Winning Wahoos Reach Threshold Of Playoffs
September 6, 2026
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos lowered their magic number to one on Saturday night, homering five times in a 10-2 victory over the Columbus Clingstones.
The win grows Pensacola’s division lead over the Clingstones to 6.5 games with 7 to play in the regular season. They can clinch a second half South Division title possible as soon as Sunday with a win in their road trip finale.
Ryan Ignoffo and Max Williams each homered twice to power an offensive outburst for Pensacola. Ignoffo homered in the second and ninth innings, breaking a homerless drought dating back to mid-April for the stalwart Blue Wahoos catcher. Williams continued to impress in his first taste of Double-A, launching a three-run homer in the third inning and a solo homer in the fifth inning after hitting a clutch ninth-inning homer in his debut on Friday night.
It marked just the third time in Blue Wahoos history that two different players had multi-homer games on the same night, following Aristides Aquino and Nick Senzel on August 13, 2017 and Griffin Conine and Peyton Burdick on August 4, 2021.
Payton Green also homered off Clingstones starter Braden Scott (L, 3-2) to complement a strong pitching effort from Pensacola’s Jacob Kisting (W, 4-0), who fanned seven and allowed only two runs over 5.0 innings. The Blue Wahoos bullpen was even better, as Juan Reynoso struck out seven batters over 3.0 perfect inning and Jack Sellinger fanned two more in a 1-2-3 ninth. The Blue Wahoos pitching staff struck out 16 batters, one shy of tying a season high, and did not allow any baserunners after the fourth inning.
The Blue Wahoos wrap up their series against the Clingstones on Sunday with a chance to clinch their first playoff berth since 2023.
written by Erik Bremer
Honduran National Pleads Guilty To Production Of Child Pornorgraphy In Escambia County
September 6, 2026
A Honduran national has pleaded guilty to federal child pornography charges after recording sexual acts with an underage girl in Escambia County.
Osman Edgardo Cubas-Alvarenga, 38, a Honduran illegally present in the United States, pleaded guilty in federal court to one count of production of child pornography and one count of illegal reentry of an alien, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.
“For more than a year, this criminal alien preyed upon and sexually exploited a minor child while he was illegally present in our country,” said John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida. “This heartbreaking story underscores the commonsense reason why we must secure our borders and aggressively enforce our nation’s immigration laws: because the safety of our communities depends upon it. I appreciate the incredible investigative work by our state and federal law enforcement partners to help bring this criminal alien to justice, and commit that my office will continue to aggressively prosecute sexual predators, like this defendant, to keep our kids and our communities safe.”
According to court documents, between January 2025 and February 2026, Cubas-Alvarenga was engaging in a secret “relationship” with a 16-year-old victim in Escambia County. He would communicate with the minor via encrypted social media applications, which included them exchanging sexually explicit material. He also recorded sexual acts with the victim. Law enforcement obtained search warrants to uncover all the digital evidence and arrest the defendant.
Cubas-Alvarenga faces a mandatory minimum of 15 years’ imprisonment and up to 30 years’ imprisonment, and a lifetime of supervision upon release as well as registration as a sexual offender. He also faces removal from the United States.
Sentencing is scheduled for September 24, at the U.S. Courthouse in Pensacola.
The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, and Florida Highway Patrol.
Nine New George Stone Grads Joining Escambia County Corrections
September 6, 2026
Nine new corrections officers will be joining the Escambia County Corrections Department after graduating from the George Stone Criminal Justice Training Center Corrections Academy.
The officer trainees graduated from the George Stone Criminal Justice Training Center recently after completing a rigorous 445-hour training program designed to prepare them for a career in corrections.
New graduates joining the department include:
- Joshua Broer
- Patrick Brown
- John Bumann
- Alex Edmonson
- Eric Hottel (class #130)
- Marlene Martins-Machado (class #130)
- Chana Ottwel
- Ariyanna Patterson (class #127)
- Juan Salcido
Over the course of three months, the trainees underwent an intensive curriculum that combined physical training, academic studies, and hands-on certifications. The program covered various high-liability topics, including defensive tactics, firearms, and CPR/first aid.
Escambia County Corrections Commander Scott Nash highlighted the importance of preparing the next generation of officers.
