Huntsville Havoc Spoil Ice Flyers Season Opener
October 21, 2024
by Bill Vilona, Ice Flyers Correspondent
The Ice Flyers knew their season-opener Saturday night would provide a gauge, facing a veteran team that reached the league’s championship series a year ago.
The results were mixed.
Amid the positive elements with a group of rookie players, the Ice Flyers couldn’t answer the Huntsville Havoc’s second period lead and wound up in a 4-1 loss, before a crowd of 6,032 for the season debut at the Pensacola Bay Center.
The crowd and the energy were among the best for an opening night in franchise history. Included in the crowd was former Ice Flyers great Adam Pawlick, one of the franchise greatest players, who began a new element with a drum beat before the game.
“It was a great showing from our fan base again,” said Ice Flyers coach Gary Graham. “What an environment for our guys to see. We obviously know the elephant in the room… we have a lot of new players this year and I think that was a great example of what this town is and how exciting it is to be an Ice Flyer and play here.
“I thought everything was great on that side of things. I loved our first period. I thought with only having a couple days with practice for a lot of these guys, I thought we came together pretty quickly.
“What I didn’t like, we had two wide open, back-door goals in the first period that should have been goals. A two on one in the second period and we don’t get a shot off. We started trying to get too cute with the puck and we talked about this last year. We are not going to put up with that this year. We have to be a team that constantly shoots and gets to the net.”
The game’s defining moment occurred seconds after the Ice Flyers had killed off a penalty. As Troy Button exited the penalty box, the Havoc’s Jack Jaunich skated into the Ice Flyers zone and got a wrist shot through traffic above the faceoff circles that found the net.
That goal with 15:05 left, “I think someone must have skated in front of (Ice Flyers goaltender Kevin Resop) and that definitely let the air out of the sails a little bit.”
With four minutes remaining, his team trailing 3-1, Graham pulled Resop for an extra attacker. The Ice Flyers got some chances, but eventually the Havoc got a goal on an empty net with 1:12 remaining.
The Ice Flyers will have this week to practice and refocus for back-to-back games next week at Huntsville, then back home against Birmingham. The Havoc beat Birmingham in overtime 5-4 on Friday night.
Graham said he was encouraged by most of what he saw Saturday and will continue to get some things worked on during this week of practice.
Here’s a few elements about the game.
FIRST PERIOD
The game’s first two goals occurred just 21 seconds apart. The Havoc scored first when Jaunich gathered a rebound in front of the net, moved right and flicked the puck over a sprawling Resop with 13:35 left.
Soon after the ensuing faceoff, Tyler Adams scored his first pro goal on a rebound to tie the game.
And then, the fans were energized by a terrific fight between the Ice Flyers’ newcomer Kolby Johnson and Huntsville’s Dominick Procopio. Both landed haymakers, but Johnson landed more and eventually knocked Procopio to the ice with a punch and then got the crowd going even louder.
With 6:14 left, Ice Flyers newcomer Natan Vertes wristed a shot that seemed a sure goal, until Havoc goaltender Brian Wilson made the save of the game with his glove to thwart Vertes. Another newcomer Greg Smith also was turned away by Wilson on a point blank shot with 2:22 left.
Wilson finished the game with 32 saves.
SECOND PERIOD
Huntsville scored the only goal of the period on a rebound shot by Doug Elgstam with 8:13 remaining. The two-on-one opportunity the Ice Flyers had that Graham reference happened less than a minute later, but ended without a shot.
The period had only one penalty.
THIRD PERIOD
The Ice Flyers Cameron Cook nearly scored a shorthanded goal when he got a breakaway less than three minutes into the period. But again, Wilson turned away his backhand shot and Huntsville then responded with its third goal
GAME NOTABLES
The Ice Flyers honored their former service dog-in-training, Ranger, who is now the best pup friend of a young special needs boy. He was there with his parents and Ranger, part of the partnership the Ice Flyers have with Canine Companions.
Adam Pawlick led the Ice Flyers to two SPHL championship and was the league’s top scorer during 10 years ago during that season. He returned to begin a new tradition the Ice Flyers have started with a drum beat to begin the game.
NEXT PUCK DROP
- WHO: Ice Flyers at Huntsville Havoc
- WHEN: Friday (Oct 25), 7 p.m.
- WHERE: Propst Arena, Huntsville, Ala.
UWF Cruises Past Chowan for Third Straight Win
October 20, 2024
by Bill Vilona, UWF Correspondent
The scheduled mid-morning trip Saturday to the stadium with UWF’s football team was hampered by a stalled bus in the hotel parking lot.
The game itself, however, worked out much smoother for the Argos.
With impressive efficiency, No. 23-ranked UWF produced touchdowns on its first four possessions, while its defense delivered another smothering performance in a 35-6 victory against Chowan University at the Hawks’ Garrison Stadium.
