UWF Announces First Division 1 Season Schedule
May 22, 2026
University of West Florida football has released its 2026 schedule with a slate of five home games and six away games in the first season as NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision members. In anticipation of the new era of Argo football as members of the United Athletic Conference, season ticket renewals are now available for current ticket holders.
“This new era of Argonaut Athletics reflects the momentum and vision that continues to elevate UWF, and we look forward to seeing Argo Nation rally behind our team throughout this inaugural FCS season,” said UWF President Manny Diaz Jr.
The schedule combines established FCS programs, conference matchups and longtime regional opponents as UWF prepares for its first season at the DI level.
“We are looking forward to the 2026 UWF Football Season which will bring new opponents at the Division I level both on campus and on the road,” said head coach Kaleb Nobles. “We really wanted to give our team an opportunity to play a near full schedule of DI opponents during our first FCS season and we feel that this gives our entire program an opportunity to showcase the work that we put in to play great football each week. With our transition to the DI level, we spoke with a large number of teams across the country to set up what we feel like is a great schedule this year. We look forward to a great season in our first year in the UAC and on the DI level.”
SCHEDULE BRINGS IN NEW OPPONENTS AND REIGNITES OLD RIVALRIES
The Argos will open the season with a headliner matchup against Southern Illinois on Aug. 27 at Pen Air Field. The visiting Salukis went 7-5 in the 2025 season including a win over No. 11 ranked Illinois State to close out the regular season. Kick off is scheduled for 6 p.m. CT for the Thursday night opener.
UWF will then hit the road for its first-ever UAC game on Sept. 5 against Central Arkansas. Kickoff is scheduled for 6 p.m. CT.
Following a bye week, the Argos return home to host UAC member Austin Peay on Sept. 19 during Family Weekend at UWF. Kick off is scheduled for 6 p.m. CT.
UWF will then have two straight weeks on the road with games against Southeast Missouri State on Sept. 26 and Abilene Christian on Oct. 3. UAC co-champion Abilene Christian was 7-1 in the conference last year and made a run into the FCS playoffs where they defeated Lamar in the first round before falling to Stephen F. Austin. Gametime for Southeast Missouri State is to be determined, while kickoff against ACU is scheduled for 7 p.m. CT.
The Argos return home for two consecutive games against familiar NCAA Division II opponents Northeastern State on Oct. 10, and West Alabama during UWF’s Homecoming on Oct. 17. UWF played both opponents in the 2025 season picking up wins against each team on the road. The Argos defeated Northeastern 31-24 and West Alabama 23-16.
The Argos will travel to Eastern Kentucky on Oct. 24 with gametime still to be determined followed by North Alabama on Nov. 7 at 6 p.m. CT. UWF and North Alabama have faced off three times in program history with the Argos holding a 2-1 record against the Lions.
On Nov. 14 at 2 p.m. CT, UWF will close its home schedule with FCS powerhouse Tarleton State. The Texans finished 12-2 in 2025, including a double overtime win over FBS Army, and advanced to the second round of the FCS playoffs before losing to Villanova.
In the final game of the season, UWF will look to reignite its past rivalry with former Gulf South Conference team West Georgia. The Argos will travel to Carrollton, Georgia, on Nov. 21 for the 2 p.m. CT game. The teams have played eight times in program history with the Argos holding a 5-3 advantage in the series.
As part of the NCAA Division I three-year reclassification process, UWF will be eligible to compete for a UAC Championship, but will not be eligible for FCS playoffs until the University completes the transition requirements and achieves active DI membership status in Fall 2029.
PURCHASE TICKETS FOR THE INAUGURAL FCS SEASON
Current season ticket holders can begin renewing season tickets beginning May 21 and have through July 10 to complete the renewal process. Ticket holders will receive an email from HomeTown Ticketing with step-by-step instructions and a unique renewal code.Emails will be sent from the University of West Florida Box Office at fansupport@hometownticketing.com.
New season ticket sales will begin on June 1. If you are interested in purchasing season tickets, fill out the Season Ticket Interest Form. Single game tickets will go on sale Aug. 1.
Due to the ongoing construction of Darrell Gooden Stadium, all seating for the 2026 season will be located on the east side of Pen Air Field.
Fans will also experience the addition of a new state-of-the-art video board located near the north endzone, further enhancing the gameday atmosphere for the Argos’ inaugural FCS season.
Wahoos Drop Back And Forth Contest 4-3
May 22, 2026
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos would drop a topsy-turvy game to the Columbus Clingstones by a final score of 4-3.
Brendan Jones would draw a leadoff walk to begin the game and would quickly steal his team leading 20th base to get into scoring position. With two outs, Dillon Lewis would lob a single into left field to give Pensacola a 1-0 lead.
