Northview Falls To West Florida; Tate To Gulf Breeze
April 3, 2026
West Florida 7, Northview 1
The Northview Chiefs fell to the West Florida Jaguars 7-1 on Thursday night in Bratt.
Harrison Vernier led things on the mound first for West Florida, giving up four hits and one run in seven innings, striking out four and walking none. Jackson Bridges opened for Northview, giving up six hits and six runs (four earned) in four innings, striking out three and walking three.
For a photo gallery, click here.
Keelan Boyd and Hayden Huntsinger had two hits each for the Jags, including a home run over the centerfield Wall for Huntsinger. Bryant Mason went 2-3 at bat for the Chiefs with a solo home run to left field in the bottom of the sixth inning.
This wrapped the home season for Northview; the Chiefs will travel to Baker on April 6 and Pensacola Catholic on April 9. West Florida will be at home on April 7 against Washington.
Gulf Breeze 5, Tate 3
The Tate Aggies out-hit the Gulf Breeze Dolphins 8 to 4, but they still fell to the Dolphins 5-3 on Thursday night.
Connor Dethlefs had two hits for the Aggies. Kaden Posta, Evan Taylor, Griffin Cook, Kannon Ham, Cal Foxworth, and Brody White each added one hit.
Lance Brady took the loss on the mound for Tate, giving up two hits and four runs (three earned) while striking out seven and walking three over three and two-thirds innings.
Next up, Tate will host Robertsdale on Friday night.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
UWF Announces Move To NCAA Division I Athletics
April 2, 2026
The University of West Florida announced in a press conference on Thursday morning that it will be transitioning its athletics programs to the NCAA Division I level. Beginning in Fall 2026, UWF will compete in the Atlantic Sun Conference as a full multi-sport member and the United Athletic Conference as a football-playing member.
“Our transition to Division I marks a historic step forward for UWF and reflects the momentum, ambition and excellence that define our community,” said UWF President Manny Diaz Jr. “This milestone is about more than athletics — it represents expanded opportunities for our students, greater national visibility, and a continued commitment to providing an outstanding educational experience. I am proud of the work that has brought us to this moment and excited for the future we are building together.”
The Argonauts Athletics program has a proven record of excellence competing at the NCAA Division II level, leading the Gulf South Conference in all-time championships and all-sports trophies. The University’s 15 varsity programs have earned 11 national and 136 conference championships while competing at the NCAA Division II level. Beyond athletic success, the program fosters leadership and academic achievement, with a cumulative Spring 2025 student-athlete GPA of 3.37.
“This transition represents the next chapter in the evolution of our athletics program and a testament to the dedication of our student-athletes, coaches, staff and supporters,” said Dave Scott, UWF Athletic Director. “As we prepare for Division I competition, we remain focused on building champions for life. We look forward to growing our tradition of success and welcoming our fans and partners to be part of this exciting journey.”
The Atlantic Sun Conference was founded in 1978 and is an NCAA Division I conference composed of eight institutions across the southeastern United States, including universities like Florida Gulf Coast University, University of North Florida and Lipscomb University.
The United Athletic Conference was established in 2023 as a single-sport football conference through a partnership between the ASUN and the Western Athletic Conference, which will expand to a full multi-sport conference and rebrand as the UAC on July 1, 2026.
The ASUN and the WAC (UAC) announced the formation of a strategic consortium beginning July 1, 2026. The alliance will support collaborative scheduling, shared operational efficiencies and expanded competition opportunities while maintaining independent conference structures and automatic qualification to NCAA Championships.
“This addition not only strengthens both conferences, but represents yet another growth milestone for the alliance between these two leagues,” said consortium Chief Executive Officer Jeff Bacon. “Since announcing our plans nearly a year ago, the excitement around what we will unveil on July 1 has been overwhelming, and with UWF on board, we have added significant fuel to the fire. Thank you to President Diaz and Director Scott for their tireless work to bring this moment to fruition. I am honored to welcome them to The Destination!”
