No. 3 UWF Claims First Conference Title With 61-42 Win Over No. 2 Valdosta State
November 14, 2021
Another grand mountain was scaled Saturday by the University of West Florida football team.
Before a record crowd of 7,193 at Blue Wahoos Stadium — in a game they long-awaited — the No. 3-ranked Argos overpowered and outwilled their way into a signature 61-42 victory against No. 2-ranked, previously unbeaten Valdosta State in a pair of NCAA Division II football elites.
The win provided UWF (9-1) with their first Gulf South Conference football championship trophy and assured a first-ever home playoff game when the NCAA D-2 playoffs begin Nov. 20.
“I feel we matched that moment and played really well,” said quarterback Austin Reed, who passed 311 yards and two touchdowns and rushed for two touchdowns. “We scored 61 points against the No. 2 team in the country who has been stopping everyone.
“It was an awesome game to be part of, and obviously for conference championship implications, it was special.”
Yes, a lot to unpack for a team which has already delivered so many feats in its five-year history.
“What a great night for Pensacola, what a great night for Blue Wahoos Stadium, UWF athletics and UWF football,” said Argos coach Pete Shinnick. “Amazing crowd, tremendous energy.
“And we needed every bit of it. We had a lot of support building this thing in a way where we could be this type of team. So extremely proud of our team and really honored to be part of this community and play for a conference championship.”
Now, of course, the sights turn on repeating as national champions. This time, the Argos for certain won’t have to sweat the details when the NCAA announces Sunday the 28-team field for the regional playoffs.
After winning nine road playoff games, including the 2019 championship game, UWF will start their next quest at Blue Wahoos Stadium.
“It means a lot to have some playoff games for our fans,” said offensive guard Mike Dilla, who was one of 26 seniors honored before their final regular-season home game. “Our fans are awesome.
“We like playing on the road in the playoffs, but much rather play at home instead. Really looking forward to playoffs coming through Pensacola.”
They made it happen in record setting ways. Here are Saturday’s feats.
- The Argos set a single-game rushing record 347 yards. It was part of a whopping 658 yards total offense.
- Six rushing touchdowns were scored, another team record. Three of those by senior Anthony Johnson Jr., a Pace High grad, who is that school’s all-time rushing leader. In addition to Reed’s two rushing scores, team-leading rusher Shomari Mason added another and finished with 195 yards.
- Reed produced the longest rushing touchdown by a quarterback in team history with his 44-yard run early on the opening possession of the second half.
- The crowd surpassed the Oct. 16 crowd against West Georgia – the Argos first game in Blue Wahoos Stadium since 2019 – as the largest home attendance in team history.
- Against a Valdosta State defense which ranked No. 6 nationally in D-2 for fewest points (12.9) allowed per-game, the Argos hung 60-plus on the Blazers (9-1) and ended their nine-game win streak – tied for best nationally. It also snapped VSU’s 23-game win streak against GSC opponents in the regular season.
“This ranks up there,” said Shinnick in assessing the meaningful rating of the win. “And to be able to get what we did against one of the top scoring defenses in the country… I could not be happier for our guys. We felt if they gave us the right combination we would be able to run the ball.”
It happened and it was essential.
Five times in Saturday’s game UWF opened a double-digit lead, only to have Valdosta State answer with a touchdown to close the margin in a one-score game.
One of those happened right before halftime. UWF followed a touchdown to go up 24-14 by thinking it recovered the ensuing kickoff that bounced out of a VSU returners’ hands.
But a GSC official had inadvertently blown his whistle before the catch and fumble. That nullified the recovery and forced the kickoff to happen again. This time, VSU got the ball and drove 75 yards, aided by a pass interference call that incensed UWF’s sideline, to get a touchdown on the final play of the half.
“We just talked and said, we can’t worry about anything that has already taken place and we can’t worry about what the officials do or don’t do,” Shinnick said. “So let’s just go out and find our way in the second half.
“Offensively, we were just trying to make sure we were staying ahead of the curve a little bit,” Shinnick said.
It was followed by more back-and-forth between the teams until UWF pulled away for good with 17 points in the fourth quarter.
“Coach Shinnick instills in our team to keep having faith,” Mason said. “We knew we just had to make plays and everyone made plays.”