Wahoos starter Orlando Ortiz-Mayr would get some help defensively in the top of the third when third baseman Dylan Jasso would make an impressive backhanded stab and throw fading toward the third base dugout to retire Ethan Workinger. Workinger, however, would get his revenge in a big way in the bottom of the third. Leading the inning off, Sam Praytor would send a ball over the wall in left field, but Workinger would track it the whole way, leap, and snatch it back to rob Praytor of his second homer of the year.
That play kept the score at 1-0 until the top of the fourth. An opposite field single from David McCabe and a double from Luke Waddell would put runners at second and third with only one out. Jordan Groshans would follow those hits up with a sacrifice fly to center, scoring McCabe and tying the game at 1-1. The Wahoos would grab the lead back in the bottom of the fifth when Payton Green would snap an 0-10 rut with his fourth home run of the season and bring the score to 2-1. This is where the back and forth affair began.
The top of the sixth saw two Clingstone runs cross, Patrick Clohisy would lead off with a walk and steal of second to get into scoring position. Lizandro Espinoza would single him home a batter later to tie things up at 2-2. This would be the end of Ortiz-Mayr’s day, as Mason Vinyard (L, 1-1) would come in to relieve him. Espinoza would proceed to steal second and third before Luke Waddell would bring him in on a sacrifice fly to right field to put Columbus in front. Both runs were charged to Ortiz-Mayr. That lead would only last half an inning, thanks to a double from Cristian Hernández and an RBI single from Fenwick Trimble to tie things up once again, this time at 3-3. Blayne Enlow (W, 1-1) would shut things down after that.
The top of the seventh would yield the final run of the game when Ethan Workinger, who robbed Praytor’s homer earlier in the game, would bang one over the left field wall with room to spare, giving his team a 4-3 lead that would prove to be the deciding difference. Pensacola would load the bases in the bottom of the ninth off of closer Tyler LaPorte (S, 2), but after an intentional walk to Payton Green to load the bases, LaPorte would induce a 6-4-3 double play off the bat of Dylan Jasso to sink the Wahoos.
The Blue Wahoos continue their series against the Clingstones on Friday.
written by Charlie Hobert
Jim Allen Elementary Holds Fifth Grade Banquet, Promotion Ceremony
May 21, 2026
Jim Allen Elementary School held a banquet and promotion ceremony this week for fifth graders.
The event was a special time to recognize the students’ achievements, growth, and all the memories made along the way.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
$2.8 Million Highway 90A Overhaul Set to Begin From State Line To Beulah Road
May 21, 2026
The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) is preparing to begin a $2.8 million milling and resurfacing project on Highway 90A from the Perdido River Bridge to Beulah Road in Escambia County.
The project features intersection improvements at West Nine Mile Road and Mobile Highway, as well as drainage enhancements, paved ditches, and the addition of curbs and gutters. New signage and pavement markings will also be installed throughout the zone.
During construction, drivers and pedestrians may encounter periodic lane closures and minor traffic shifts. Lane closures will only occur between 7:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m.
This project is estimated for completion in early 2027.
NorthEscambia.com graphic.
Ransom Middle School’s Alyssa Bourn Wins Gold And Silver At Special Olympics State Games
May 21, 2026
Ransom Middle School eighth grader Alyssa Bourn won both gold and silver medals in bicycling at the Florida Special Olympics State Games in Orlando. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Escambia Extension Installs, Plants New Pollinator Garden At Century Library
May 21, 2026
The Escambia County Extension Service Horticulture team installed and planted a Pollinator Garden at the Century Library on Wednesday.
The garden includes a mix of native and Florida friendly plants for bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds grown by Escambia County Master Gardener volunteers. The garden was planted in Bloom Compost from the Emerald Coast Utilities Authority.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Rain Possible Tonight, Likely On Friday
May 21, 2026
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Tonight: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 4am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 71. Southeast wind around 5 mph.
Friday: A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 7am, then showers and possibly a thunderstorm between 7am and 4pm, then showers and thunderstorms likely after 4pm. High near 83. Southeast wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.
Friday Night: Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm before 7pm, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms after 7pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 71. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Saturday: Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm. Partly sunny, with a high near 85. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Saturday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 71. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
Sunday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 86. Light southeast wind becoming south 5 to 10 mph in the morning.
Sunday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 71. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
Memorial Day: Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 83. South wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Monday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 71. Southeast wind around 5 mph.
Tuesday: Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 82. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Tuesday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 70.
Wednesday: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 84. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Wednesday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 69.
