A Rout for the Record Books As No. 21 UWF Rolls 70-0 Past Erskine
November 3, 2024
by Bill Vilona, Argos correspondent
The game’s outcome, of course, was never going to be in doubt.
Rather, it was the performance and the precision that mattered most to UWF’s football team. In that regard, it became record-setting.
In another milestone moment for a program only in its eighth season, the No. 21 ranked Argos demolished Erskine College 70-0 and gained a desired feel-good vibe heading into the defining final part of their schedule that will determine a post-season berth.
The point total and victory margin was one better than UWF’s 69-0 victory against Virginia-Lynchburg on Sept. 21, 2019 in Pensacola at Blue Wahoos Stadium – the season the Argos won the NCAA Division II national championship.
“”Obviously a really good performance in all three facets of the game,” said UWF coach Kaleb Nobles. “I’m excited that our guys played well. I don’t think we were perfect by any means, there are a lot of things we still have to clean up, but we played well. I’m excited our guys answered the challenge this game.”
UWF (6-2) attained its fifth straight win and produced this offensive show of force without top quarterback Marcus Stokes, who sat out of the game with a minor injury. Backup Tony Bartalo, a junior from Tampa, absolutely shined by throwing six touchdown passes.
He overcame an interception on UWF’s first possession to finish with 15 of 22 passing for 267 yards. His six touchdowns matched the school record first set by Nobles himself in 2016 against Missouri S&T, then tied by Austin Reed in the 2019 national title win against Minnesota State.
“Tony did a great job of trusting what we talked about all week, going through every bit of the read,” Nobles said. “We even had some plays where I was intending for another receiver to get the ball, and Tony read the play correctly and found the guy they left open. Marcus is dealing with a minor injury that we felt it wasn’t smart to put him on out there and put strain on his body. He’s not out for a long period of time, he should be good to go next week (in final home game vs. North Greenville). Both of those guys have to stay ready to play.”
Bartalo, who transferred before spring practice from Charleston Southern, was the No. 2 quarterback throughout preseason and was told Wednesday night he would be starting.
“Honestly, my mindset is the same every week… just be prepared like you’re the guy every week so you don’t have to change how you prepare,” Bartalo said. “I prepare every week like I’m the starting quarterback and I’m going to go out there and just do my job and just play football. Playing football is the easy part.”
The Argos are now in a playoff scenario the rest of the season. In addition to a must-win next Saturday in the home finale against North Greenville (2 p.m. kickoff) at Pen Air Field, they will likely need to win the season-finale at Valdosta State on Nov. 16 to attain a 8-2 record.
They played the kind of game Saturday they hoped to produce. Eight different players scored touchdowns. The Argos amassed 29 first downs and limited Erskine to just five the entire game.
Total yards were another eye-popping total with UWF outgaining Erskine 532 yards to just 17. With UWF’s defense totally throttling anything the Flying Fleet tried to do.
Javon Swinton, who caught a pair of touchdown passes, started the scoring frenzy by catching a 14-yard pass from Bartalo to cap a 90-yard, seven-play drive on UWF’s second possession of the game.
The Argos then produced three touchdowns in a four-minute span in the second quarter in blowing open the game before halftime.
Jakobe Quillen, a Florence, S.C. native returning to his home state, caught a 36-yard TD pass from Bartalo to cap a 71 yard, six-play drive. A little more than two minutes later, following another quick three-and-out sequence from UWF’s defense, receiver Zac Offord caught a 17-yard pass from Bartalo midway through the second quarter.
One minute, 52 seconds later, after another UWF defensive stop, Virgil Lemons returned a punt 57 yards for a score to continue what became a memorable performance.
Lemons returned seven punts for 198 yards.
“I’m excited how our players are playing on punt returns,” Nobles said. “Those are scoring points for us. I told our staff, right before we scored (on Lemons return), this is awesome, I think we might actually score on this one and we did.”
In the second half, UWF scored touchdowns all six times they had the ball. Quillen scored his second touchdown on the Argos first possession of the second half with a 21 reception from Bartalo. Jay Sharp followed with a 33-yard catch-and-run on a screen pass, Swinton scored his second TD, then the last three scores were first time TDs for three players.
