitched in relief for Northview. Sheffield allowed two hits and two runs while walking one and striking out two in one and two-thirds innings, while Portwood allowed no hits and no runs in the final third of an inning.
Northview will host W.S. Neal at 6:30 in their final regular season game of the season.
Northview 10, Baker 0 (JV)
NorthEscambia.com file photo.
Rebecca Kay Romans Muck
April 11, 2025
Mrs. Rebecca Kay Romans Muck, age 54, of Century, Florida, went to be with her Heavenly Father on April 9, 2025, after a courageous battle with cancer.
Becky was born to James and Debra Romans on October 9, 1970, in Columbus, Ohio. After graduating from Groveport Madison Highschool in 1987, she went on to earn a Master’s Degree in Nursing, as a nurse she impacted so many lives every day.
Becky was a loving mother, nana, daughter, wife, sister and friend to so many. Becky had a huge heart for her family, friends, husband, children, grandchildren, and her canine companions. Becky was beautiful inside and out.
Becky is survived by a loving husband, Keith Muck which she married on June 10, 2008; parents, James and Debra Romans, children: Justin Wilson, Jessica (Josh) Peake, Harley Pack and Brittany (Mike) Holbein; grandchildren, James Romans, Roman Peake, Owen Holbein, O’Brien Holbein O’Neal Holbein; sister Lori (Sam) Lantz; brother, James Romans and many nieces and nephews. Becky joins her son Mark Allen Wilson, grandparents, Norma and Lawerence Crawford, Helen and Earl Romans and mother-in-law Donna Carpenter in Heaven. John II 25-26
Funeral services will be held, Monday, April 14, 2025, at 2 p.m. at Petty Funeral Homes, with Pastor Marcus Wallace officiating.
Visitation will be held Monday, April 14, 2025, from noon until 2 p.m. at Petty Funeral Homes.
Teen Injured In Molino 4-Wheeler Crash
April 11, 2025
A teen was airlifted to the hospital after a 4-wheeler crash near Molino.
A 4-wheeler occupied by two teens reportedly overturned about 4:40 p.m. near the 2900 block of Highway 196, east of Schifko.
One of the teens was flown to an area hospital by AirCare medical helicopter.
Further details have not been released.
File photo.
Molino Brush Fire 70% Contained
April 10, 2025
Firefighters are on the scene of an estimated three-acre brush fire in Molino Thursday afternoon.
The fire was originally spotted by a Florida Forest Service airplane in the area. It was first reported as a small brush fire just before 3 p.m. in the area of Molino Road and Settles Road. The fire later spread to a shed.
The Forest Service responded with two tractors and one brush truck, while Escambia County Fire Rescue responded with multiple units from stations including Molino, Cantonment and McDavid.
As of 4:50 p.m., the Forest Service said the fire was 70% contained.
Reader submitted photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
New: Flooding Road Closure Updates
April 10, 2025
Here is the latest on flooding road closures in North Escambia.
REOPENED
- Arthur Brown at Brushy Creek
- Barrineau Park Road bridge over Perdido River into Alabama
- Arthur Brown at Freedom Springs Branch
- Pine Forest Road (Walnut Hill) — North of Arthur Brown (paving is forthcoming)
- O.C. Phillips Road at Brushy Creek
- Pineville Road at Brushy Creek
CLOSED
- Rockaway Creek bridge over Rocky Branch (just south of Atmore)
- Nokomis Road between Albritton & Tullis — detour in place
- River Annex Road off Muscogee
Pictured above: Pine Forest Road in Walnut Hill just north of Arthur Brown Road collapsed over a culvert as seen early Monday morning. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Century Creates Town Administrator Position
April 10, 2025
The Town of Century has officially created the position of town administrator in a move aimed at improving local government operations, financial management, and daily oversight of municipal functions.
The new position, established by a recently passed ordinance, designates the town administrator as the operating officer of the town, serving under and reporting directly to the mayor. The administrator will assist in managing the day-to-day operations, budgeting, personnel, and implementation of town policies.
According to the ordinance, the town administrator may be hired as a direct employee, as an independent contractor, or through a contracted firm with expertise in municipal management. Regardless of the arrangement, the individual or firm selected will require final approval by the town council.
Qualifications for individual candidates include a bachelor’s degree in public administration, business, or a related field (with a master’s degree preferred), at least five years of experience in municipal administration, and strong leadership and decision-making skills.
Key responsibilities will include:
- Assisting the mayor with daily operations and business functions. Ensuring that town projects, services and operations are executed in accordance with the mayor’s directives and town council policies.
- Serve as financial services director responsible for budget preparation, financial planning, and fiscal accountability.
- Helping with hiring, firring supervising, and evaluating town employees. Conduct a periodic review of jobs descriptions, qualifications, and performance evaluations.
- Oversee the procurement process and approve vendor contracts.
- Advise the mayor and town council on policies and assist with informed decisions making.
The mayor will conduct an annual performance review of the town administrator. The position may be terminated by the mayor with the approval of the town council through a majority vote. There is no provision in the ordinance for the council to directly remove the administrator unless the mayor initiates the removal.
The town council has voted to extend the current contract with interim town manager Howard Brown and his Local Government Consulting Group until a town administrator is hired.
As of Wednesday night, the position advertisement had not been posted by the town.
NorhtEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Tate Geometry And Pre-Cal Teams Shine At Tournament
April 10, 2025
Tate High School’s geometry and precalculus teams recently placed at the Nicky Walker Math Tournament, held at Milton High School.
The Tate geometry team took first place, with members Kristina Vasileva, Bryan Chen, Aden Bailey, Fathi Abuokab, and Christopher Pennewell leading the charge. They were coached by Cody Nelson.
The precalculus team claimed 2nd place, thanks to the efforts of Courtney Reichard, Hayden Graybill, Carter Hayden, and Lawson Killingsworth. Their success came under the guidance of coach Rachel Wisdom.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
