New Football Districts Finalized – Big Changes For Tate, Catholic
January 27, 2013
The Florida High School Athletic Association released final football classifications and districts for the 2013-14 and 2014-15 school years. The assignments mean a big change for Tate, a big jump for Catholic and the same big dreams of a state championship for Northview.
Tate, Crestview and Niceville slide up to three-school 1-7A, leaving the area’s Big 6 — Escambia, Milton, Pace, Pensacola, Pine Forest and Washington — in Class 1-6A.
A growing Catholic High was facing some serious road trips with a move proposed last month 3A, a district that included only schools in the Jacksonville area. The Crusaders appealed up two classes to 1-5A for a seven school district — Catholic, West Florida, Panama City Arnold, Gulf Breeze, Panama City Bay, Panama City Rutherford and Mosley.
Meanwhile, District 1-1A remains the same for the next couple of years, with the state champion Northview Chiefs, Jay, Baker and Freeport.
District 1-7A
- Tate
- Crestview
- Niceville
District 1-6A
- Escambia
- Milton
- Pace
- Pensacola High
- Pine Forest
- Washington
District 1-5A
- West Florida
- Gulf Breeze
- Pensacola Catholic
- Panama City Arnold
- Panama City Bay
- Panama City Rutherford
District 1-1A
- Northview
- Jay
- Baker
- Freeport
NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.
Tate’s Heather Thomason Signs With Alabama Southern
January 26, 2013
Tate High School senior Heather Thomason has signed a softball scholarship with Alabama Southern Community College in Monroeville.
Thomason is a two-year member of the varsity softball team as a pitcher and infielder. She played for the Molino Lady Astros for the past two years. In 2006, she played on the Xtreme Energy team that won the 10U World Series in Panama City, and in 2007 was with the Emerald Coast Comets who finished third in the 12U World Series.
Thomason was a member of the varsity volleyball team for three years and also lettered in cross country.
Pictured: (L-R, seated) bother Tyler Thomason, mother Kim Thomason, Heather Thomason, father Pat Thomason, (standing) Tate Coach Melinda Wyatt and Alabama Southern Community College Coach Elaine Covin. Submitted photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Former Local HS Coach Named Auburn Tight End, Special Teams Coach
January 26, 2013
Friday, former local high school coach Scott Fountain was named tight ends and special teams coach for the Auburn Tigers. He had previously served as Auburn’s player personnel director for the past four years.
“Scott is someone I tried to hire as an assistant coach a year ago at Arkansas State. He is a great coach with a tremendous work ethic, and his strong ties in the state of Alabama will be an asset to our program,” said head coach Gus Malzahn.
Fountain, a native of East Brewton, has spent 14 years coaching in the college ranks, including stops at Florida State, Georgia Southern, MTSU, Central Florida and Iowa State. He served as an assistant coach at Flomaton High School in 1988 and at his high school alma mater, W.S. Neal, in 1989 before being named head coach at Frisco City High School in 1990. After a three-year stint at Frisco City, he was head coach at Monroe County for a year.
After Dodgers, Rockies Baseball, Northview Grad At Home On The Beat
January 24, 2013
Growing up in Century, Alvin Hayes spent a lot of time at America’s favorite pastime — baseball.
And he was good. Really good. After graduating in 2001, the Northview High Chiefs pitcher spent six years in the minor leagues after high school — five years in a Dodgers farm team and then a year on a Rockies-affiliated team before a shoulder injury ended his baseball career.
These days, he’s on a different path but no less excited about his future as a police officer in Brewton. Hayes, 29, has been with the department for two years and lives in Brewton with his wife Rebecca and their 13-month-old son Noah. He said he chose to live in Brewton due to the lower property tax rate, and because he is inspired by his job.
“I love the department, and look forward to working every day,” Hayes said. “I enjoy the camaraderie on the force and I like that there is a good work environment and no negative talk to distract officers.”
Hayes, a patrolman on the job, enjoys golf and baseball in his spare time.
“Alvin is a great police officer with a great level-headed approach to his job,” said Brewton Chief Monte McGougin. “He speaks well, carries himself in order and is an all around good person. He has worked narcotics, regular patrol and will have a long career here and I fully expect him to advance.”
School Board Recognizes State Champ Northview Chiefs
January 23, 2013
The state champion Northview Chiefs football team was honored by the Escambia County School Board Tuesday night.
The Chiefs are the first Escambia County team to win a state football championship since 2009.
The board ratified a proclamation recognizing the Chiefs for the Class 1A championship, and dozens of players and coaches received a standing ovation as they were individually congratulated by board members.
The entire proclamation is below, click to enlarge.
Pictured: The Northview Chiefs were congratulated on their state football championship by the Escambia County School Board Tuesday night. Courtesy photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Northview Boys Beat Baker, Girls Fall To Escambia
January 23, 2013
The Northview Chiefs boys beat Baker Tuesday, while the girls lost to Escambia High.
Northview 66, Baker 44 (Boys)
The Northview Chiefs defeated Baker 66-44 Tuesday night. Neino Robinson had 19 for the Chiefs, while Cameron Newsome added 18. A junior varsity boys game scheduled for Tuesday was canceled.
The Northview varsity and junior varsity boys will be on the road next Tuesday afternoon against WS Neal.