Ka’Ron Ashley, one of the members of UWF’s inaugural 2016 team, caught a pair of touchdown passes and finished with 82 yards. Though he didn’t catch a TD pass, David Durden had five receptions for 120 yards.
Johnson, who came into the game with five touchdowns this season, produced two in the second half Saturday. The best of his three scores was a 66-yard burst for the game’s final points with 7:13 left in the game. He finished with 96 yards in the game.
“Honestly, I came out of the hole stumbling,” Johnson said, breaking into a big smile. “My main thing was, I need to get first down for my team.
“I picked my knees up and that was the fastest I’ve ran in years — I’m not going to lie. My legs got a little heavy but we got there.”
Said Shinnick jokingly: “I was hoping no one would catch him. I was thinking where is the guy from Pace, who was running all over the place (in high school).”
While Valdosta State amassed 599 yards on 83 plays, UWF’s defense did help put the game away with stops in the fourth quarter, including Shannon Showers’ interception at the Argos’ 12 to thwart a drive.
“It was a perfect scenario,” Dilla said. “You couldn’t really ask for a better game on a better night on our last regular season game.”
By Bill Vilona. Photos:Morgan Givens/UWF for NorthEscambia.com.
Make Your Appointment Now To Let The Miracle League Fry Your Thanksgiving Turkey
November 14, 2021
Now is the time to reserve your spot to have the Miracle League of Pensacola fry your Thanksgiving turkey.
A minimum of $30 per turkey or turkey breast is necessary to help cover costs, and any additional donation will benefit the Miracle League of Pensacola. The minimum charge is $35 for turkeys that are 20 pounds or more.
Call (850) 375-1577 with questions or to schedule your appointment (leave a message if no answer). Walk-ups are welcome, but reservations should be made early as the number of time slots is limited and appointments take priority.
There are a few things to remember after scheduling an appointment. Completely thaw your turkey, removing all of the inside packaging and giblets. Write down exactly how much your turkey weighs so it is fried perfectly and take it to the Miracle League Park at 555 East Nine Mile Road at your appointment time between 7 a.m. and 4 p.m. on Wednesday, November 24. And be on time for your appointment.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
DeSantis Appoints Century Woman To Florida Board of Cosmetology
November 14, 2021
A Century woman is one of four people appointed to the Florida Board of Cosmetology by Gov. Ron DeSantis.
Stephania Streit is the president of Streit Smart Capital. Previously, she was a sales manager for American Heritage Financial and a member of the Pensacola State College District Board of Trustees. Streit earned her bachelor’s degree and master’s degree in business administration from the University of Southern Mississippi.
The other appointees were from Miami, Pompano Beach and Tallahassee.
Traffic Alerts: What To Expect This Week
November 14, 2021
<Drivers will encounter traffic disruptions on the following state roads in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties as crews perform construction and maintenance activities.
Escambia County
- Pensacola Bay Bridge (U.S. 98) Replacement - Drivers will encounter alternating lane closures and shifts on the Pensacola Bay Bridge from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 14 through Saturday, Nov. 20. Crews will be using lanes on the current bridge as a platform to pour concrete decks for the westbound (Gulf Breeze to Pensacola) structure.
- North Ninth Avenue (State Road (S.R.) 289) Carpenters Creek Bridge Replacement- All travel lanes are temporarily shifted to the northbound side of the bridge as crews replace the southbound portion of the structure. Additionally, drivers may encounter intermittent temporary lane closures from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday, Nov. 15 through Friday, Nov. 19 as crews mobilize materials and equipment.
- West Cervantes Street (U.S. 90) Pedestrian Safety Improvement – Drivers will encounter intermittent lane closures between the following locations as crews perform median improvements and install poles for pedestrian traffic signals.
- A and N Streets (inside lane closures)
- Kirk and R Streets (intermittent outside lane closure)
- Nine Mile Road (U.S. 90) Widening from Beulah Road to Pine Forest Road (S.R. 297) – Drivers will encounter temporary intermittent shifts to allow crews to pave turn lanes, side streets, driveways, and the on- and off-ramps to Interstate 10 (I-10). Access to all businesses will be maintained. Traffic flaggers and signage will be in place to direct traffic.