The Argos (4-2), who ended September with consecutive losses, now have a chance to sweep October next Saturday at home, as they continue their push for a potential post-season position.
Minus a couple blemishes, it was a win that brought smiles. Even a team photo afterward.
“We missed two field goals, we missed a wide open touchdown on a fourth-down call that we schemed up pretty good, so that’s 13 points right there that should be on the board for us… a little frustrated about that, but I’m very proud of how our guys played,” said UWF head coach Kaleb Nobles, speaking on the post-game radio interview with Will Kennedy, voice of the Argos.
“I thought they did a good job of playing for 60 minutes the whole time,” Nobles said.
Five different players scored touchdowns, including senior Zac Offord, who produced the first touchdown of his UWF career with a nice end zone catch from quarterback Marcus Stokes on a 24-yard pass in the fourth quarter to complete the scoring.
What also stood out was UWF amassed 285 yards rushing, led by TJ Lane with 96 yards and a second-quarter touchdown. Jay Sharp scored on an 11-yard run to cap a nine-play drive in the second quarter.
“Those guys have been ready all week and did a good job of running the football well in practice,” Nobles said. “I’m proud of those guys. We built up a little bit of depth with Jamontez (Woods) out and Jay Sharp a little banged up, but he’s getting a lot better. So, excited about the running game and how we ran the ball (Saturday).”
The Argos defense held Chowan (2-4) to minus-4 yards rushing in the first half and just 38 yards for the game. UWF had 14 tackles for loss, three sacks, a forced fumble and an interception as part of a dominant defensive effort.
“That defensive line has done a phenomenal job of whoever is there, staying ready, and making plays,” Nobles said. “Those guys had relentless effort. They do a phenomenal job getting after the quarterback and making it uncomfortable for him.”
The game had some emotional attachment for Nobles. He was UWF’s quarterback in the inaugural 2016 season when the Argos lost at Chowan (35-28) in a loss that ultimately cost UWF a winning record in the first year of playing football.
That trip also included travel challenges. In Saturday’s case, the team’s equipment truck arrived on time, but the team was late arriving, and it altered a pregame warmup schedule.
“Our guys were resilient,” Nobles said. “We packed every player on one bus, had five coaches (travel separately) to get here. We didn’t get into our normal pregame routine. We did as much as we could. I’m proud of the guys for the way they handled it. They didn’t blink at all and they handled this trip well.”
The Argos scored the game’s first points in nearly a blink.
After forcing Chowan into a three-and-out to start the game, UWF took advantage of a short punt, got the ball at the Hawks 42 and scored on their third snap when Stokes hit Da’Mani Brown on a 39-yard pass in the end zone.
After Chowan answered with a field goal, UWF closed the first quarter when Corey Scott caught a 19-yard pass from Stokes. Lane’s touchdown with 5:40 left in the second quarter followed a 38-yard punt return by Virgil Lemons, after he reversed field and raced to the Chowan 11.
Stokes finished completing 10 of 22 passes for 148 yards. He also had 67 yards rushing, matching the total for redshirt freshman Keeshaun Glanton, who had his most extensive playing time this season.
In the second half, UWF offense was slowed by a fumble and failed fourth down conversions, but the defense ensured Chowan didn’t gain an edge.
The Argos travel all night from Murfreesboro, North Carolina, located near the coastal edge of the state near the Virginia line.
They will begin preparations Monday for Shorter, one of two remaining home games. UWF is now 3-1 in the Gulf South Conference, after beginning the game in third place in league standings.
WANT TO GO?
WHO: Shorter University Hawks vs. UWF Argos
WHEN: Saturday (Oct. 26), 4 p.m.
WHERE: PenAir Field on UWF campus
Photo: Scott Miller/UWF for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Tate Aggies Beat Washington 35-14 (With Gallery)
October 19, 2024
The Tate Aggies snapped a two-game losing streak Friday night as they beat the Wildcats of Washington 35-14 on Carl Madison Field.
Elijah West has two first half touchdowns for the Aggies, one on a 15-yard pass from Taite Davis and the other on a 34-yard pass from Davis.
Tate’s Carson Secchiari added a pair of TDs in the second half, one for 23 yards and one from 16 yards out.
The third Aggie touchdown of the night was a 19-yarder from senior Demorian Clay.
For a photo gallery, click here.
Look for fan, cheerleader and band photos coming soon.
“It’s nice to have a win and come back after a rough stretch there and get a W,” Tate head coach Rhett Summerford said. “We ran the ball well. We had not done that in a couple of weeks.”
The defense played well and stopped the runs. They made them play the football, and made them one-dimensional, and that helped us tonight,” he added.
Up next, the Tate Aggies will host the Crestview Bulldogs in a district matchup. Crestview (3-5) is coming off a 23-20 loss to Escambia Friday night.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Blountstown Shuts Out Northview 34-0
October 19, 2024
The Northview Chiefs fell on the road Friday night to Blountstown 38-0.