Thursday: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Partly sunny, with a high near 85. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Joyce Elaine (Alverson) Lambert
May 21, 2026
It is with great sadness in our hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved Joyce Elaine (Alverson) Lambert, of Atmore, AL, on May 13, 2026, at the age of 76.
She was born to the late William G. and Mary F. Alverson of Uriah, AL., on January 12, 1950, in Monroeville, AL.
She as preceded in death by her parents, her grandparents, Jack and Stella Qualls of Uriah, A., and a stepson, Brian Lambert of West Virginia.
She is survived by her loving husband of 30 years, Mr. Billy Joe Lambert of Atmore, AL., her brother, Charles (Lenny) Alverson of Uriah, AL., two sons, Dennis (Janet) Jarrell of Atmore, AL., David Jarrell of Atlanta, GA., her daughter, Sherry (Terry) White of Atmore, AL., two stepson, Jeff (Regina) Lambert of Milton, FL., and Billy (Heidi) Lambert of Waldport, OR., 2 nephews, Michael and Jamie Alverson of Uriah, AL., one niece, Ashley Alverson House of Frisco City, AL.
She is also survived by her nine grandchildren, Nikki (Jake) McGhee of Atmore, AL., Tyler Jarrell of Century, FL., TJ (Ashley) Jarrell of Atmore, AL., Amy (Dustin) Bethea of Atmore, AL., Bailey (Jason) Lee of Milton, FL., Clayton (Alyssa) Lambert of Milton, FL., Josh Lambert of Elkins, WV, Oceanna and Avia Lambert of Waldport, OR. Her great-grandchildren, Mason, Maci, Maverick, and Mahaya McGhee, Kamden and Emberleigh Jarell, Eli Bowers, Daxton Bethea, Elijah and Grace Lambert, Delilah Lee, and many other friends and loved ones.
Growing up with her father being in the military, she traveled to many places with her family, finally settling in Uriah, AL., where she attended school at J.U. Blacksher. Later, she would attend Lurleen B. Wallace Community College in Andalusia, AL.
She held many jobs through the years, but her favorite was when she started in road and bridge construction, where she worked her way up from entry level to a first class truck and tractor driver. During this time, is when she met her husband, Billy, and together they settled in West Virginia for many years before returning to her hometown of Atmore, AL., where she spent her remaining years.
She enjoyed doing puzzles with her husband, cooking, baking, and reading, but sewing was her favorite.
Special thanks to the ladies of Southern Care Hospice for their amazing compassion and love that they have shown to our family during this difficult time.
No arrangements are given at this time.
High School All-Star Series Baseball And Softball Games Are This Evening
May 21, 2026
The Pensacola Sports High School All-Star Series concludes this evening, May 21 with East vs. West softball and baseball games.
The Pensacola Sports High School All-Star Series feature East and West teams made up of senior student-athletes from Escambia, Santa Rosa and Okaloosa counties. Sports in this series include volleyball, football, soccer, basketball, baseball and softball.
The games begin at 6 p.m. as the West Baseball team, coached by Jonathan Kent of Pensacola High School, takes on the East Baseball Team, coached by Preston Nixon of Baker High School.
At 6:30 p.m., the West Softball Team, coached by Chris Baker of West Florida High School will face the East Softball Team, led by Central High School coach Lisa Smarr.
Tickets are $11 for adults and $6 for students. Children 5 and under are admitted free. Games will be held at Pensacola State College.
