LSU To Face Vandy For SEC Soccer Title
November 7, 2025
The teams are set for the SEC Soccer Tournament championship match on Sunday in North Escambia.
LSA will take on Vanderbilt at 2:30 Sunday afternoon at Escambia County’s Ashton Brosnaham Park off Ten Mile Road.
In Thursday’s semifinal games:
- LSU 3, Mississippi State 1 – LSU advanced to the SEC Championship match with a 3-1 win over Mississippi State, sparked by Ava Galligan’s opener in the 28th minute. A red card in the box led to an Ida Hermannsdottir penalty to make it 2-0, and freshman Sariyah Bailey added a header moments later. Mississippi State scored before halftime, but LSU’s back line and keeper Auder Scheving held strong to finish the match and send the Tigers to Sunday’s final. LSU is now heading to the finals for the third time in program history.
- Vanderbilt 2, Georgia 0 – Vanderbilt secured a spot in the SEC Women’s Soccer Tournament Championship with a commanding 2-0 semifinal win over Georgia.The No. 2 seed Commodores broke a scoreless deadlock in the 67th minute with a goal from Sydney Watts, assisted by Olivia Stafford, and added an insurance goal late in the match to seal the victory. Vanderbilt controlled the pace with 14 total shots and a strong defensive showing that limited the No. 3 seed Bulldogs to just five attempts.
NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Local Students Attend SEC Soccer Tournament
November 6, 2025
This week, local schools took field trips to watch the SEC Soccer Tournament.
McArthur Elementary School students (pictured below) with perfect attendance through the end of October were able to take a walking field trip to nearby Ashton Brosnaham Park to watch as No. 2 Vanderbilt defeated No. 10 Alabama by a score of 2-1.
Fourth and fifth grade students from Lipscomb Elementary (pictured top) also attended the Vanderbilt versus Alabama game.
The tournament continues Thursday with the championship game on Sunday.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Undefeated UWF Football Ranked No. 1 In NCAA Regional Rankings
November 6, 2025
UWF is the No. 1 team in Super Region Two in the Monday’s release of the NCAA Division II regional rankings.
The 9-0 Argos sit atop the list of the top-10 teams in the region. Super Region Two consists of programs competing in the Gulf South Conference (GSC), Conference Carolinas (CC), South Atlantic Conference (SAC) and Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC).
The Argos, who are also ranked No. 3 in multiple national polls are coming off a 51-38 road win over No. 15 Delta State, setting up a GSC Title shot on Saturday, Nov. 15 when the team hosts Valdosta State at Pen Air Field for the final game of the regular season.
UWF has beaten three nationally ranked opponents this season including No. 14 Lenoir-Rhyne in the season opener, No. 8 West Alabama on the road in October and No. 15 Delta State this past Saturday.
NCAA postseason play will begin on Saturday, Nov. 22.
SUPER REGION TWO RANKINGS (As of Nov. 2)
- West Florida (9-0)
- Albany St. (8-0)
- Benedict (7-1)
- Newberry (7-1)
- Wingate (7-2)
- Kentucky St. (7-1)
- Delta St. (7-2)
- Carson-Newman (6-2)
- UNC Pembroke (8-2)
- Emory & Henry (6-3)
SEC Women’s Soccer Tournament Semifinals Set In North Escambia On Thursday
November 5, 2025
Here are scores from Tuesday action in the SEC Women’s Soccer Tournament continues in North Escambia at Ashton Brosnaham Park.
- Vanderbilt 2, Alabama 1
- Georgia 1(5), Kentucky 1(4)
- Mississippi State 2, Arkansas 1
- LSU 2, Tennessee 0
SEMIFINALS
In semifinal action on Thursday:
- Mississippi State vs. LSU
- Vanderbilt vs. Georgia
The championship will be Sunday.
Pictured: LSU in the SEC Women’s Soccer Tournament. NorthEscambia.com file photo.
Blue Wahoos To Be The ‘Pensacola Sky Jockeys’ During Some 2026 Games
November 5, 2025
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos unveiled a new alternate identity that pays tribute to the community’s strong ties to military aviation. With a blue and yellow color scheme reminiscent of the U.S. Navy’s Blue Angels Flight Demonstration Squadron, the Pensacola Sky Jockeys will take flight at Blue Wahoos Stadium during select games throughout the 2026 season.
Fitting Pensacola’s status as the “Cradle of Naval Aviation,” the Sky Jockeys jersey features the team wordmark in a sharp, angular font to match livery on the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet flown by the Blue Angels. The cap features a fierce, anthropomorphic fighter jet sporting aviator sunglasses and baseball bats on its wingtips.
“The Pensacola Blue Wahoos have enjoyed a strong relationship with our military community since we first took the field in 2012, and that partnership has only grown in recent years,” said Blue Wahoos assistant general manager Anthony Aspenson. “Our players have visited the Blue Angels on the flight line at N.A.S. Pensacola, and the Blue Angels have reciprocated with frequent flyovers during Blue Wahoos home games. When we think about what makes Pensacola special in the world of Minor League Baseball, our special connection with the Blue Angels is near the top of the list. We can’t wait to take the field wearing uniforms that recognize this unique point of Pensacola pride.”