During the three-year NCAA reclassification process, UWF athletics teams will compete at the Division I level but will not be eligible for NCAA postseason tournaments. However, they will be eligible to compete for ASUN and UAC conference championships. Full NCAA postseason eligibility will begin once the transition process is complete in 2029.
The transition to Division I aligns with the University’s continued growth in enrollment, research activity and regional engagement. The move will increase the institution’s visibility and expand opportunities for student recruitment while contributing to the overall campus experience.
By fiscal year 2027-2028, with the new Darrell Gooden Stadium fully operational and Division I competition underway, UWF Athletics is expected to see increases in game day attendance and expanded operational needs, including staffing, security, concessions and event management. According to an analysis conducted by the UWF Haas Center, UWF Athletics is projected to generate approximately $42 million in economic impact and support an estimated 280 jobs across the region.
Unlucky 13: Northview Falls 3-1 To Milton
April 2, 2026
Thirteen was not a lucky number for the Northview Chiefs.
After 12 consecutive wins, the Chiefs lost an April Fool’s Day matchup to the Milton Panthers 3-1.
Grayson Burns took the loss for Northview in five and one-third innings, giving up three runs on one hit, walking three and striking out seven.
Luke Chavers went 1-2 with one RBI. Burns, Jase Portwood, and Grayden Sheffield each had one hit for the Chiefs.
The Chiefs will be back in action Thursday night as they host West Florida in Bratt.
Tate Aggies Varsity And JV Both Shut Out Milton
April 1, 2026
Tate 5, Milton 0
The Tate Aggies shut out the Milton Panthers 5-0 on Tuesday night at Milton.
Aggie Bryton McLellan allowed no runs and just two hits while walking one and striking out five.
Connors went 2-4 for the Aggies. Dethlefs and White each added two hits.
Up next, the Aggies will host Gulf Breeze on Thursday and Robertsdale on Friday.
Tate 7, Milton 0 (JV)
In junior varsity action, the Tate Aggies shut out Milton 7-0 on Tuesday.
Caileb Javier started for the Aggies on the mound, giving up one hit and no runs in two innings, walking three and striking out four. Parker White went three innings in relief, giving up one hit and no runs, with two strikeouts and no walks.
Mason Williams went 2-3 and Camden Seifert went 1-1 with two RBIs.
Mitchell Hits Two-Run Homer As Tate Falls To Pace
April 1, 2026
Pace 13, Tate 3
The Tate Aggies fell to the Pace Patriots 13-3 on Tuesday night in Pace. Mitchell led the Aggies at the plate with three RBIs, including a single in the first inning and a two-run home run in the top of the third to left field.
In the circle, Mitchell went two and one-third innings, surrendering nine runs and five hits, striking out four and walking five.
Up next, the Aggies will host West Florida on Friday night for the annual Strike Out Cancer benefit game.
Pace 4, Tate 2
In junior varsity play, the Tate Aggies fell to Pace 4-2.
Bailey Parden went two and one-third innings in the circle, allowing seven hits and four runs (three earned) while striking out three and recording no walks.
Aubrie Romero and Alaina Ritchey each had one hit for Tate.
Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Flag Football: Northview Chiefs Beat Pine Forest 27-20
April 1, 2026
In girls flag football action, the Northview Chiefs beat the Pine Forest Eagles 27-20 on Tuesday in Bratt.
Up next, it’s Senior Night for the Chiefs on Monday. Senior Night activities will begin at 4:30 p.m. followed by a 6 p.m. game against the Pensacola High Tigers.
In a March 3 matchup, Northview beat PHS 30-6.
UWF Expected To Announce Jump To Division 1 On Thursday
March 31, 2026
he University of West Florida has set a press conference for Thursday “to make a major athletics announcement,” and multiple reports indicate the Argos will announce a move to Division 1.
