Tate Aggies Push No. 1 Gulf Breeze To The Limit In Hard-Fought District Clash; Northview Falls To Jay
September 4, 2026
The Tate Aggies volleyball squad gave the state’s top-ranked team everything it could handle Thursday night, battling wire-to-wire in a high-octane district showdown before falling 3-1 to the visiting Gulf Breeze Dolphins.
Gulf Breeze, ranked No. 1 in Florida Class 5A, entered Cantonment sporting a 9-1 record to challenge an unbeaten No. 4 ranked Aggies team at 7-0. The match lived up to every bit of the heavyweight billing, delivering relentless momentum swings, gritty defense, and clutch net play in front of an electric home crowd.
The opening two sets set the tone for the night, with both sides trading explosive scoring runs. Gulf Breeze edged ahead late to claim set one 25-21, but Tate answered right back with furious intensity in the second. The Aggies pushed the Dolphins to the brink, matching them point-for-point past regulation before Gulf Breeze squeaked out a dramatic 26-24 set win.
Refusing to back down, Tate kept up the attack in the third frame. Feeding off timely kills and defensive stops at the net, the Aggies rallied through another fiercely contested finish to seize the set 25-23 and pull within striking distance.
The Dolphins managed to regain control in the fourth set, pulling away 25-14 to seal the match, but not before the Aggies proved they can run shoulder-to-shoulder with the tops in Florida.
For Tate, Torrie Garrett paced the front line with 117 kills on the season, while Myla Manoso anchored the defense above the net with 16 total blocks. Jacey Stuart added firepower from behind the line with 17 aces, Harper Leopard anchored the back row with 88 digs and 94 receptions, and Bailie Merritt orchestrated the offense with 208 assists.
With the hard-fought battle behind them, the Aggies (7-1) will look to bounce right back next week when they host the Washington Wildcats (3-3) on Tuesday. And, coming up later in the season, Tate will travel to Gulf Breeze looking for vengeance on September 29.
Jay Sweeps Northview
In varsity volleyball actin, the Jay Lady Royals swept the Northview Chiefs 3-0 in varsity action and 2-0 for junior varsity. Jay improved to 10-1 on the season, while Northview slipped to 2-3. Next Tuesday, Jay will host Central and Northview will head to Flomaton.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Here Is This Week’s High School Football Schedule
September 4, 2026
Here are this week’s North Escambia area football games:
FLORIDA
Thursday
Godby 21 Pensacola Catholic 10
Pine Forest 38, Crestview 29
Friday
- Escambia at Tate
- Northview at Graceville
- Jay at Central
- Pensacola HIgh at Washington
- Fort Walton Beach at West Florida
- Pensacola Catholic at Godby
- Freeport at Gulf Breeze
- Choctawhatchee at Pace
- Milton at Navarree
ALABAMAA
- Opp at Flomaton
- Jackson at Escambia County
- Thomasville @ W.S. Neal
- T.R. Miller (open)
- Escambia Academy (canceled due to no available officials)
Wahoos Powered Down by Clingstones in 4-1 Defeat
September 4, 2026
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos waited out a lengthy stadium power outage on Thursday night, but couldn’t charge up enough offense in a 4-1 loss to the Columbus Clingstones.
The loss, Pensacola’s fourth in a row after a torrid 19-3 stretch, drops their division lead over the Clingstones to 4.5 games with 9 to play in the regular season. Their magic number to clinch the second half South Division title remains at 5.
Blue Wahoos ace Eliazar Dishmey breezed through a 1-2-3 first inning, but proceedings screeched to a halt in the top of the second when an area power outage impacted the lights and scoreboard at Synovus Park. The game wouldn’t start back up for another 90 minutes, preventing Dishmey from picking up the game upon its resumption.
The Clingstones struck for a pair of runs in the bottom of the second inning against reliever Jaydenn Estanista (L, 2-1), taking a 1-0 lead on a wild pitch and bringing home another on a Luke Waddell sacrifice fly. Though Payton Green answered for the Blue Wahoos with a solo homer in the third against Shay Schanaman (W, 5-7), the Clingstones would tack on additional runs with a fifth-inning RBI single from Eric Hartman and sixth-inning solo homer from Dixon Williams.
The Blue Wahoos got at least one runner on base in all nine innings, but hit into three double plays and went 0-for-3 with men in scoring position. Tyler LaPorte (S, 
closed out the game for the Clingstones with a scoreless ninth.
The Blue Wahoos continue their series against the Clingstones on Friday.
written by Erik Bremer
UWF Named FCS National Team Of The Week, Breaks Into National Rankings
September 3, 2026
Last Thursday’s 34-31 win over No. 16 Southern Illinois has helped UWF Football receive the Stats Perform FCS National Team of the Week as well as secure a spot in the Stats Perform FCS Top 25 Poll.
On Monday, the Argos were named the National Team of the Week after they won their first game of the FCS era in front of a home crowd of over 6,000. Starting quarterback Ty’Ray Davis threw for two touchdowns and rushed for another in his first collegiate start. Bryon Puryear, who was named the United Athletic Conference Defensive Player of the Week had seven tackles with three tackles for loss and a sack in the win.
