Wahoos Fall Behind Early, Sustain First Loss of Season
April 10, 2025
written by Bill Vilona
For the first time in five games, the Blue Wahoos were in a mid-game hole. They weren’t able to climb out.
The Montgomery Biscuits jumped to an early lead, extended it to 5-1 in the sixth inning and went on to a 6-3 victory that ended the Blue Wahoos’ unbeaten start to the season at Blue Wahoos Stadium.
The Biscuits (3-1) produced 10 hits against Pensacola pitching, the most allowed in the Blue Wahoos’ (4-1) first five games.
Even so, the game still had some final at-bat intrigue. Blue Wahoos third baseman Johnny Olmstead caused a crowd reaction by driving a pitch deep to centerfield with Josh Zamora on second base. The ball was caught by the Biscuits’ Homer Bush Jr. near the base of the wall to end the game.
Zamora and catcher Sam Praytor both had two hits, accounting for the bulk of the team’s seven hits. Praytor reached base three times, scored a run and threw out two runners trying to steal.
It became a tough start for Blue Wahoos righthander Jacob Miller. In the second inning, he allowed three hits as the Biscuits scored three runs.
Left fielder Matthew Etzel led off with a bunt single. Cooper Kinney then doubled. Tatem Levins followed with an RBI single. The Blue Wahoos just missed turning a double play to end the inning, but instead a second run scored. The Biscuits then pulled off a double steal to plate the third run.
Miller pitched four innings, allowing six hits, but did record seven strikeouts in his first start of the season.
The Blue Wahoos’ Mark Coley II homered with two outs in the bottom of the second—his first Double-A level homer.
Etzel gave the Biscuits a 4-1 lead with a fifth-inning homer off Tristan Stevens.
Kemp Alderman’s sacrifice fly in the sixth scored Jake Thompson, who had led off with a triple, and Praytor scored the Blue Wahoos’ final run in the eighth after leading off with a single.
The Biscuits win evened the series. The two teams will play the third game on the first “Mullet Thursday” when the Blue Wahoos will take on their alternate identity and wear Pensacola Mullets uniforms. There will be beverage specials throughout the game for those of legal age.
Robby Snelling, one of the Blue Wahoos’ Top 10 rated prospects in the Miami Marlins organization, will make his second start after a sharp opening night last Friday.
GAME NOTABLES
— The Navarre Youth Sports Association softball teams attended Wednesday’s game and participated in a pregame parade on the field. The group had 250 members attending the game.
— The Blue Wahoos honored Travis (TJ) Presley on his birthday Wednesday. Known as TJ, he greets fans as they arrived at the top of the main entrance staircase each game. He’s the guy you can hear say, “Welcome To the Wahoos Life” as people come into the ballpark.
— On Tuesday, the Blue Wahoos honored a 98-year-old resident “Miss Bobbie” who sat above the home team dugout and had the entire stadium singing “Happy Birthday” wishes to her on her 98th birthday.
WANT TO GO?
- WHO: Montgomery Biscuits vs. Blue Wahoos
- WHERE: Blue Wahoos Stadium
- WHEN: Thursday Thru Sunday.
- GAME TIMES: Thursday through Saturday games all start at 6:05 p.m. The game on Sunday starts at 1:05 p.m.
‘A Lifesaver’: Ribbon Cut On Inmate-Built Tiny Home At Century Prison
April 9, 2025
“A lifesaver” — that’s how one inmate described the tiny home construction program at Century Correctional Institution during a ribbon cutting event Tuesday morning.
Just under a year ago, a groundbreaking ceremony was held inside the prison on Tedder Road for the program, the first of its kind in the state. The program is operated under the watchful eye of the Florida Department of Corrections (FDC) by PRIDE Enterprises — PRIDE stands for Prison Rehabilitative Industries and Diversified Enterprises. PRIDE is a not-for-profit corporation created by the Florida Legislature in 1981. It receives no state appropriations.
Tuesday, a ribbon was cut to officially mark the completion of the program’s first tiny home, which PRIDE donated back to Century CI. It will be used for staff housing adjacent to the prison for a correctional officer. Future builds will be sold as affordable housing.
In the program, inmates gain experience, complete classroom courses and gain industry certifications they can leverage to find employment once they are released.
One of the program’s first inmate participants was Robert Bassett, Jr. of Cantonment. Now 48, he is serving a six-year, three-month and nine-day sentence for battery and aggravated stalking convictions. He is scheduled to be released two days before Thanksgiving.
He joined the tiny home class in October 2023 when the PRIDE facility was nothing more than an open field within the confines of the prison fence.
“I’m proud. I’m proud,” he said about seeing the ribbon cutting for the program’s first complete tiny home. “It was dirt. We had problems, and we got through it together. I’ve grown a lot.”
Bassett said he believes the tiny house program will lead him towards success when he is released in November.
“The housing market is pretty bad right now. They are deporting everybody. There’s got to be some work for me somewhere.” He hopes to find a job in finishing because he likes sheetrock and painting.
The best part of the program to Bassett?