- U.S. 29 Widening from I-10 to Nine Mile Road (U.S. 90) – Drivers can expect intermittent lane closures and shifts from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. on U.S. 29, between I-10 and Nine and Half Mile Road, and on Nine Mile Road at the U.S. 29 interchange.
- Sorrento Road (S.R. 292) Intersection Improvements at Innerarity Point (County Road 292A) – Motorists can expect daytime shoulder closures the week of Monday, Nov. 15 as crews place a watermain.
- Interstate 110 (I-110) Routine Bridge Maintenance over S.R. 752 (Texar Street) Overpass – Motorists will encounter intermittent lane closures four miles south of I-10 from 8 p.m. to 4 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 16 through Thursday, Nov. 18 for routine bridge maintenance.
- Theo Baars bridge on S.R. 292 (Gulf Beach Highway) Routine Bridge Maintenance over the Intracoastal Waterways – Motorists will encounter intermittent lane closures from 8 p.m. to 4 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 14 through Monday, Nov. 15, for a routine bridge maintenance.
Santa Rosa County
- Pensacola Bay Bridge (U.S. 98) Replacement – Drivers will encounter alternating lane closures and lane shifts on the Pensacola Bay Bridge from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 14 through Saturday, Nov. 20. Crews will be using lanes on the current bridge as a platform to pour concrete decks for the westbound (Gulf Breeze to Pensacola) structure. Additional work will include the installation of pier lighting.
- I-10 Resurfacing East of S.R. 281 (Avalon Boulevard) to East of S.R. 87 – Motorists can expect intermittent lane closures on the Blackwater River Bridge from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 14 through Thursday, Nov. 18 as crews perform paving operations.
- U.S. 98 Widening from Bayshore Road to Portside Drive – Major roadway construction activities are currently underway. Improvements on the 4.25-mile section include widening the roadway from four to a six-lanes with a raised median; safety and drainage upgrades; resurfacing State Road 281 (Avalon Boulevard) from U.S. 98 to Garcon Point Bridge; extending the existing shared-use path on the south side of U.S. 98 from Gondolier Boulevard; and new signage and pavement markings.
- S.R. 281 (Avalon Boulevard) Routine Maintenance near Garcon Point Bridge – Motorists can expect intermittent lane closures from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 17, as crews instill signage.
All activities are weather-dependent and may be delayed or rescheduled in the event of inclement weather.
FDOH Escambia Closes Drive-Thru COVID-19 Testing Site
November 14, 2021
The Florida Department of Health in Escambia County has closed their drive-thru testing site due to decreased demand.
The health department is still offering rapid testing by appointment at the FDOH-Escambia location at 1295 West Fairfield Drive. Appointments are available Monday- Friday from 8:30 until 4 p.m. for anyone age 2 and up, with or without symptoms.
To make an appointment, call (850) 595-6500 and choose option 6.
Rapid test results are available within 30 minutes. Call FDOH-Escambia’s COVID-19 phone line at (850) 595-6500 option 6.
File photo.
Fields Of Faith: Community Worship Service Held
November 14, 2021
Northview High School’s Fellowship of Christian Athletes hosted their annual Fields of Faith last week in the Tommy Weaver Memorial Stadium.
Fields of Faith is a national student-led initiative. “Students invite, pray for, share with, and challenge their peers to read the Bible and follow Jesus Christ. An athletic field provides a neutral, rally point where a community can come together,” according to national organizers.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Louis Street In Cantonment To Close Beginning Monday For About A Month
November 13, 2021
Louis Street in Cantonment will be closed just off Muscogee Road for about a month beginning Monday.
Louis Street (Highway 297A) will be closed between Washington Street and Lincoln Street for drainage improvements and road widening, according to Escambia County.
The roadway is set to be closed at 7 a.m. Monday, November 15, with construction expected to be completed by December 15.
Local traffic will be detoured in the surrounding neighborhood. All other through traffic should use County Road 97 between Muscogee Road and Kingsfield Road.
NorthEscambia.com graphic.
Many Will Use Space Heaters To Stay Warm. And That Can Be Dangerous.
November 13, 2021
With colder weather arriving in North Escambia, many people will turn to space heaters to stay warm. And that can be dangerous.
