Northview Beats Vernon, Earns Playoff Berth
November 6, 2010
With a powerful 47-19 win over Vernon, the Northview Chiefs earned a playoff berth Friday night.
The Chiefs (8-1, 7-1), as runner ups in District 1-A, will travel during the first round of the playoffs to face Blountstown (8-1, 5-0) on November 19. Freeport (7-2, 7-1) took the district championship despite a 21-6 loss Friday night to Holmes County (5-4, 4-4).
For a photo gallery from the game, click here.
It’s a great feeling,” Northview Head Coach Sid Wheatley said after the win Friday night in Bratt. “They seized the moment.”
“It was like a playoff game where the winner goes on and the loser goes home. It was huge. It meant a lot to this kids, and I am proud of the win,” he said.
Sophomore Roderick Woods had four touchdowns for the Chiefs Friday night, rushed 107 yards on 16 carries and completed two passes for 29 yards. The Chiefs racked up a total of 327 yards on 49 carries, and had 99 yards in the air from quarterback Brandon Sheets who completed 4 of 12 passes.
After a scoreless first quarter, Woods’ first TD came with 11:54 on the clock in the second on a one yard run. A good kick from Lance Bushaw, and the Chiefs were up 7-0.
La’Mikal Kyles added an 11-yard touchdown run with 5:51 to go in the half. Another good Bushaw kick, and the Chiefs expanded their lead to 14-0.
With 2:47 remaining in the half, the Yellow Jackets had a 21-yard touchdown pass and a good point after to narrow the score to 14-7 headed to the lockers.
Ahead by just seven at the half, Wheatley said he told the Chiefs in the locker room that they had to focus on the win, not the fact that the were up on the scoreboard.
“I told them we had to treat it like it was zero to zero,” he said. “We knew everything hinged on this ballgame. It was cut and dry.
In the third quarter, the Chiefs scored on a 28-yard quarterback keeper from junior Brandon Sheets and a two yard run from Woods. The Yellow Jackets also scored in the third, with a 73-yard kick off return. Headed into the fourth, it was 27-13 Chiefs.
Northview scored three consecutive touchdowns — a 13-yard pass to Woods from Sheets, a 12-yard run from Montaio Mitchell and a 24-yard run from Woods. Vernon, trailing 47-13, scored the final TD of the game with 4:06 to go on a 24-yard pass. Vernon’s two point conversion failed with stop by senior Tyler Brooks.
Northview will host West Florida High School next Friday night at 7:00 in a non-district game.
For a photo gallery from the game, click here.
Pictured top: Roderick Woods (#25) had four touchdowns Friday night at the Northview Chiefs beat Vernon. Pictured bottom: La’Mikal Kyles (#17) gains yardage for the Chiefs. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Friday Night Football
November 6, 2010
Here are Friday night finals from across the North Escambia area:
Florida
Northview 47 Vernon 19 [Read more...]
Navarre 41 Tate 6 [Read more...]
Baker 50 Jay 14 [Read more...]
Holmes County 21 Freeport 6
P.C. Rutherford 25 West Florida 21
Pine Forest 35 Escambia 8
P.C. Arnold 42 Washington 14
Choctaw 28 Gulf Breeze 26
Catholic 14 Chipley 7
Pace 35 Milton 14
Alabama Playoffs, Round One
Escambia County (Atmore) 19 Andalusia 6 [Read more...]
T.R. Miller 41 Daleville 24
A Look Back At Election Week In Florida: Republican Romp
November 6, 2010
A red tide swept over Florida and most of the nation this week as Republicans romped in an Election Day repudiation of Washington that trickled down to Tallahassee, leaving Democrats singing the blues.
The GOP kept a U.S. Senate seat by beating an incumbent governor who had appeared untouchable a year ago, elected a governor, easily won all three seats on the Cabinet, knocked off four Democratic incumbents in Florida’s congressional delegation, picked up five seats in the state House and two in the state Senate.
Scott By A Hair
The only bad news for Republicans on Tuesday was that they had to wait until Wednesday to find out they’d run the table.
The race for governor was the closest in modern Florida history, with Democrat Alex Sink getting a boost from voters’ discomfort with Scott. Polls showed that while they were going to vote for a lot of Republicans, Florida voters had reservations about the thin, bald guy who barged into their living rooms every three minutes this summer proposing that we get to work. Scott’s past connection to a health care company that paid $1.7 billion in fines for bilking the government gave voters enough concern that he barely was able to beat Sink despite spending nearly as much to get himself elected.
OK, not really, he only spent $73 million, which amounts to just $28.01 for every vote that he got, a bargain really, but enough to make it the most expensive governor’s race in the state’s history too.