“The escape. The reality of being perfect is because we’re out here 10 hours a day. That’s 10 hours a day I’m not in there watching somebody getting stabbed, watching somebody smoke dope, do something crazy. It’s been a lifesaver, really.”
Former state senator Doug Broxson, who was instrumental in establishing the program in Century CI, said the program will be a lifesaver for inmates rejoining society after their release.
“They will be full-fledged citizens working in our community,” Broxson said of the inmates in the program, many of whom will soon be released in the coming weeks and months.
Dignitaries who attended Tuesday morning’s ribbon cutting inside Century CI including Broxson, FDC Secretary Ricky Dixon, former Century CI warden and current FDC Deputy Secretary Richard Comerford, PRIDE President Blake Crown, and PRIDE Board of Directors Chair James Reeves.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Flooding Road Closure Updates
April 9, 2025
Here is the latest on flooding road closures in North Escambia.
River Annex Road and Nokomis Road were added to the closure list on Tuesday, while Arthur Brown Road reopened.
REOPENED
- Arthur Brown at Brushy Creek — REOPENED
- Arthur Brown at Freedom Springs Branch — REOPENED
- O.C. Phillips Road at Brushy Creek — REOPENED (possible rough approach)
- Pineville Road at Brushy Creek — REOPENED (possible rough approach)
CLOSED
- NEW — Rockaway Creek bridge over Rocky Branch
- Nokomis Road between Albritton & Tullis — detour in place
- River Annex Road off Muscogee
- Pine Forest Road (Walnut Hill) — North of Arthur Brown (collapse)
- Barrineau Park Road bridge over Perdido River into Alabama
Pictured above: River Annex Road off Muscogee Road. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Cantonment Man Arrested on Multiple Drug and Firearm Charges After Search Warrant
April 9, 2025
Escambia County Sheriff’s Office deputies executed a search warrant at a home on Kathleen Avenue recently, leading to the arrest of a Cantonment man on drug and firearm charges.
Joseph Ryan Koone was charged with possession of marijuana with intent to sell, manufacture, or deliver, and possession of a firearm or ammunition by a convicted felon.
The search warrant was part of an ongoing narcotics investigation, according to the ECSO.
An arrest report states a search of the property revealed a quantity of drugs and firearms, including:
- 359.5 grams of marijuana
- $5,940 in United States Currency
- Multiple firearms, including shotguns and a 9mm handgun, along with ammunition
- THC vape pens and cartridges, THC hash oil, and various drug paraphernalia.
Koone reportedly told deputies that he lives at the residence, sharing it with his girlfriend and her son, and contributes to the household expenses. He claimed to work at a mobile phone repair shop and sell sneakers.
He admitted to possessing and selling THC cartridges, and knowledge of the firearms found in the house, according to his arrest report. Koone also told deputies that he found the marijuana.
According to the ECSO, Koone is a four-time convicted felon.
Koone was released from the Escambia County Jail on a $32,500 bond.
Tate Girls Tennis Beats Pace 6-1
April 9, 2025
The Tate Aggies girls tennis team earned a 6-1 senior night win over Pace on Tuesday. Next up, the Aggies will be at Choctaw on Wednesday. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Northview Softball Beats Gulf Breeze, Baseball Slips To TRM
April 9, 2025
SOFTBALL
Northview 7, Gulf Breeze 4
The Northview Lady Chiefs beat the Gulf Breeze Dolphins 7-4 in Gulf Breeze Tuesday night.
Jamison Gilman pitched six and one-third innings for the Chiefs, surrendering eight hits and four runs in six and one-third innings while walking four and striking out three. Mikayla McAnally faced five batters in relief over two-thirds of an inning, allowing two hits while striking out two and walking one.
Bailey Burkette led NHS with three RBIs as she went 1-2. Mikayla McAnally, Daviona Randolph, and Avery Stuckey recorded two hits each for the Chiefs.
Northview will continue a three game road series Thursday at West Florida.
BASEBALL
T.R. Miller 3, Northview 2
The T.R. Miller Tigers slipped past the Northview Chiefs on Tuesday night in Brewton.
Jackson Bridges was on the mound for five innings, allowing three runs (two earned) on four hits while walking two and striking out seven. Braynt Mason pitched a one-hit inning with no runs, strikeouts or walks.
Jase Portwood led Northview with two RBIs as he went 1-3. Cole Davis, Dane King, Jase Portwood, and Grayden Sheffield each had one hit for the Chief.
Up next, Northview will host Baker in a district game Thursday at 6:30 p.m.
Mack’s Homer Leads Wahoos To Win And Record-Tying Season Start
April 9, 2025
written by Bill Vilona
Blue Wahoos catcher Joe Mack had a couple of hard-hit outs in his first two games to start this season. Fate changed his way Tuesday.
Mack blasted a two-run homer—part of a three-hit, three-RBI night—then got a birds-eye view behind the plate of reliever Josh Ekness’ clutch relief as the Blue Wahoos held on for a 5-4 victory against the Montgomery Biscuits, going 4-0 to start 2025 at Blue Wahoos Stadium.
The game began a six-game series between the teams. The win enabled the Blue Wahoos to tie their best start in franchise history, matching the 2021 team, which was their first season as a Miami Marlins affiliate. They can set a record Wednesday in the second game of the series.