According to the National Fire Protection Association, heating equipment is one of the leading causes of home fire deaths and space heaters account for four out of five home heating fire deaths.
“Space heaters should have a three-foot safe zone around them,” said Escambia County Fire and Life Specialist Ray Melton. “They should never be left on while you’re away from home. They should be checked and served every year before used. Never plug a space heater into power strips or extension cords, and always have working smoke alarms.”
Follow these tips to stay safe while heating your home:
- Have heating equipment and chimneys cleaned and inspected annually by a qualified professional.
- Keep anything that can burn at least 3 ft. away from heating equipment, like the furnace, fireplace, wood stove or portable space heater.
- Portable space heaters should be turned OFF every time you leave the room and before going to bed.
- Never plug a space heater in a power strip.
- Install carbon monoxide detectors to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.
- Never use an oven to heat your home.
For portable electric heaters:
- Place them on a solid, flat surface, away from high traffic areas and doorways.
- Use and purchase heaters with an automatic shut off so if they are tipped over they will shut off.
- Plug power cords directly into outlets and never into an extension cord.
- Inspect for cracked or damaged, broken plugs or loose connections; replace before using.
QB Odom Gets Four Defensive Interceptions As Northview Beats Bozeman 27-21 In Regional Quarterfinal
November 13, 2021
Number four, four interceptions including a pick six. It was a pretty incredible Friday night, especially for a junior quarterback that also had an offensive touchdown as the Northview Chiefs beat the Bozeman Bucks 27-21 in Bratt.
Northview quarterback Kaden Odom slipped onto defense Friday night — something he’s done only a few times this year.
With just seconds to go in the game and Bozeman in the red zone, Odom intercepted a Bozeman pass to seal the win as Northview’s Jon Michael Ward held the pressure on the Bucks.
For a photo gallery, click here.
“I knew I had to make a play one way or another, but I seen the ball tipped,” Odom said. “I knew if I if I picked it right, it was over with. So I tried to make a big time play, and we come out on top.”
“Our defense stepped up made some huge plays tonight, thanks to this guy (Odom),” Summerford said. “You know, quarterback, cornerback, it doesn’t matter. He’s gonna make plays, and he’s a good great playmaker for us. Came up big four times tonight. I mean, huge because I think if we don’t have one of those picks maybe this game goes different way.”
Odom was quick to give credit to the support of the community, the crowd and his teammates.
“I can’t do without these boys though, these boys,” he said. “We come to work every single week, and we lay it all on the line. We’ve got a great coaching staff and we’re ready for next week.”
Northview’s Jamarkus Jefferson, also a junior, finished the night with somewhere north of 150 yards, Summerford estimated, and two touchdowns.
“You’ve got to either run the football, or you’ve got to pass the football,” Summerford said. “With him (Jefferson) in the backfield, it’s a no brainer for us. We’re going to try to run it all that we can.”
The Northview Chiefs (6-4) will travel next Friday night in the regional semifinals to take on the top ranked Baker Gators (6-2).
“Oh, I’m ready. That’s the one we wanted. That’s the one we want,” Odom said about Baker. “We can have fun over weekend, celebrate. But come Monday, we’ve got to work. We’ve got to work. We’ve got a lot of work to do.”
In September, Baker defeated Northview 43-42 in overtime.
Summerford said that will be a learning experience for the Chiefs as they look for the little ways they could have played better in that close loss.
“It’s all those things we learned the first time about them,” he said. “Then we’ll throw in some new wrinkles.”
For a photo gallery, click here.
NorthEscambia.com photos by William Reynolds, click to enlarge.
Escambia Academy Advances To State Championship Game – For The Sixth Straight Time
November 13, 2021
The Escambia Academy Cougars are headed to the AISA-AA state championship game — for the sixth straight time.
The Cougars beat defending state champion Chambers Academy 37-13 Friday night in the state semifinals on the road in Lafayette, Alabama.
The No. 2 ranked EA Cougars will take on No.1 Autauga Academy at 3:30 p.m. Friday at Montgomery’s Cramton Bowl.
Escambia Academy beat Autauga for the state title in 2017, but lost to Autauga in 2018 and 2019.
Photos: Andrew Garner/Atmore Advance for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