Troy Coughlin, a former Gulf Breeze High star and redshirt freshman, finished the Argos scoring on an 11-yard run late in the fourth quarter and became the first Pensacola-area player to score for UWF since Navarre’s Quentin Randolph did so in the 2019 championship game.
His score was preceded by Luis Chafino catching a 14-yard pass from No. 3 QB Michael Rich Jr. The other score was redshirt freshman Keeshaun Glanton’s 7-yard run.
“You get in a game like that, you have a fine line between not trying to drive up the score and getting guys some reps that put a lot of work in,” Nobles said. “We put our backups in the entire fourth quarter, and they scored on all three drives which is awesome to see. We’ve had true freshman on the offensive line that did good. Great job by our running backs to make the most of their carries.”
Defensively, it was a compete dominating performance. The Argos held Erskine to 0.3 yards per-play, had 10 sacks and 18 tackles for loss yards.
Freshman lineman Lorenzo Payne led the way with six tackles, including 3.5 for loss yards and was in on two sacks. His high school teammate from Orlando, Kevin Roberts also saw plenty of playing time and had three stops.
It was all part of a defensive effort where more than 25 players had a least one tackle.
“They played phenomenal,” Nobles said. “We’ve had some injuries with guys missing time, especially on the defensive line. We had two true freshmen on the defensive line start tonight that we recruited in February. They were high school teammates, Lorenzo Payne and Kevin Roberts, starting college games together. We know we have a couple challenging games coming up, but if our defense is playing well, we have a shot to win a game.The defensive line plays with relentless effort. All the coaches do well on the defensive side of the ball, we’re really playing well in all three layers of the defense right now.”
Photo/John Rose.
Cantonment Church Hosting Affordable CPR Class for Community
November 3, 2024
St. Monica’s Episcopal Church in Cantonment is hosting a Red Cross CPR and First Aid class on November 9, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. This training, which covers adult and pediatric CPR, usually costs $186, but St. Monica’s ministry is covering all but $25. The class is open to the public, though space is limited to 14 participants. Those interested can find more information at St. Monica’s website.
Located at 699 South Highway 95-A, St. Monica’s Episcopal Church serves the Cantonment and Molino communities through programs like “St. Monica Saves,” a ministry that offers essential life-saving skills. Now in its second year, this initiative has trained dozens of community members in CPR and First Aid.
The same day, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., St. Monica’s will also host its annual Fall Market, featuring nearly 20 vendors and renowned barbecue. This family-friendly event showcases the church’s ongoing community outreach, which also includes a Beans and Rice ministry and a thriving children’s program. For further details, visit St. Monica’s website.
Tate Aggies Fall To The Escambia Gators (With Gallery)
November 2, 2024
The Escambia Gators defeated the Tate Aggies 34-14 Friday night in Cantonment to end the 2024 regular season.
The Aggies scored on 2-yard keeper from senior quarterback Taite Davis in the third quarter. Tate scored again on an 83-yard Carson Carson Secchiari touchdown run to tie it up 14-14 with 1:08 in the third, but the Gators battled back for the win.
For a photo gallery, click here.
“We got back in and got the momentum,” Tate head coach Rhett Summerford said. “We just couldn’t finish. ”
“I think we have a good enough team to be in,” Summerford said. “We didn’t who show it tonight. We’ve got to figure that out.”
The Tate Aggies, now at 7-3 were ranked seventh in the region heading into Friday night’s contest. It’s now a final wait and see to find out oi the Aggies are playoff bound with an at-large bid. Escambia (8-2) is guaranteed a playoff spot with the District 1-4A title.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Over 120,000 Attend Friday Blue Angels Homecoming Show (With Gallery)
November 2, 2024
With the U.S. Armed Forces premiere aviation demonstration squadrons performing together at the same show, more than 120,000 spectators experienced the first day of the Naval Air Station (NAS) Pensacola 2024 Blue Angels Homecoming Air Show Friday.
Visitors to the air station had the opportunity to see the U.S. Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron, the Blue Angels, and the U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron, The Thunderbirds, along with other aerobatic teams, perform during the six-hour event.
For a photo gallery, click here.
