Northview Falls To Baker 46-35 In Regional Semifinal
November 20, 2021
The Northview Chiefs football season came to an end with a tough 46-35 loss to defending station champion Baker Friday night in the Class 1A regional semifinals.
When they met during the regular season, the Gators won the 42-41 overtime thriller. Northview fans turned out in full force Friday night at Baker, cheering on their Chiefs as they fought hard to the very end.
For a game action photo gallery, click here.
For a photo gallery with the band, fans and cheerleaders, click here.
“It was just a fight for four quarters,” Northview head football coach Wes Summerford said. “I thought our kids played hard. There was several times that they could have gave it up, and we fought to get back in it to the end.”
Kayleb Wagner — the Gator standout that broke Derrick Henry’s Florida high school football single-game rushing record earlier this season– gave Baker an early 7-0 lead over Northview on an 88-yard touchdown run.
Northview’s Wyatt Scruggs intercepted a Gator pass on their own five and ran it in to make it 7-7 after a good Brandon Ferguson kick with 3:10 remaining in the first quarter.
In the second quarter, junior quarterback Kaden Odom found a wide open Luke Bridges, and he was in from 20 yards out to give the Chiefs a 14-7 lead with 11:44 remaining in the half. Baker answered with a 49-yard touchdown run with 9:12 in the half for a 14-14 tie.
The Chiefs regained the lead at 24-14 as Odom fought his way into the endzone on a short quarterback keeper with 5:54 remaining in the second quarter. Baker made it 21-20 with under a minute to go in the half and on their way to a playoff win.
“These guys fought hard. I thought we had some opportunities in the ballgame just to get it back even or maybe even stay on top,” Summerford said. “You’ve got to tip your hats to Baker. They are well coached, and good luck to the next round.”
The Baker Gators will host Chipley next Friday night. The Northview Chiefs season ended at 6-5.
For a game action photo gallery, click here.
For a photo gallery with the band, fans and cheerleaders, click here.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Friday Night High School Playoff Scores – Seasons End For Local Teams Except Pine Forest
November 20, 2021
Here is tonight’s North Escambia area high school football playoff schedule:
FLORIDA
1A Regional Semifinal
- Baker 46, Northvew 35 [Story, photos...]
5A Regional Semifinal
- Baker County 13, West Florida 10
6A Regional Semifinal
- Pine Forest 32, Riverside 12
- Pine Forest will host Mosley next Friday night
ALABAMA
AHSAA 3A Quarterfinals
- Montgomery Academy 28, T.R. Miller 0
AISA Class AA State Championship
- Autauga 52, Escambia Academy 35
Pictured: Northview’s Jamarkus Jefferson gains yardage against Baker Friday night in Baker. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Brewton Sweeps Two From Ernest Ward Middle Basketball (With Gallery)
November 19, 2021
The Brewton Middle School Tigers swept two from the Ernest Ward Middle School Eagles Thursday night in Walnut Hill.
In girls action, BMS won 42-20, and the Brewton boys defeated the Eagles 54-12.
Boys game photo gallery, click or tap here.
Girls game photo gallery, click or tap here.
After the Thanksgiving break, the EWMS boys will travel to Pollard McCall at 5:30 p.m. on November 29. Both the Ernest Ward boys and girls will be in action at home against Flomaton beginning at 5:30 p.m. on November 30.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Northview’s Payton Gilchrist Inks With Huntingdon College
November 18, 2021
Northview High School’s Payton Gilchrist has signed to play softball with Huntingdon College. She played four years for the Northview Chiefs as a catcher, third base and shortstop. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
The Heroes Of Fall: Northview Chiefs Visit Byrneville Elementary
November 18, 2021
When you are an elementary school kid, you look up to the boys of fall that take the field on under those Friday night lights.
Members of the Northview Chiefs football team paid a special visit to the Braves of Byrneville Elementary School Wednesday morning. The players helped out in the car ride line and visited classrooms. The students cheered on their favorite Chiefs and presented them with homemade signs and cards supporting them in their regional semifinal game Friday night at Baker.
Many of today’s Northview Chiefs are Byrneville Elementary graduates.
For more photos, click or tap here.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Playoffs: Community Pep Rally Thursday For Northview Chiefs, NWE Chiefs
November 16, 2021
A community Chiefs pep rally will be held Thursday for the Northview Chiefs and the Northwest Escambia Chiefs.
It will take place at 5:30 p.m. at Bradberry Park in Walnut Hill.
The pep rally is for the Northview Chiefs as they travel to Baker Friday night for the regional semifinals and the NWE Chiefs as they work to bring home an Escambia River Conference league championship in all four age divisions. The NWE cheerleaders will also be recognized as they prepare to compete in the ERC cheer championships.
This event is not sponsored or sanctioned by Northview High School.
NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
UWF Earns #3 Seed in NCAA Playoffs, Awarded First-Ever Home Playoff Game
November 16, 2021
The UWF football team was awarded the No. 3 seed in Super Region 2 of the 2021 NCAA Division 2 Football Championship.
UWF will face Newberry at Blue Wahoos Stadium at 1 p.m. Saturday.
UWF is 9-1 on the year and shared the Gulf South Conference championship at 6-1 following Saturday’s 61-42 win over Valdosta State. The Argos have one of the top offenses in the country, ranking fourth with 497.4 yards of total offense and seventh in passing offense at 331.2 yards per game. Their 45.9 points per game are second nationally.
The Argonauts are making their third appearance in the NCAA Playoffs and have a 9-1 all-time record, making them the winningest team in D2 history at .900.
Newberry went 9-2 this year and won the South Atlantic Conference title with a 7-1 record. UWF has never faced the Wolves but is 3-0 in postseason play against SAC schools, defeating Wingate twice in first round games and Lenoir-Rhyne in the 2019 region final.
TICKET INFORMATION
Ticket prices are $25 for Argo Club and Priority 1 seating, $20 for Priority 2 seating and $15 for Priority 3 in the sideline bleachers.
Tickets will go on sale Monday morning. UWF season ticket holders will have until Wednesday at Noon CST to purchase their existing seat(s) before they are released to the public. Contact the UWF Ticket Office at (850) 474-ARGO (2746) for more information.
Blue Wahoos Stadium gates will open at Noon and parking lots will open at 9 a.m.
PARKING INFORMATION
Fans can use their Valdosta State (Game 5) Parking Pass for all 2021 NCAA Playoff Games at Blue Wahoos Stadium. Lots 4 & 5 across the street from Community Maritime Park will still be $10 per vehicle at home games similar to the regular-season. Recreational vehicles can park in Lot 5 for $30. Handicapped parking is available in Lot 3 for $10.
Photo: Morgan Givens/UWF for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Jay High’s Alayna Lowery Has Signed With UWF Softball
November 16, 2021
Jay High School’s Alayna Lowery has signed a softball scholarship with The University of West Florida Argos. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Bonus Gallery: Northview Chiefs Band, Cheerleaders And More
November 15, 2021
The Northview Chiefs defeated Bozeman Friday night in Bratt.
For a bonus photo gallery with the band, cheerleaders and more, click or tap here.
For an action photo gallery, click or tap here.
And click here for a game summary.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
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.