In addition to the team of the week award, the Argos also broke into the Top 25 national rankings at the No. 25 spot. UWF also began receiving votes in the AFCA Coaches Poll.
UWF will open UAC play at Central Arkansas on Saturday with a 6 p.m. kickoff.
Photo Elijah Nall/UWF for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Wahoos Pitted by Clingstones In 10-1 Loss
September 3, 2026
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos dropped their third game in a row on Wednesday night, falling 10-1 to the Columbus Clingstones.
Despite the loss, the Blue Wahoos still hold a 5.5-game lead over the Clingstones and a magic number of 5 in the second half race with 10 games to play in the regular season.
The Blue Wahoos briefly took a 1-0 lead in the top of the first, as Aiva Arquette singled and scored on a Dillon Lewis RBI double. That would be all the damage done against Clingstones starter Isaac Gallegos, who worked a career-high 4.0 innings in a spot start.
The Clingstones answered back in a big way in the bottom of the first inning against Blue Wahoos starter Alex Williams (L, 4-8), loading the bases with a single and a pair of walks for Adam Zebrowski. After homering in his final two at-bats on Tuesday, Zebrowski crushed a grand slam off the left field videoboard for a 4-1 Columbus lead.
Things got out of hand in a six-run fifth inning, as Luis Moreno was charged with six runs, five earned, without recording an out. Three singles and three walks, aided by a costly throwing error from second baseman Cristian Hernández, extended the Columbus advantage to 10-1.
The two newest Blue Wahoos relievers, Justin Storm and Juan Reynoso, combined for 3.0 hitless innings of relief in their first appearances since joining the club from High-A Beloit on Tuesday.
The Blue Wahoos continue their series against the Clingstones on Thursday.
written by Erik Bremer
Cat Country 98.7 Earns Two CMA Award Nominations
September 2, 2026
Pensacola’s locally owned and operated WYCT – Cat Country 98.7 and The Cat Pak Morning Show have both been nominated for prestigious Country Music Association (CMA) Awards.
Both the station and morning show were named as one of just five nationwide finalists in their respective categories: 2026 CMA Radio Station of the Year and Broadcast Personality of the Year. The dual recognition honors the station and morning crew for their programming, listener connection, and community service across Pensacola and Northwest Florida.
WYCT previously won CMA Radio Station of the Year honors in 2017, 2019, and 2024. The Cat Pak Morning Show previously took home Broadcast Personality of the Year honors in 2022.
“It’s an honor to be nominated by the Country Music Association for these awards. I could not be more proud of our Cat Country team!” said Mary Hoxeng, owner and general manager of WYCT.
“To have both Cat Country 98.7 and The Cat Pak Morning Show recognized by the CMA is incredibly special,” added Brent Lane, Cat Pak host and WYCT program director. “These nominations belong to our team, our community partners, and our listener family.”
The winners of the 60th Annual CMA Awards will be honored during the November 19 ABC telecast live from the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville.
Pictured: Previous CMA Station of the Year awards from 2017, 2019, and 202 in the Cat Country trophy case. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Wahoos Drop One-Run Duel to Zebrowski, Clingstones
September 2, 2026
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos experienced a rare one-run loss on Tuesday evening, falling 3-2 to the Columbus Clingstones in the opener of their final road series of the regular season.
Despite the loss, the Blue Wahoos still hold a 6.5-game lead over the Clingstones and a magic number of 5 in the second half race with 11 games to play in the regular season.
Ethan O’Donnell opened the scoring with a solo homer in the second inning against Clingstones starter Cam Caminiti (W, 1-0), but that would be the only damage done against the top pitching prospect in the Braves organization. The 20-year-old earned his first Double-A win with 6.0 innings of four-hit, one-run ball while striking out eight.
The Clingstones evened the score 1-1 in the bottom of the fourth against Blue Wahoos starter Jacob Miller, putting two men aboard before an Owen Carey RBI single. Carey was thrown out trying to stretch his single into a double, one of three outs made on the basepaths by the Clingstones on the night.
Gabe Bierman (L, 6-3) worked 3.0 innings of long relief, but was twice victimized by Columbus catcher Adam Zebrowski. The right-handed slugger hit a go-ahead solo homer in the fifth, and followed up with another shot in the seventh for a 3-1 Clingstones lead.
The Blue Wahoos threatened in the eighth inning against Blane Abeyta, as Dylan Jasso drew a one-out walk and Adrian Santana followed with an RBI double. A wild pitch advanced Santana to third base as the tying run, but Aiva Arquette struck out and Juan Matheus hit a deep flyout to center field to end Pensacola’s last threat. Duncan Davitt (S, 2) struck out the side in the ninth to seal a 3-2 final.
The defeat marked Pensacola’s first time losing back-to-back games since dropping three straight August 2-5, and their first loss in a one-run game since July 29. Brandon Compton’s 22-game on-base streak ended with an 0-for-4 night at the plate.