Day two (Saturday, Nov. 2) of the NAS Pensacola Blue Angels Homecoming Air Show is scheduled to feature the same, with the Blue Angels scheduled to perform their routine at 2 p.m., preceded by the Thunderbirds at 12:30 p.m.
As a reminder, everyone over the age of 18 is required to have a state-issued form of identification.
Additionally
- Admission to the event is free
- Both the Main Gate, at the south end of Navy Blvd., and the West Gate, at the south end of Blue Angels Parkway, are open to the public at 8 a.m.
- Absolutely no weapons – regardless of permit – are permitted onboard the air station
- No outside food or drink
- No drones
- No pets (not including service animals)
- No coolers
NorthEscambia.com photos by Perry Doggrell, click to enlarge.
Saturday Is The Last Day Of Early Voting
November 2, 2024
Saturday is the final day of early voting in Escambia County.
Voters may choose any one of the 10 locations, each of which is also equipped with a ballot marking device. Each location is open from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m. each day through Saturday, November 2.
- Molino Community Center, 6450 Highway 95A North, Molino
- Billy G. Ward Courthouse, 7500 N. Century Blvd, Century
- Escambia County Extension Service, 3740 Stefani Road, Cantonment
- University of West Florida, 11000 University Pkwy, Bldg. 78, Room 136, Pensacola
- Bellview Library, 6425 Mobile Highway, Pensacola
- Asbury Place at Cokesbury, 750 College Blvd, Pensacola
- Main Library, 239 N. Spring Street, Pensacola
- Supervisor of Elections Office, 213 Palafox Place, Second Floor, Pensacola
- Southwest Library, 12248 Gulf Beach Highway, Pensacola
- Brownsville Community Center, 3200 W. DeSoto Street, Pensacola
Polls will be open on election day, Tuesday, November 5 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
NorthEscambia.com file photo.
ECSO Hosts Movie Night In Beulah
November 2, 2024
Escambia County Sheriff Chip Simmons and the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office Foundation hosted a movie night Friday evening at the Escambia County Equestrian Center in Beulah.
Free hotdogs and hamburgers were available before the showing of ”The Super Mario Bros. Movie”.
The ECSO movie nights are presented across the county by the ECSO and the non-profit the non-profit foundation.
Courtesy photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Friday Night High School Scoreboard
November 2, 2024
Here are Friday night high school football schedule from the North Escambia area:
FLORIDA
- Escambia 34 Tate 14 [Story, photos..]
- Jay 49, J.U. Blacksher 23
- Pensacola 50, Gulf Breeze 25
- Pine Forest 19, West Florida 9
- Pace 48, Milton 0
- Central 34, Wewahitchka 28
- Pensacola Catholic 31, St. John Paul II 24
- Niceville 35, Navarre 7
- Flomaton 6, Northview 0 [Thursday-Story, photos...]
- Bye: Washington
ALABAMA
- Flomaton 6, Northview 0 [Thursday-Story, photos...]
- T.R. Miller 49, W.S. Neal 12
Pictured: The Tate Aggies fell to the 34-14 to the Escambia Gators Friday night. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Nearly 50 Shots Fired, Some Striking Multiple Residences In Atmore
November 2, 2024
Police said nearly 50 shots were fired striking multiple homes in Atmore Thursday night.
Atmore Police Officers responded to a report of shots fired on October 31 at a residence in the 400 block of 4th Avenue. Officers arrived at 9:46 p.m., finding 49 spent shell casings from three different firearms. Though no one was injured, multiple homes and vehicles were struck by gunfire.
Sgt Darrell McMann said officers nearby heard the gunfire and were quick to respond. He said one officer assigned to patrol the area drove through the intersection near where the suspects were firing just four minutes before the incident, as confirmed by GPS data.
The shell casings will be analyzed by the Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences (ADFS).
Atmore Police Department Chief Chuck Brooks has connected with federal law enforcement agencies to combat gun violence in Atmore.
“The suspects involved in this reckless and senseless act will be charged with attempted murder and any other criminal charges that apply,” McMann said.
Atmore Police are asking for anyone with information to contact them anonymously by phone at (251)368-9141 or email to crimetips@atmorepolice.us.
“It is the Atmore Police Department’s goal to make Atmore safe for everyone. It should be the desire of every citizen in Atmore to live in a safe community,” McMann added.