On the first “Doggone Tuesday,” where fans could bring their beloved dogs and tickets were all one price with a meal included, Mack provided another look at why he’s viewed as a rising talent. His two-run homer in the third inning gave the Blue Wahoos a lead they kept.
In addition to his homer, Mack doubled home another run, singled, scored two runs, and threw out a runner trying to steal. He also helped Ekness dial up brilliance as the Blue Wahoos’ closer.
The Biscuits cut a 5-1 deficit to a one-run game in the eighth inning. Blue Wahoos reliever Orlando Ortiz-Mayr struggled with location, yielding three hits and two walks after retiring the first batter.
Ekness entered with two on and one out. He struck out the first batter he faced, then got a deep flyout to end the inning. In the ninth, he struck out the side to end the game and record his first save.
This game also featured a memorable moment for Cody Morissette. A former multi-sport athlete and talented hockey player, Morissette scored three beers with one home run shot.
His line-drive rocket in the fourth inning sailed beyond the right field wall. The ball landed at a table of fans, part of a group outing A
The people were fine. The drinks were replaced. And Morissette had his first homer of the season to give the Blue Wahoos a 3-1 lead.
Blue Wahoos starter Luis Palacios worked four innings, giving up a run on four hits with three strikeouts.
In the third inning, Jared Serna led off and reached on a throwing error. Mack then blasted a fastball out of the ballpark. He came into the game with one hit in his first seven at-bats. Mack followed with a double that scored Serna in the seventh. Nathan Martorella then singled home Mack.
Shane Sasaki was robbed of a potential home run in the fourth inning when Biscuits centerfielder Colton Ledbetter leaped above the wall to snare the ball with his glove.
Jacob Miller will be the Blue Wahoos’ starter on Wednesday in the second game of the series.
GAME NOTABLES
- Blue Wahoos corporate sales executive Andie Masten and group sales executive Jessica Voigt together performed the National Anthem.
- Rachel Balkovec, the Marlins director of player development, watched Tuesday’s game from the Blue Wahoos dugout.
WANT TO GO?
WHO: Montgomery Biscuits vs. Blue Wahoos
WHERE: Blue Wahoos Stadium
WHEN: Wednesday thru Sunday
River Annex Road In Cantonment Closed Due To Perdido River Floodwaters
April 8, 2025
River Annex Road off Muscogee Road in Cantonment has been closed by rising water from the nearby Perdido River. According to the National Weather Service, the Perdido River is near crest and is expected to begin slowly falling by tonight. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Cantonment Man Charged With Aggravated Assault With A Deadly Weapon
April 8, 2025
A Cantonment was arrested recently after a report of an alleged shots fired incident.
Matthew Kyle Williams, 38, was charged with felony aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. He is currently being held without bond at the Escambia County Jail.
About 11:30 p.m. on April 2, Escambia County Sheriff’s deputies responded to a call at the intersection of East Kingsfield Road and Tate Road in Cantonment, where they found a female lying down sobbing and very distraught in the middle of the intersection.
The woman reported being assaulted at a residence on Tate Road. The report alleges that Williams struck her on the head with the butt of a “semi-automatic assault rifle” and later discharged the firearm multiple times in her direction. The woman told deputies that she believed other people had been shot inside the residence.
Upon arriving at home, deputies discovered a shattered exterior glass door. Deputies entered the residence and located Williams, along with two other individuals that were unharmed. During a search of the residence, deputies found an AR-15 rifle in a locked bedroom, according to an arrest report. The AR-15 was found in the “fire” position, with a round in the chamber and a loaded magazine. Deputies also reported locating five spent casings inside the residence — one under a couch, one on the couch and three in a trash can.
Williams also denied hitting the individual with the rifle and denied firing shots.
Other witnesses at the scene gave statements indicating that Williams had fired the weapon, the report states.
According to the ECSO, Williams does not have any previous felony convictions.
Deputies said the victim was transported to a local hospital for treatment.
Free Mississippi State, Florida, LSU Women’s Soccer Games Saturday At Ashton Brosnaham
April 8, 2025
This Saturday, women’s teams from three top-ranked Southeastern Conference schools will compete in the Western Gate Soccer Showdown at Ashton Brosnaham Athletic Park. The event was first held at the Escambia County park last year.
The showdown will feature 45-minute matchups between the Florida Gators, Mississippi State Bulldogs, and LSU Tigers, and autograph sessions will be held throughout the day with all of the teams. Admission is free.
The schedule is as follows:
1 p.m. — LSU vs. MSU
2:30 p.m. — UF vs MSU
4 p.m. — LSU vs. UF
For more photos from last year, including the Mississippi State vs. LSU game, click here.
Ashton Brosnaham Park is located at 10370 Ashton Brosnaham Drive, just north of 10 Mile Road.
The 2025 SEC Women’s Soccer Tournament will return to Escambia County November 2-9. The top 12 SEC women’s soccer teams will compete for the SE Cchampionship at the Ashton Brosnaham Athletic Park.
Pictured: The 2024 Western Gate Soccer Showdown. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