The Blue Wahoos continue their series against the Clingstones on Wednesday.
written by Erik Bremer
Northview Sweeps J.U. Blacksher, Undefeated Tate Blanks Washington
September 1, 2026
Northview Chiefs
The Northview High School Chiefs swept the J.U. Blacksher Bulldogs from Uriah, Alabama, in straight sets across both junior varsity and varsity volleyball matches Monday evening in Bratt.
The varsity Lady Chiefs earned a decisive 3-0 victory over the Bulldogs. Northview set the pace early with back-to-back 25-20 wins in the opening frames before closing out the sweep with a 25-15 finish in the third set.
For more photos from Northview varsity on Monday, click here.
Up next, Northview will travel to Baker on Tuesday and Jay on Thursday.
In the preliminary matchup, the Northview junior varsity squad also took care of business at home, defeating J.U. Blacksher 2-0. Individual set scores for the JV contest were not available.
Tate Aggies
The Tate High School Aggies remained undefeated on the season Monday evening, sweeping the Booker T. Washington Wildcats 3-0 in Cantonment.
The varsity Lady Aggies improved to 6-0 overall, controlling the match in straight sets with scores of 25-13, 25-16, and 25-20.
Through six matches, the Aggies have been powered at the net by Torrie Garrett with 77 kills and Myla Manoso with 12 blocks. Bailie Merritt has anchored the offense and serving game with 136 assists and 13 aces, while Harper Leopard leads the back row with 50 digs and 50 receptions.
In junior varsity action, Tate also earned a clean sweep over Washington, defeating the Wildcats 2-0.
Tate will host Choctaw on Tuesday and Gulf Breeze on Thursday.
Pictured: Northview varsity defeated J.U. Blacksher 3-0 on Monday. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Wahoos Quieted By Biscuits In Sunday Finale
August 31, 2026
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos were unable to shrink their magic number to clinch a playoff spot on Sunday afternoon, falling 7-2 to the Montgomery Biscuits.
Despite the loss, the Blue Wahoos still left Montgomery with four wins in six games and hold a 7.5-game lead over the Columbus Clingstones in the second half race with 12 games to play in the regular season. Their magic number remains at six with six upcoming head-to-head matchups against the Clingstones starting on Tuesday.
Joey Volini (L, 2-3) surrendered a two-run homer to Biscuits slugger Will Simpson in the first inning to set the Blue Wahoos back early. Pensacola responded in the top of the third against Montgomery starter Chris Clark, with RBI singles from Adrian Santana and Brandon Compton to tie the game 2-2.
Compton’s hit extended his on-base streak to 22 games, and capped a dominant month of August in which he batted .333 with 13 doubles, a triple, 8 homers, 27 RBI and a 1.153 OPS.
The Biscuits took the lead for good in the bottom of the third inning, as Volini departed the game in apparent discomfort with the bases loaded and two outs. Mason Vinyard entered from the bullpen on short notice, issued a bases-loaded walk to Justyn-Henry Malloy, and allowed a two-run double to Connor Hujsak to put the Biscuits ahead 5-2.
J.T. Arruda added a two-run homer in the fourth to extend Montgomery’s lead to 7-2, and the Biscuits bullpen took things from there. Hayden Snelsire (W, 5-3), Tommy McCollum and Junior William each worked 2.0 scoreless innings of relief to cap the contest.
Though the month ended in defeat, the Blue Wahoos finished August with an 18-7 record for the highest winning percentage in a calendar month in franchise history.
After an off day Monday, the Blue Wahoos continue their road trip on Tuesday with their series opener in Columbus against the Clingstones.
FWC Hunter Safety Courses In September In Molino, Jay, Milton
August 30, 2026
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is offering free hunter safety internet-completion courses in Molino, Cantonment, Jay and Milton. Hunter safety courses are designed to help students become safe, responsible and knowledgeable hunters and learn about conservation.
Participants must take the online course before attending a class.
All firearms, ammunition and materials are provided free of charge. Students should bring a pen or pencil and paper. Anyone under 18 must have a completed and signed parental release.
Anyone born on or after June 1, 1975, must pass an approved hunter safety course and have a hunting license to hunt alone (unsupervised). The FWC course satisfies hunter-safety training requirements for all other states and Canadian provinces.
The two-day events will be held as follows, and you must have completed an online hunter safety course and have a copy of the completion certificate or field day voucher prior to taking a Range Day (listed bottom).
ESCAMBIA COUNTY In Person Field Day Classes
- September 14, 6-10 p.m. — Molino Community Center
SANTA ROSA COUNTY In Person Field Day Classes
- September 21, 6-10 p.m. — Jay United Methodist Church
- September 28, 6-10 p.m. – Extension Office, Milton
RANGE DAY
- October 3, 9 a.m. – noon — Santa Rosa Correctional Institution, Milton
Those interested in attending a course can register online and obtain information about future hunter safety classes, or contact FWC safety coordinator Jeff Schumacher at (850) 767-3612 or via email.