“We are very proud of these new graduates, and we are excited to welcome them to the Escambia County Corrections team,” Nash said. “Their dedication to public safety strengthens our agency, and we look forward to watching them grow in their careers.”
Escambia County Corrections is offering sign-on bonuses for certified corrections officers and officer trainees. Certified corrections officers are eligible for an $8,000 sign-on bonus, and officer trainees who want to join the George Stone Corrections Academy and become certified are eligible for a $5,000 sign-on bonus, plus a paid scholarship to attend the Corrections Academy.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Sheriff’s Office Investigating Disturbance Involving Gun at Cantonment Whataburger Following Football Game
September 5, 2026
Deputies are investigating an altercation involving a firearm that forced a Cantonment fast food restaurant to shut down Friday night following a local high school football game.
Deputies from the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office 5th Precinct in Cantonment were dispatched to the Whataburger on Highway 29 around 10:30 p.m. for a reported shots-fired disturbance, according to Sgt. Melony Peterson.
The incident occurred shortly after the Tate High School Aggies hosted the Escambia Gators just over a mile away.
“Upon arrival, deputies found a large crowd of juveniles in the parking lots of Whataburger, Circle K, and the Ashley Medical Clinic,” Peterson said. “These juveniles had gathered here after the Tate High School game.”
Investigators quickly determined that a physical altercation had erupted inside the Whataburger dining room.
“An investigation determined that a fight occurred in Whataburger, which disrupted and trashed the business, resulting in the business having to close,” Peterson stated.
During the chaos, a weapon was produced.
“During this fight, a suspect, described as a juvenile black male with short dreads and wearing a green shirt, pulled a gun,” Peterson said. “The manager tackled the suspect to the ground, but the suspect escaped.”
Despite the initial report of gunfire, authorities confirmed no shots were fired during the incident.
“It was determined that the suspect did not fire the gun,” Peterson added, noting that “this incident was caught on camera and will be admitted into evidence when the corporation releases it.”
No major injuries were reported, and the search for the suspect remains ongoing.
Anyone with information or video is asked to call the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office at (850) 63-9620 or Crime Stoppers at (850) 433-STOP.
NorthEscambia.com file photo.
Escambia EMS Ambulance Collides With E-Bike Rider While Responding To Another Crash
September 5, 2026
An Escambia County EMS ambulance responding to a call collided with a bicyclist on an e-bike on Friday afternoon.
The crash occurred about 1:20 p.m. The ambulance was responding with lights and sirens to another traffic crash about a block away at the intersection of W Street and Massachusetts when the person on the e-bike traveled into the path of the ambulance, according to witnesses.
The bicyclist was transported by another EMS unit to an area hospital. An update on his condition was not available. An additional ambulance responded to the original traffic crash.
The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating, and Escambia County is also conducting an internal review of the crash with the cyclist.
NorthEscambia.com file photo.
Highs Around 90, Chance Of Afternoon Showers For Labor Day Weekend
September 5, 2026
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Saturday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 89. Calm wind. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Saturday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers after 1am. Mostly clear, with a low around 74. Calm wind.
Sunday: A slight chance of showers, then showers and thunderstorms likely after 10am. Mostly sunny, with a high near 92. Heat index values as high as 105. Calm wind becoming northwest around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Sunday Night: A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms before 10pm, then a slight chance of showers between 10pm and 1am. Mostly clear, with a low around 74. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm. Chance of precipitation is 20%.
Labor Day: Showers and thunderstorms likely after 1pm. Sunny, with a high near 92. Calm wind becoming northwest around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Monday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 1am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 73. Calm wind becoming east around 5 mph.
Tuesday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 90. East wind 5 to 10 mph.
Tuesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 72. Calm wind becoming northeast around 5 mph.
Wednesday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 90.
Wednesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 72.
Thursday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 90.
Thursday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 72.
Friday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Sunny, with a high near 91.
Man Arrested Shortly After Gunfire, Robbery At Hotel In Atmore
September 5, 2026
A robbery suspect considered armed and dangerous was taken into custody shortly after fleeing a scene in Atmore on Friday.
According to the Atmore Police Department, officers responded to the Greenlawn Hotel in the 1400 block of East Nashville Avenue following reports of shots fired. An initial investigation determined an armed robbery had taken place, and authorities identified Tyler Standing-Elk as the suspect.
Police issued an alert warning the public not to approach Standing-Elk, noting he had fled the area and was wanted for first-degree robbery while considered armed and dangerous.