Escambia 38, Northview 35 (Girls)
Escambia 27, Northview 16 (JV Girls)
In girls action, the Northview Lady Chiefs varsity lost to the Escambia Lady Gators 28-35. Shaquanna Jones scored 13 for the Lady Chiefs, and Elayzha Bates also had 13. The junior varsity Lady Chiefs lost to the Lady Gators 17-16.
The Lady Chiefs varsity and junior varsity teams will travel to Paxton on Thursday.
NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.
JV Basketball: Northview Beats Atmore In MLK Tourney
January 22, 2013
The junior varsity Northview Chiefs beat Atmore 37-30 Monday in the Escambia County High School MLK Tournament. The Chiefs finished third overall in the tourney.
Leading scorers for Northview were Trent Howard with 15 and Keondrae Lett with 11. Howard was also named to the All Tournament Team.
With Monday’s win the JV Chiefs improved to 5-2 on the season.
The junior varsity Chiefs will play Baker Tuesday at 4:00 in Bratt for their last home game of the season. Also Tuesday at Northview, the junior varsity girls will play Escambia County High School at 5:00, the varsity girls will play ECHS at 6:00 and the varsity boys will play Baker at 7:00.
NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.
Northview’s Neiko Robinson Pays First Visit To Penn State
January 21, 2013
Northview High School senior Neiko Robinson visited Penn State over the weekend. Robinson is expected to sign with the Penn State Nittany Lions on National Signing Day — February 6.
It was the first trip to Happy Valley for the PSU commit, his first ever trip to anywhere in Pennsylvania and the first time he had ever set foot in a 110,000-seat stadium.
Robinson, a 6-foot, 162-pound defensive back, visited with coaches Bill O’Brien and John Butler during the trip, and toured the Penn State campus during his 1,700 mile round trip.
Pictured top: Northview’s Neiko Robinson (center) celebrates after the Chiefs won the Class 1A state championship in Orlando. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Northview Sweeps Freeport; Robinson Scores 41; Jones Adds 39 (With Photo Galleries)
January 19, 2013
In varsity boys action, the Chiefs beat Freeport held a strong 33-12 lead at the end of two periods, before going on to win 68-23. Neino Robinson led the Chiefs with 41, while Cameron Newsome added nine.
In junior varsity boys action, Northview beat Freeport 67-22. The Chiefs held the Bulldogs to just two points in the fourth period. Nick Lambert scored 19 for the Chiefs. Tydre Bradley and Trent Howard both had 13 for Northview.
In girls action, the Northview Lady Chiefs beat the Lady Bulldogs of Freeport 59-43. Shaquanna Jones scored 39 for the Lady Chiefs, and Elayzha Bates added 8.
The Chiefs will be in action next Tuesday at home as follows:
4 p.m. — JV Lady Chiefs vs. Escambia
5 p.m. — JV boys vs. Baker
6 p.m. — Varsity Lady Chiefs vs. Escambia
7 p.m. — Varsity Boys vs. Baker
For photo galleries, click the links below:
Baseball, Softball Registrations Continue At Area Ballparks
January 19, 2013
Baseball and softball registrations across the area are underway. Here’s a look at registration information for Northwest Escambia, Molino Ballpark, Cantonment Ballpark, the First Baptist Church of Cantonment, Northeast Pensacola and the Pensacola Miracle League:
Northwest Escambia
Northwest Escambia will hold open baseball and softball registration for ages 3-18.
Registration will be held at Bradberry Park in Walnut Hill on Saturday, January 26 — 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
For updated registration fee information, visit the NWE Facebook page. A copy of the child’s birth certificate is needed at the time of registration. NWE is also looking for people willing to volunteer on the board of directors, and as managers, coaches and umpires.
Molino Ballpark
Registration at the Molino Ballpark will be held on Saturdays, February 2, 9 and 16, from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. at the ballpark on Crabbtree Church Road. Wee Ball, T-ball, baseball and softball for ages 3-16. $55 registration fee for the first child. Birth certificate needed at registration. For more information, call (850) 712-6267.
Cantonment Spring Registration
Registration will be held every Saturday until February 16 from 9 a.m. until noon at the Cantonment Ballpark. The cost is $80 per child.
For more information email TheCantonmentBaseballClub@gmail.com or visit this Facebook page.
First Baptist Cantonment
The First Baptist Church of Cantonment will hold registration this Saturday, January 19 from ages 4-12 for T-ball through coach pitch. Registration will be at the Grocery Advantage on Highway 29 beginning at 10 a.m., or register at the church office during the week.
The cost is $35 per child. Games begin March 16. There will be no intense practices and no traveling is required. All games are Saturdays only.
Northeast Pensacola
Northeast Pensacola Ballpark on Nine Mile Road will hold registration every Saturday through January 26 from 9 a.m. until noon and Friday, February 1 from 6- 8 p.m. at Academy Sports and Outdoors on Davis Highway. Online
Online registration for NEP is also available by clicking here.
Miracle League of Pensacola
Registration for the Miracle League of Pensacola will be held Saturday, February 2 and Saturday, February 9 from 9 a.m. until noon at the ballpark on Nine Mile Road.
Registration is $40 for age 4-11; $45 for ages 12-18; $50 for ages 19 or older.
The Miracle League of Pensacola provides physically and mentally challenged individuals a safe and spirited program in which they can hit, run, and catch on a baseball field. MLP offers a unique and memorable opportunity for these exceptional people to experience baseball. Volunteers are welcome.
The season begins Friday, March 15.