Scott comes in as something of a mystery, having never held political office, and taken the approach that the only good news coverage was no news coverage. He did a couple of debates – with the most memorable moment of either of them being when he busted Sink for getting some coaching by text message from the sidelines.
Like a kid complaining to the teacher that the girl in the next desk is copying, Scott came off as a bit petty in making Sink Cheats the theme of the last couple weeks of his campaign, but it was a fitting end to a negative campaign in a particularly negative year.
In the end, Scott got just enough votes and so now must get to work.
Rubio Gets It Right, Charlie Crist Exits Stage Left
Marco Rubio’s win in the U.S. Senate race was called before voters at some Panhandle polling places even got back to their cars. About 41 seconds after the polls closed, networks were declaring Rubio the winner and, just like that, Charlie Crist, rising political star who was on a vice presidential short list two years ago, has plenty of January free time.
Rubio heads into the Senate as a standard-bearer of the fiscal far right and the tea party movement, though because some of his compatriots didn’t win (the Not a Witch Lady, for example), Rubio still goes in as a member of the minority party. While it may seem that would make him less of a star because he won’t be in power, it likely could increase his visibility because he’ll immediately become an articulate and telegenic Sunday show counterpoint to the Obama administration.
Crist’s gambit, to leave the Republican Party and run as an independent when he figured out that he couldn’t legitimately out conservative Rubio, and to seek middle-of-the-road and Democratic voters didn’t pay off, in part because the actual Democrat in the race, Rep. Kendrick Meek declined to drop out. Meek’s quixotic effort to convince voters that Crist was a Republican in new Democrat clothing also didn’t pay off, as he and Crist split the moderate and liberal vote.
The election ends, though likely only temporarily, Crist’s remarkable political rise. It was remarkable not as much for how far he went, but for the manner in which he did it, shape-shifting politically through the years, changing his outlook on various issues dramatically as he sought – and often found – the cresting political wave just in time to give it a ride. Excoriated by true believers as a flip flopper, Crist in the last couple of years had a refreshing embrace of his back-and-forth world view. “Things change,” Crist said a few times when asked how he could change his position so much.
In many ways, Crist’s willingness to flip flop, or to respond to the whims of “The People,” that he so often reminded critics he served, undercut his ability to do the other thing he truly wanted to do – to walk both sides of the political aisle as a raging moderate, willing to listen to people on either side when the idea was good. It made for a couple of great commercials this year – Crist spelling out the word American in red and blue letters, and Crist walking on a beach straddling the line in the sand drawn by the two parties. But ironically, despite his past ability to read political tea leaves, it was the wrong year to take a moderate stance. The conservative wave crashed over Crist’s head and spit him up on the beach. Also caught in that wave was Meek, who got kicked by the struggling Crist and drowned.
Will The Last Senate Democrat Take Down The Lawton Chiles Painting
Seeing Democrats lose five seats in the state House isn’t really that surprising in such a big Republican year – after all in the first big Democratic year of 2006 (when Democrats took control of Congress) they had gained seven, so this in a way just reverses most of those gains.
And to lose two seats in the 40-member Senate doesn’t really seem like that big of a deal either, except when you consider that the Democrats in the Senate are getting dangerously close to single digits. The old joke about holding caucus meetings in a phone booth wasn’t ever really very funny, but it’s even less so when it’s actually a possibility.
Incoming Senate President Mike Haridopolos stated the obvious on Friday when he said that the Senate is moving to the right and will be the most conservative “in your history.”
Other Electoral Passings OF Note
Members of Florida’s congressional delegation who said involuntary good byes this week – all Democrats – were Rep. Allen Boyd, beaten by Steve Southerland; Rep. Alan Grayson, beaten by Daniel Webster; Rep. Suzanne Kosmas, beaten by Sandy Adams and Rep. Ron Klein, beaten by Allen West. The Republican wave also carried to victory two other Republicans who held on to open GOP-held seats that the Democrats had targeted: Dennis Ross, who will replace new Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam and David Rivera who takes the seat vacated by Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart.
Perhaps the most far reaching result of this year’s Florida election may be the passing of Amendments 5 and 6, which is supposed prevent Republicans from protecting their seats for themselves when they do redistricting in 2012.
If it actually does, Democrats may be able to take back some of those seats in the Legislature before they’re all gone.
Erasing More Of The Crist Years
As if sending Crist into political oblivion wasn’t enough, Republicans did a bit of piling on this week, calling a special session for later this month to override some of Crist’s vetoes from earlier this year. The GOP has super majorities in both chambers now and can override to its full content, but Haridopolos and incoming House Speaker Dean Cannon said they’ll exercise some restraint and not revisit the most controversial bills the governor vetoed, like hotly contested teacher merit pay legislation.