After a bye week, the Chiefs (2-7) will hope to bounce back as they host a season finale against the Flomaton Hurricanes (4-4) in a Thursday night Halloween game.
Pictured: The Northview Chiefs were shut out by Jay last week, 34-0. NorthEscambia.com file photos, click to enlarge.
Friday Night Football Scoreboard
October 19, 2024
Here are Friday night football scores from across the North Escambia area.
FLORIDA
- Tate 35, Washington 14 [Story, photos...]
- Blountstown 38, Northview 0 [Read more...]
- West Florida 23, Milton 20
- Escambia 23, Crestview 20
- St. Michael Catholic (Ala.) 38, Pensacola High 37
- Vernon 16, Central 9
- Navarre 48, Gulf Breeze 20
- Pace 29, Pine Forest 6 (Thursday)
ALABAMA
- Hillcrest (Evergreen) 48, Flomaton 17
- Monroe Acad. 2, Escambia Acad. 0 (forfeit)
- Satsuma 14, Escambia County (Atmore) 13
- Jackson 48, W.S. Neal 0
NorthEscambia.com photo.
Escambia County Extends SEC Women’s Soccer, Sun Belt Basketball Championship Agreements
October 18, 2024
Escambia County has approved new agreements to host the Southeastern Conference Women’s Soccer Championships and the Sun Belt Conference Basketball Championships through the end of the end of the decade.
The SEC Women’s Soccer Championships were first held at Ashton Brosnaham Soccer Complex in 2022, with the first agreement continuing to 2024 for the tournament that begins November 3. Under the new agreement approved Thursday, the SEC Women’s Soccer Championships will continue to be hosted by the county and Pensacola Sports at Ashton Brosnaham off 10 Mile Road in 2025 and 2026 with an option to renew for three on-year periods through 2029.
The 2022 event saw record-breaking attendance numbers and generated $2.5 million in local economic impact, according to Escambia County, with several million more in 2023.
An agreement to host the 2021-2025 Sun Belt Conference Basketball Championships at the county-owned Pensacola Bay Center was also extended Thursday. Under the new agreement, the Sun Belt tournament will continue at the Bay Center for 2026-2030.
“Thrilled. Absolutely thrilled,” Pensacola Sports President Ray Palmer said Thursday afternoon. “One of the things that is so exciting is the reality that when these conferences find a home, and a neutral site home, it really takes years to grow the event they way they want it to grow, and we want it to grow.”
“The fact that they believe in what we are doing…I just think we couldn’t be prouder,” Palmer added.
Pictured: The record-setting SEC Women’s Soccer Tournament at Ashton Brosnaham Soccer Complex in October 2022. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Tate Baseball Hits A Home Run With Fall Halloween Costume Game (With Gallery)
October 17, 2024
Tate Aggie Baseball hosted their annual Fall Baseball Halloween Game Wednesday.
The event started with trunk or treat with the players, and an exhibition game with players in full costume.
For a photo gallery, click here.
Chili, hot dogs and more were available.
There were also games and prizes for the kids between innings.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Ernest Ward Eagles Fall To Atmore (With Photo Gallery)
October 16, 2024
The Eagles of Escambia County Middle School defeated the Eagles of Ernest Ward 52-0 Tuesday night in Walnut Hill.
For the Ernest Ward Eagles, it was a special homecoming night event. Before the game, eighth grade football players, cheerleaders and band members were honored. Past homecoming queens were recognized on the field at halftime (pictured below).
For a photo gallery, click here.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Jay Defeats Northview 3-1 In District Semifinal Match
October 16, 2024
In FHSAA Rural District 1 volleyball semifinals Tuesday, the top seed Jay Royals defeated the Northview Chiefs 3-1.
Northview took the first set 25-20, but Jay responded to win the following three sets, winning 25-13, 25-15, and 25-11.
In another semifinal match, Baker blanked Central 3-0. Baker won 25-12, 25-15, 25-5.
The Royals will advance to the district finals against Baker Thursday night in Baker.
Pictured: The Northview Chiefs after a first round district win Monday night. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Northview Beats Laurel Hill In Three Sets In Volleyball Rural District 1 Quarterfinal
October 15, 2024
The Northview Chiefs beat the Laurel Hill Hoboes in three straight sets Monday in the quarterfinals of the FHSAA Rural District 1 volleyball tournament.
Northview won by scores of 25-15, 25-19, 25-8.
No. 4 seed Northview will face No. 1 seed Jay at 4 p.m. Tuesday in semifinal action as No. 2 Baker plays No. 3 Central at 6 p.m. The semifinal games are all at Baker High School. The championship game is set for 6:30 p.m. Thursday at Baker.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