A short time later, police confirmed that Standing-Elk was taken into custody.
NorthEscambia.com file photo (top), click to enlarge.
Tate Aggies Fall To The Escambia Gators
September 5, 2026
Mike Bennett’s Escambia Gators were looking for their first win of the season following two shutouts, while Rhett Summerford’s Tate Aggies were aiming for 3-0.
Friday night ended with the Gators just getting past the Aggies with a close 6-3 final. The Aggies were first on the big video board in Pete Gindl Stadium with a good field goal with just 14.5 seconds to go in the first quarter, and the Gators answered late in the second half.
- For a game action photo gallery, click here.
- For cheerleaders, Showband of the South, fans and more, look for a gallery by Tuesday.
Up next, the Aggies (2-1) will hit the road next week to take on the Crestview Bulldogs (0-3).
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
High School Football Scoreboard
September 5, 2026
Here are high school football scores from across the North Escambia area:
FLORIDA
Friday
- Escambia 6, Tate 3 [Story, photos...]
- Northview 50, Graceville 6
- Jay 41, Central 0
- Washington 35, Pensacola 13
- West Florida 31, Fort Walton Beach 15
- Freeport 36, Gulf Breeze 35 (OT)
- Choctawhatchee at Pace
- Milton 51, Navarre 13
Thursday
- Godby 21 Pensacola Catholic 10
- Pine Forest 38, Crestview 29
ALABAMAA
- Opp 28, Flomaton 20
- Jackson 14 Escambia County, 13
- Thomasville 27, W.S. Neal 27
- T.R. Miller (open)
- Escambia Academy (canceled due to no available officials)
NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Here’s Where To Watch This Weekend’s College Football
September 5, 2026
Here is this week’s college football schedule and where to watch the games.
All times are Central.
Saturday, Sept. 5
Webber International at Stetson | 10 a.m. | YouTube
North Texas at No. 6 Indiana | 11 a.m. | FOX
East Carolina at No. 13 Alabama | 11 a.m. | ABC
Oregon State at No. 23 Houston | 11 a.m. | ESPN
Coastal Carolina at West Virginia | 11 a.m. | TNT/HBO Max
New Hampshire at Syracuse | 11 a.m. | ACC Network
Ohio at Nebraska | 11 a.m. | FS1
Bryant at Army | 11 a.m. | CBSSN
Tarleton State at Bowling Green | 11 a.m. | ESPN+
Liberty at James Madison | 11 a.m. | ESPNU
Ball State at No. 1 Ohio State | 11:30 a.m. | Big Ten Network
Miami (Ohio) at Pitt | 11:30 a.m. | CW Network
Lehigh at Georgetown | 11:30 a.m. | ESPN+
Kent State at South Carolina | 11:45 a.m. | SEC Network
Youngstown State at Kentucky | 12 p.m. | SECN+
SE Missouri State at Iowa State | 12 p.m. | ESPN+
Duquesne at Air Force | 12 p.m. | MW+
Holy Cross at Colgate | 12 p.m. | ESPN+
Gardener-Webb at Wofford | 12:30 p.m. | ESPN+
Rhode Island at Temple | 1 p.m. | ESPN+
Tennessee State at No. 3 Georgia | 2 p.m. | SECN+
Drake at Montana | 2 p.m. | ESPN+
Boise State at No. 2 Oregon | 2:30 p.m. | CBS
Texas State at No. 5 Texas | 2:30 p.m. | ESPN
Marshall at No. 18 Penn State | 2:30 p.m. | FS1
Furman at No. 20 Tennessee | 2:30 p.m. | SECN+
Auburn vs. Baylor (Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta) | 2:30 p.m. | ABC/Disney+
Boston College at Cincinnati | 2:30 p.m. | FOX
Tulane at Duke | 2:30 p.m. | ACC Network
The Citadel at Charlotte | 2:30 p.m. | ESPN+
Towson at Navy | 2:30 p.m. | CBSSN