Story Of The Week
Republicans sweep into office, bringing their least impressive performer, Gov.-elect Rick Scott along with them.
Quotes Of The Week
“Let’s get to work….. Today is the end of politics as usual in Tallahassee.” Rick Scott.
“We lost because of forces beyond our control,” Alex Sink.
By David Royse
The News Service Florida
Escambia County Beats Andy To Advance In Playoffs
November 6, 2010
The Escambia County Blue Devils of Atmore advanced to round two of the Alabama playoffs Friday night with a 19-6 upset of the Andalusia Bulldogs.
Escambia County (8-3, 5-3) will travel next week to Jackson.
The Blue Devils had 19 unanswered points in the first three quarters of play on the road Friday night. The Blue Devils scored with Christopher Johnson touchdown runs of one and four years in the first half and on a 13-yard interception by Tocorian Brown in the third.
This is the first time in three years the Blue Devils have mad the Alabama High School Athletic Association playoffs. The Blue Devils are in their first year under the leadership of Head Coach Mark Heaton, a former assistant coach at Northview High School.
Tate Falls To Navarre
November 6, 2010
The Tate Aggies fell to Navarre Friday night, 41-6.
The Aggies’ only score of the night came during the fourth quarter. With 7:06 to go in the game, Lorenzo Long scored on a 12-yard run. Tate’s two point attempt failed.
Navarre was led by Joel Beauchemin with touchdowns of 12, 69 and 21 yards. Jay Warren had a 98 yard touchdown run for the Raiders.
Jay 0-9 After Loss To Baker
November 6, 2010
The final home game ever for 21-year Jay Head Coach Elijah Bell was the ninth loss of the season as the Royals fell to the Baker Gators 50-14.
The loss in the The War on Highway 4 put the Royals’ season record at 0-9, 0-8 in District 1-A.
The final game of the season next week will see the Royals on the road as they hope to pick up a win against Wewahitchka.
Fill Voids In Landscape With Shrubs
November 6, 2010
Occasionally gardeners will lose a shrub in their landscapes. This typically results in an unsightly void. Or perhaps you chose a beautiful shrub but put it in a location which it quickly outgrew. Fall is the best time of the year to plant new shrubs and transplant those that may need a new home.
When planting new shrubs, take the time to choose plants that will meet your design requirement and will be the right size for your location. Trying to artificially manipulate a plant’s size or height by pruning should be avoided in the landscape, unless you are an expert at topiaries.
Another consideration when choosing shrubs is their leaf-retaining characteristics. Evergreen plants always have green leaves on the plant; however, they do drop foliage throughout the year. Deciduous plants drop all of their leaves at one time of the year, usually late fall.
Deciduous plants typically add beautiful floral displays to the landscape. Evergreen plants will provide the backbone of the design. The well-designed landscape will contain both deciduous and evergreen shrubs.
Northwest Florida gardeners can choose from a wide variety of beautiful shrubs. Some popular choices include azaleas, camellias, hydrangeas, cleyera, holly and gardenias. For more options and information, refer to a University of Florida publication titled “Selected Shrubs for North Florida.” It’s available online at http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/mg344 or by calling your local Extension Office.
The best time to add new shrubs to the landscape is when we experience cooler weather, fall through early spring. To ensure success, be sure to follow proper procedures when planting the shrub. Correct planting and proper aftercare will prevent problems in the future.
Begin by digging a hole at least twice as wide as and no deeper than the root ball. After digging, ensure that about one to two inches of the root ball is raised above the level of the surrounding soil. Remember the old saying, “Plant it high, it won’t die. Plant it low, it won’t grow.”
Probably one of the most overlooked steps is correcting root problems prior to planting. Shrubs that are planted with circling roots will always have circling roots and can abruptly fall over in high winds. Use your hands or a knife to loosen any roots that have been matted while growing in the container. Also, cut through any circling roots.
After you backfill the hole with the soil you removed, water-in the plant to release any air pockets. Mulch with three inches of organic mulch such as pine straw after planting is completed, but never on top of the root ball.
If you have decided to transplant a shrub, consider the following. Shrubs have better transplant tolerance than trees, deciduous plants better than evergreens, shallow rooted species better than deep rooted species, and younger plants better than older plants. Plants which are already in advanced stages of decline are likely to succumb to transplantation stress.