The Blue Wahoos launched the Pensacola Mullets brand in 2016, and have worn the uniforms of their fun-loving alter egos for every Thursday home game since 2021. In 2023, the Blue Wahoos unveiled the Pensacola Pok-Ta-Pok brand identity as part of Minor League Baseball’s “Copa de la Diversión” celebration of Hispanic culture.
Photos/images for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Northview Golfer Anna Kunkel Advances To State Finals
November 4, 2025
Northview High School’s Anna Kunkel competed in the FHSAA Regional Golf Championship in Jacksonville, finishing in the top five with a score of 74. She advances to the state to play for the state title.
At districts, Kunkel took first overall with a score of 69, while the Northview Girls Golf team finished third overall.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Student Athletes Honored At FCA Go The Distance Banquet
November 4, 2025
The Fellowship of Christian Athletes Going the Distance Awards were presented this week at a banquet hosted by the First Baptist Church of Pensacola.
Athletes from Escambia and Santa Rosa counties were honored for their participation in cross country, golf, swimming and volleyball. The winners were chosen by their teammates based upon their integrity, dedication, character, and FCA values.
VOLLEYBALL
Allie Hepworth, Gulf Breeze
Danielle Lee, PSC
Emree Long, West Florida
Baylie Lowry, Jay
Emma Messer, Miltonon
Gabi Moulton, UWF
Brynleigh Roth, Pace
Maggie Stewart, Northview
Riley Walsh, Catholic
Emma Ward, Washingotn
Armani Westbrooks, Escambia
SWIMMING
Lauren Armstrong, Tate
Parker Brooks, Milton
Addison Chambers, Milton
Marialys Dekom, Navarre
James Dekom, Navarre
Landon Garcia, Catholic
Sara Gray, Catholic
Ian Malone, Washingotn
Qijuan McGhee, Pine Forest
Marie Prestwood, PHS
Abigail Robinson, Washingotn
Collin Scott, Tate
Carley Smith, Pine Forest
Lawson White, PHS
GOLF
Kinzlee Biggs, Tate
Riley Bounds, Gulf Breeze
Jackson Bridges, Northview
Meghan Cole, Escambia
Brayden Dadisman, Gulf Breeze
Lillian Day, Catholic
Hunter Kroll, Escambia
Kaden Lightbourn, Milton
Evana Lin, PHS
Dawson McCullough, Jay
Caroline Mitchem, Jay
Kaitlyn Roberts, West Florida
Anna Rudd, Pine Forest
Eli Semore, Washingotn
Madison Smith, Milton
Lisa Taing, Nav
Clayton White, PHS
Will Zoesch, Catholic
CROSS COUNTRY
Sarah Boyles, PHS
Hunter DeGraff, Jay
Addison Garrett, Catholic
Raul Gonzalez-Garcia, Washingotn
Danica Hoffman, Milton
Gracee Hood, Gulf Breeze
Braeden Hunt, Gulf Breeze
Jack McAuley, West Florida
Mateo Moreno, Milton
Charlotte Nesmith, West Florida
Claire Pennell, Jay
Peter Ruiz, PHS
Bowen Spear, Catholic
Brooke Stubblefield, Washingotn
Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
SEC Women’s Soccer Tournament Kicks Off At Ashton Brosnaham Park (With Gallery)
November 3, 2025
The SEC Women’s Soccer Tournament kicked off in North Escambia on Sunday with first round matches at Ashton Brosnaham Park. It’s the fourth year the tourney has been hosted at the Escambia County park off 10 Mile Road.
Hundreds of people watched on Sunday as Alabama, Kentucky, Mississippi State and LSUA all earned wins to advance to the quarterfinals on Tuesday.
For photos from Kentucky and Florida, click here.
For photos from Mississippi State and Oklahoma, click here.
Sunday scores were as follows:
- #10 Alabama 2, #7 South Carolina 0
- #6 Kentucky 1, #11 Florida 0
- #8 Mississippi State 1, #9 Oklahoma 0
- #5 LSU 3, # 12 Auburn 2
In quarterfinal action on Tuesday.
- #2 Vanderbilt vs. #10 Alabama, 11:30 a.m.
- #3 Georgia vs. # 6 Kentucky, 2 p.m.
- #1 Arkansas vs #8 Mississippi State, 4:30 p.m.
- #4 Tennessee vs #5 LSU, 7 p.m.
For tickets, click here. Tournament books include one ticket for all six sessions of the tournament; all tickets are general admission. Admission is free for kids 12 and under wearing a soccer jersey with a paying adult for the November 2 and 4 matches.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Tate Aggies Boys Golf Wins District Title; Heads To Regionals On Monday
November 2, 2025
For the first time in school history, the Tate High School Boys Golf Team has captured the district championship, marking a milestone achievement for the Aggies and a proud moment for the entire Tate community.