UT Rio Grande Valley at UTSA | 2:30 p.m. | ESPN+
Fordham at North Dakota State | 2:30 p.m. | MW+
Maine at Appalachian State | 2:30 p.m. | ESPN+
Oklahoma State at Tulsa | 2:45 p.m. | ESPNU
Northern Illinois at No. 22 Iowa | 3:15 p.m. | Big Ten Network
North Alabama at Arkansas | 3:15 p.m. | SEC Network
Alcorn State at Southern Miss | 4 p.m. | ESPN+
Tusculum at East Tennessee State | 4:30 p.m. | ESPN+
Wyoming at Colorado State | 5 p.m. | USA Network
Norfolk State at Old Dominion | 5 p.m. | ESPN+
Elon at Davidson | 5 p.m. | ESPN+
Delaware State at William & Mary | 5 p.m. | ESPN+
West Virginia State at Robert Morris | 5 p.m. | ESPN+
Villanova at Bucknell | 5 p.m. | ESPN+
Presbyterian at Mercer | 5 p.m. | ESPN+
Tennessee Tech at Chattanooga | 5 p.m. | ESPN+
Missouri State at No. 8 Texas A&M | 6 p.m. | ESPN
Abilene Christian at No. 12 Texas Tech | 6 p.m. | FS1
Austin Peay at Vanderbilt | 6 p.m. | SECN+
Nicholls at Kansas State | 6 p.m. | ESPN+
Idaho State at Utah State | 6 p.m. | CBSSN
Arkansas State at Memphis | 6 p.m. | ESPN+
Houston Christian at Rice | 6 p.m. | ESPN+
Florida International at South Florida | 6 p.m. | ESPN+
Murray State at Middle Tennessee | 6 p.m. | ESPN+
Charleston Southern at Georgia Southern | 6 p.m. | ESPN+
SE Louisiana at South Alabama | 6 p.m. | ESPN+
Sam Houston at Troy | 6 p.m. | ESPN+
Chicago State at UT Martin | 6 p.m. | ESPN+
Illinois State at Western Illinois | 6 p.m. | ESPN+
West Florida at Central Arkansas | 6 p.m. | ESPN+
UNI at Eastern Washington | 6 p.m. | ESPN+
Eastern Kentucky at Jacksonville State | 6 p.m. | ESPN+
Edward Waters at Jackson State | 6 p.m. | HBCU Go
Texas Wesleyan at McNeese | 6 p.m. | ESPN+
Clemson at No. 11 LSU | 6:30 p.m. | ABC
Western Michigan at No. 16 Michigan | 6:30 p.m. | NBC
UL Monroe at Mississippi State | 6:30 p.m. | ESPNU
VMI at Virginia Tech | 6:30 p.m. | ACC Network
Northwestern State at Louisiana Tech | 6:30 p.m. | ESPN+
Florida Atlantic at Florida | 6:45 p.m. | SEC Network
Utah Tech at No. 14 BYU | 7 p.m. | ESPN+
Hampton at Maryland | 7 p.m. | Big Ten Network
South Dakota State at Northwestern | 7 p.m. | Big Ten Network
Lamar at Louisiana | 7 p.m. | ESPN+
South Dakota at Northern Colorado | 7 p.m. | ESPN+
Weber State at Southern Utah | 7 p.m. | ESPN+
East Texas A&M at Stephen F. Austin | 7 p.m. | ESPN+
Mercyhurst at New Mexico State | 8 p.m. | ESPN+
Northern Arizona at Arizona | 8:30 p.m. | ESPN+
Portland State at San Diego State | 8:30 p.m. | USA Network
Morgan State at Arizona State | 9 p.m. | ESPN+
UNLV at Hawai’i | 9 p.m. | CW
Central Michigan at New Mexico | 9 p.m. | FS1
Mississippi Valley State at Sacramento State | 9 p.m. | ESPN+
UC Davis at San Diego | 9 p.m. | ESPN+
UCLA at Cal | 9:30 p.m. | ESPN
Western Kentucky at Nevada | 9:30 p.m. | CBSSN
Sunday, Sept. 6
Texas Southern at Prairie View A&M | 11 a.m. | ESPN2
Florida A&M vs. South Carolina State (Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Fla.) | 2 p.m. | ESPN
Washington State at No. 17 Washington | 3 p.m. | NBC
No. 4 Notre Dame vs. Wisconsin (Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis.) | 6:30 p.m. | NBC
No. 9 Ole Miss vs. No. 24 Louisville (Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tenn.) | 6:30 p.m. | ABC
Monday, Sept. 7
No. 19 SMU at Florida State | 6:30 p.m. | ESPN