Dig as large a rootball as you can handle and follow the normal planting procedures. Aftercare is critical to a transplanted shrub’s survival, with proper watering perhaps the most important practice. Remember that sprinkler systems are not designed to establish trees and shrubs, so hand watering or a slow-drip system is recommended. Talk to your local Extension Agent for specific instructions.
You can have better success with planting or transplanting shrubs when you do it in the fall. Just be sure to follow established procedures and tend to the shrub for several months after planting.
Theresa Friday is the Residential Horticulture Extension Agent for Santa Rosa County.. Photo credit - David Marshall.
Escambia Approves Red Light Cameras
November 5, 2010
Escambia County has approved the installation of red light cameras that could add up to $3 million per year to the county’s coffers.
The Escambia County Commission unanimously approved a red light camera ordinance Thursday night.
It could be up to one year before the red light cameras are installed at intersections chosen by crash data.
The Florida Legislature approved the use of red light cameras earlier this year, with the law taking effect on July 1.
The automated cameras snap a photo of the car and license plate of alleged red light runners, and the driver receives a $158 citation in the mail — along with a photo of the violation. Of the $158 fine, Escambia County would retain $75. With 20 camera locations, Escambia County would earn as estimated $2-3 million per year.
The Sheriff’s Department would be responsible for providing trained traffic enforcement officer to review the photos and other evidence prior to a citation being issued. A portion of the county’s revenue would be transferred to the sheriff for increased personnel costs.
A citation will not go on a driver’s record if the fine is paid.
The county will give the county 30 days notice of the red light camera locations prior to their installation.
Septic Tank Inspection Requirement May Be Delayed
November 5, 2010
Republican legislative leaders said Thursday they want to delay the implementation of a new septic tank inspection requirement for six months to give lawmakers time to revisit it following complaints about its cost.
The inspection requirement, passed earlier this year as part of legislation (SB 550) meant to help keep springs clean, has been criticized by rural lawmakers who said the cost will present a hardship.
Sen. Don Gaetz, R-Niceville and Rep. Marti Coley, R-Marianna have already said they’ll file legislation in the spring seeking to repeal it.
But in the meantime, incoming House Speaker Dean Cannon, R-Winter Park and Senate President Mike Haridopolos, R-Merritt Island, said Thursday that lawmakers could pass legislation during a one-day veto special session later this month to delay the requirement until July.
Beginning January 1, the bill as it stands would require inspections of the state’s 2.6 million septic tanks once every five years by 2016.
“I am grateful for the leadership of President Designate Mike Haridopolos and Speaker Designate Dean Cannon for recognizing the concerns of the citizens of Florida and especially Northwest Florida,” Gaetz said in a statement. “By delaying the implementation of this harmful mandate, it will give Representative Coley and me the opportunity to present the case for the complete repeal in March.”
The News Service Florida contributed to this report.
Pictured top: Incoming legislative leaders Sen. Mike Haridopolos and Rep. Dean Cannon address the press Thursday in Tallahassee. Photos by John Kennedy for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Molino Kart Racer Wins Big In National Event
November 5, 2010
Molino’s Jarrett Parker continues to burn up the track in the world of kart racing, taking a top spot in one of the nation’s top events in Georgia and a big win at Talladega.
At the Triple Crown in Talladega, junior racer Parker drove in the senior classes. He struggled to qualify in the teens for all three events. Parker had two third place finishes and a crowd-thrilling win, dominating the final race of the night of the Talladega Triple Crown.
At the Dawgwood Speedway in Chatsworth, Georgia, Parker looked to dominate the Chasen’ Racen’ Pro Kart Tour, the largest kart event of the year. The best junior drivers from all over the U.S. arrived with their sights set on the much hyped Pro Junior $5,001 for the winner.
Parker, the defending champion, qualified in third, just 0.076 behind the pole sitter in a field of 40 drivers trying to make the 25 kart field.
At the start of the race Parker quickly took the second place spot trailing Nolan Pope of Harrisonville, Missouri. Parker took the lead on lap 20 with Jonathon Hinson of Lancaster, South Carolina, on his bumper. With Parker leading the race to the checkered flag, Hinson hooked Parker on the last lap in turn three and four sending Parker sailing towards the fence. Parker managed to save his kart and recovered to finish the race in third earning him a top spot at the national event.
Parker drives a Todd Miller powered 2010 Phantom Seraph and pits with MB Motorsports. He won three state titles in 2010.
Jarrett Parker, a sophomore at Northview High School, is the son of Scott and Tammy Parker of Molino.
Pictured top: Jarrett Parker (left, black kart) at the Chasen’ Racen’ Pro Kart Tour in Chatsworth Georgia. Pictured inset: Parker finished the national event in third place. Courtesy photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.