WEST BASEBALL
John Hatch — West Florida, P/OF
Evan Taylor — Tate, OF
Nate Connors — Tate, P/OF
Bryton McLellan — Tate, P
Keelan Beasley — Tate, P
Andrew Maloney — Pensacola, P/1B
Chriszaven Jones — Pensacola, CF/3B
Rupert Sproles — Pensacola, P/1B
Clayton Sanders — Escambia, SS/P
Caleb Bates — Escambia, 1B/P
Cohen Rush — Escambia, P
Gavin Wansley — Escambia, OF
Colton Guillot — Catholic, SS/P
Reed Rhodes — Catholic, 1B/P
Boogie Moton — Catholic, RF
Ben Bates — Catholic, LF/C
Davy Bradley — Catholic, LF
Nick Shashaty — Catholic, P/OF
Brody Kohr — Catholic, OF
Travis Bright — Washington, P
JJ Stratzel — Washington, 2B
Martin Manzano — Washington, C/3B
Grayden Sheffield — Northview, SS/2B
Dane King — Northview, 2B
Bryant Mason — Northview, 3B/P
Jackson Bridges — Northview, CF/P
Luke Chavers — Northview, C
EAST BASEBALL
Emory Allen — Pace, 3B/P/OF
Braiden Cheshire — Pace, CF
Jackson Wheaton — Pace, OF
Caleb Wheeler — Pace, C/1B
Kyle Williamson — Crestview, OF
Sayler Melton — Milton, 1B/P
Parker McCoy — Milton, 3B/P
Brayden Barrow — Milton, C/P
Palmer Robbins — Destin, SS/OFC
Landon Ullrich — Destin, C/INF
Colton Bunn — Navarre, OF
Logan Hand — Navarre, C/OF
Adam Champagne — Navarre, 3B/P
Ryder Hodgkinson — Niceville, LF/P
CJ Bolden — Niceville, CF
Aahron Geleta — Niceville, P
Anthony Spera — Laurel Hill, C/P
Cooper Degraaf — Laurel Hill, SS/P
Joel Morse — Baker, SS/P
Rand Stokes — Baker, 1B/OF
Jax Lowery — Jay, SS/P
Landon Golden — Jay, P/OF
Nick Baxley — Jay, 3B/1B
Isaiah Rohn — Choctaw, P/1B
Jordan Figueroa — Choctaw, 2B/SS
Tanner Owens — Gulf Breeze, P/SS
Presley Moseley — Gulf Breeze, 1B/P
Shelton Enfinger — Central, OF
WEST SOFTBALL
Alexiah Federico — Pensacola, CF/P
Alexia Wilcox — Pine Forest, INF
Kelsey Bumgarner — Pine Forest, P/1B
Mary Brockett — Pine Forest, C/Utility
Zoey Johnson — Pine Forest, OF/3B
Kennaysha Cotton — Pine Forest, OF/3B
Trennedi Rose — Pine Forest, CF/3B
Ayvana Rodrigues — Escambia, C/1B/3B
Mariyah Everheart — Escambia, OF/SS
Madison Smillie — Tate, OF/SS/3B
Kaylie Mitchell — Tate, 3B/SS/2B
Jordyn Banks — Tate, 1B/C
Aubree Gorum — Tate, 1B/DP
Kayleigh Burt — Tate, DP/C
Peyton Womack — Northview, OF/P
Riley Brooks — Northview, SS/OF
Leianna Wagner — West Florida, SS/OF
Ava Scapin — West Florida, CF
Hannah Hollingsworth — West Florida, P/OF
EAST SOFTBALL
Anita Palmer — Destin, SS/3B
Aspen Benscoter — Destin, P/OF
Keelie Ellis — Destin, 3B/1B
Sally Alberson — Gulf Breeze, SS/3B
Taylor Keown — Gulf Breeze, C/2B
Ava Steele — Laurel Hill, LF
Natalie Blair — Central, CF/SS
Faith Cain — Milton, OF/INF
Emma Messer — Milton, 2B
Anabele Shackelford — Niceville, OF
Krissa Troutman — Niceville, 3B/SS
Ann Marie Gilbert — Choctaw, P/1B
Natalia Taylor — Navarre, 1B/3B
Karsyn Riddle — Navarre, CF/P
Kaleigh Atchley — Navarre, P/OF
Anna Abernathy — Ft. Walton Beach, 2B
Izzy (Rilyn) Douglas — Ft. Walton Beach, P/1B
Meredith Miller — Ft. Walton Beach, SS/3B
Mylee Frazier — Jay, SS/2B
Kaylee Gilbreath — Jay, OF
Cadee Carroll — Jay, P/3B
Cambell Toolan — Crestview, P/INF
Mackenzie Toth — Crestview, 2B/SS
Woman Sentenced For 2023 Hit And Run That Killed Navy Veteran
May 21, 2026
An Escambia County woman was sentenced on Wednesday for a 2023 hit and run crash that claimed the life of a 22-year Navy veteran on Sorrento Road.
Jessica Elizabeth Hendrickson, 43, was convicted of leaving the scene of an accident causing death. She was sentenced to 10 years in state prison, followed by two years of community control and an additional 18 years of probation. As part of her sentence, her driver’s license has been permanently revoked for life.
The charges stem from an extensive investigation into the June 10, 2023, crash on Sorrento Road. According to FHP, Jeffrey Nichols, a Navy veteran that served 22 years, was riding his bicycle eastbound on the shoulder of the roadway in the early morning hours when Hendrickson struck him from behind and fled the scene. FHP said Nichols’ daughter was on the phone with him at the exact moment of the collision and subsequently discovered her deceased father.
FHP said Hendrickson went to great lengths to evade prosecution following the fatal incident. Investigators eventually located her vehicle after it had been towed across state lines into Alabama for repairs. By the time law enforcement obtained warrants for her arrest, Hendrickson had fled even further, eventually being apprehended by authorities in Kentucky.