NorthEscambia.com file photo.
Opinion: Voting For Half-Cent Sales Tax For Schools Is Critical
November 1, 2024
submitted by Superintendent Keith Leonard, guest columnist
In 1997, the Escambia County School District implemented a visionary initiative—a half-cent sales tax aimed at revolutionizing the local education landscape. On November 5th, the half-cent sales tax will be on the ballot again. In 2014, 68% of the voters in Escambia County approved the renewal of this sales tax, and eight years prior, they passed it by more than 70%.
Over the years, this innovative funding source has become a cornerstone for the school district’s ambitious projects, providing crucial support for the construction of replacement schools such as AK Suter Elementary, Ernest Ward Middle, and Pleasant Grove Elementary, as well as new schools like Global Learning Academy, Kingsfield Elementary, and Beulah Middle.
These funds have also supported renovations and additions at existing facilities: West Florida High, OJ Semmes Elementary, Ferry Pass Middle, Pensacola High, and essential advancements in technology.
After the COVID-19 pandemic, the urgency to improve indoor air quality became one of the district’s top priorities, leading to extensive replacement of outdated HVAC systems, chillers, cooling towers, flooring, and windows. To maximize available federal funds, revenue from the half-cent sales tax was used for renovations alongside projects funded by the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund (ESSER).
Currently on the drawing board are plans for new elementary schools in Beulah and Cantonment.
Wholesale Change Thanks to the Half-Cent Sales Tax
The half-cent sales tax has revolutionized the local education landscape and continues to change the playing field. Generating annual revenue in the range of seven to eight million dollars, Escambia County Public Schools has been able to grow to meet community demands.
Originally, this revenue was restricted to classroom-related expenditures. However, the scope expanded to include improvements for entire schools, allowing for diverse projects such as the installation of tracks, gymnasiums, and covered play areas for elementary schools.
One of the strategic moves made by Escambia County Public Schools was to address facility disparities. This commitment led to the construction of covered play areas in every elementary school, a gymnasium in each middle school, and other district-wide improvements. This approach aimed to provide uniform, high-quality facilities across the district, enhancing the overall learning environment.
Good Stewards of Your Tax Dollars
Escambia County Public Schools has undertaken a strategic planning approach to ensure that every dollar from the half-cent sales tax is maximized for the benefit of students. This includes forward-thinking initiatives, such as budgeting for renovations and allocating funds for elementary, middle, and high school improvements, to keep the district at the forefront of educational infrastructure.
The Half-Cent Sales Tax Watchdog Committee works collaboratively with the district, adding a layer of fiduciary management by the community. This committee has provided oversight of these expenditures since the inception of the half-cent sales tax, making this initiative the only K-12 sales tax to employ such collaboration and oversight.
Our innovative use of the half-cent sales tax is transforming education in the region. From facility improvements to adapting to technological advancements and external challenges, the district is committed to providing an environment conducive to learning for every student.
We ask for your continued support and vote to renew the half-cent sales tax. The impact of this funding strategy will resonate in Escambia County for years to come, enhancing the education and lives of our students as future employees, co-workers, and neighbors.
Keith Leonard is superintendent of Escambia County Public Schools.
Pictured: Ernest Ward Middle School (top), Kingsfield Elementary School (top inset) and Beulah Middle School (lower inset), all of which were constructed with half-cent sales tax funds. NorthEscambia.com file photos, click to enlarge.
Sneak Peek Photos: The Blue Angels, Thunderbirds Fly On Thursday
November 1, 2024
Naval Air Station Pensacola hosted the 2024 Blue Angels Homecoming Air Show Media Day on Thursday.
NAS and the flightline were closed to the public, but NorthEscambia.com was there to bring you a sneak peek at the show from the U.S. Navy Blue Angels, the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, and others.
For the photo gallery, click here.
Over the weekend, we’ll also bring you bring you our interview with Blue Angel #5 Griffin Stangel, the solo pilot in the show, and others.
- For air show information, click here.
- For base access and a show schedule, click here.
- For tips on taking the best photos, click here.
Pictured: The Blue Angels and Thunderbirds from the flightline Thursday at NAS Pensacola. NorthEscambia.com photos by Perry Doggrell, click to enlarge.