The Argos are expected, according to Yahoo Sports and, locally, Rick’s Blog, to join the upcoming United Athletic Conference (UAC) in football and the Atlantic Sun Conference (ASUN) in all other sports.
Austin Peay, Eastern Kentucky, North Alabama, West Georgia, and Central Arkansas will officially join the UAC on July 01, 2026, alongside ACU, Tarleton State, and UT Arlington. The rebranding of the WAC to the UAC will also take place in the summer of 2026. The ASUN members are Austin Peay, Bellarmine, Central Arkansas, Eastern Kentucky, Florida Gulf Coast, Jacksonville, Lipscomb, North Alabama, North Florida, Queens, Stetson, and West Georgia.
UWF is currently a NCAA Division II school. UWF President Manny Diaz Jr., UWF Athletic Director Dave Scott, and more will be speaking at Thursday’s “major athletics announcement.” We will have details on NorthEscambia.com.
File photo Elijah Nall/UWF for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Chiefs Secure 12th Straight Win with Crucial District Victory Over Jay
March 31, 2026
Northview 6, Jay 2
Make it a dozen wins in a row for the Northview Chiefs, a really big district win at that.
The Northview Chiefs defeated the Jay Royals 6-2 on Monday night at Jay, putting Northview on top of the Rural District 1 standings at 2-0 in the district and 15-5 overall. Jay fell to 2-2 in the district, 10-4 overall. Northview travels to Baker on Monday, April 6, to take on the Gators (10-7, 2-1 and second in the district).
Starter Jack Boutwell earned the win on the mound for the Chiefs in four innings, allowing three hits and one run while striking out three and walking none. Bryant Mason pitched three innings in relief, allowing two hits and one run while striking out six and walking one.
Jax Lowery opened for Jay, giving up six hits and four runs (two earned) in five innings, striking out seven and walking three.
Mason led Northview at the plate, going 2-3 with two RBIs, while Jackson Bridges went 3-4. Sheffield went 2-4. Lowery, Jayden Youngblood, Cooper Harrison, Bryson Nelson, and Nick Baxley each had one hit for the Royals.
Up next, Northview will host Milton on Wednesday and West Florida on Thursday. Jay will travel to Milton on Thursday and W.S. Neal on Friday.
Jay 3, Northview 3 (JV)
In junior varsity action, Northview and Jay played to a 3-3 tie after five innings on Monday.
Tyler McAnally went a complete game for the Chiefs, allowing two hits and three runs (one earned) while striking out five and walking three. Mason Duncan went four innings for the Royals, allowing three hits and three runs while walking three and striking out four.
Sawyer Gilmore led Northview with two RBIs as he went 1-3 on the afternoon, and Camden Jacobson went 2-3 at the plate. Bryant Grissett and Tanner Phillips each had one hit for Jay
Tate Takes Charge As Second-Half Surge Silences Panthers
March 31, 2026
The Tate Lady Aggies beat the Milton Panthers 12-5 in a key district game on Monday night at Milton.
After a competitive first period that saw both teams locked in a 3-3 tie, the Aggies’ offense exploded in the second half. Tate outscored Milton 9-2 in the final frame.
Junior Kira Bigalow led the charge for the Aggies, delivering with five goals on just five shots.
The Aggies were equally impressive on the defensive end and in the transition game. Kira Bigalow and Abigayle Keever were relentless, picking up 6 ground balls each. In the cage, junior Carly Helmig anchored the defense with six saves, allowing only two goals during the second-half surge.
With the win, Tate improves to 6-10 overall, 2-5 for fourth place in 2A District 1. Milton fell to 3-9 overall and a winless last place in 2A District 1.
Tate Aggies Senior Bryton Mclellan Signs With Wallace
March 30, 2026
Tate High School senior Bryton Mclellan has signed to play baseball and continue his education with Wallace Community College is Selma, Alabama.
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