With steady, composed play from all five golfers, the Aggies secured the top spot and punched their ticket to the regional tournament in Oviedo, Florida, on Monday, November 3.
Leading the Aggies was Baylor Touchstone, who carded a team-best 72, demonstrating both precision and poise throughout the round. Jaxson Thomason followed closely with an impressive 73, delivering clutch shots that kept Tate in contention all day. Parker Hassell contributed a solid 79, while Ben Robinson and Jacob Drysdale each posted rounds of 82, rounding out a well-balanced team performance.
Head Coach William Griffitts expressed deep pride in his team’s effort and faith following the historic win. “This district win was monumental for the boys program, and I give all the credit to these athletes for putting in all the time and effort,” said Griffitts. “We strive for perfection and for more wins to come in the future. All glory to God.”
The championship caps off a season defined by hard work, focus, and steady improvement, hallmarks of a team that has been quietly climbing the ranks of high school golf in Northwest Florida. With the district trophy now in hand, the Aggies turn their focus to the regional championship in Oviedo. The team hopes to carry its momentum into the next round and continue its historic postseason run.
“This win means a lot for us, but we’re staying focused,” said Touchstone. “We’re proud of what we accomplished, but we know the job’s not done yet.”
The district title represents more than just a victory; it marks the beginning of a new chapter for Tate High School golf. With a combination of talent, teamwork, and composure, the Aggies have proven they can rise to the challenge and make history in the process. As they head to Oviedo, the Tate Aggies carry not only the pride of their school but also the distinction of being the first boys team in Tate history to call themselves district champions.
UWF’s Perfect Season Remains Intact With Wild Road Win Over Delta State
November 2, 2025
The undefeated season continues for the Argos.
No. 3 West Florida defeated No. 15 Delta State on Saturday evening in Cleveland, Miss., 51-38 to move to 9-0 and get their third win of the season over a top 25 ranked opponent.
It was the highest combined score for an Argos game this season with 89 points scored. When it looked like UWF was going to run away with the game from the start Delta State had a response in what was a shootout game for four quarters.
“I love our resilience,” said head coach Kaleb Nobles. “We’ve been in tough battles on the road. That’s a tough win. That’s a playoff caliber team. Man, I’m proud of our guys,”
UWF finished the game with 279 rushing yards and 189 passing yards. Leading the offense was quarterback Marcus Stokes who did a little bit of everything in the game. Stokes was 16-of-22 for 178 yards passing with a touchdown while also leading the team in rushing with 133 yards on nine carries and two touchdowns. The redshirt sophomore also sealed the game with a 61-yard rushing touchdown late in the fourth quarter to give UWF the 51-38 lead. The Argos rushed for five touchdowns in total including two by TJ Lane and one by Ty’Ray Davis in addition to the two from Stokes.
It was a strange game for the Argo defense who only gave up 104 rushing yards and forced Delta State’s quarterback Garrett Ames into just six completions on 25 passing attempts. But those six completions went for 232 yards and three touchdowns. The Statesmen averaged 38.7 yards per completion. DSU wide receiver Curtis Rearden caught four of those passes for 207 yards and three touchdowns. Outside of those four completions, West Florida didn’t allow the hosts to get into any type of offensive rhythm. Tony Newsome helped the Argos retain the lead as he picked off two passes on back-to-back Delta State drives in the fourth quarter.
FIRST HALF
UWF took a quick 14-0 lead and were hitting on all cylinders. Stokes set the Argos up in scoring position with a 40-yard run on the opening drive. TJ Lane capped things off with a 4-yard touchdown run.
After forcing a quick three and out UWF used a five-minute drive to march down the field and score again. Stokes found Tyshon Mansell in the back of the endzone to put the Argos up two scores.
The Argos had a key defensive stop after a fumble set Delta State up at the UWF 13-yard line. UWF held the Statesmen to a field goal.
The second quarter was one of the most entertaining of the season with 38 points scored in the quarter alone. UWF took its biggest lead of the game when Davis took a quarterback keeper to the endzone to take a 21-3 lead.
With all the momentum leaning UWF’s the only answer Delta State had on offense was deep throws to Rearden. The receiver caught a 33-yard touchdown pass to cut the lead to 11 points.
The UWF special teams unit got into the scoring frenzy when Lumpy DeWeese scooped up a mishandled punt by DSU and took it into the endzone. But on the ensuing kickoff Delta State returned the kick for a 97-yard score to make the score 28-17.
Rearden again caught a long pass for a touchdown cutting the UWF lead to just four with a minute remaining in the first half.
Brogan Woeber capitalized on a fantastic late half drive into scoring range with a 30-yard field goal for the final points of the half. The teams went into the break with UWF leading 31-24.
SECOND HALF
Despite being in control for most of the first half Delta State tied the game at 31-31 midway through the third quarter when the Statesmen returned a fumble for a touchdown for the first score of the half.
The Argos’ resilience was on full display on the next drive as the offense had their longest drive of the game. UWF used an 11 play, 81-yard drive that resulted in a Stokes rushing touchdown to settle the team and get the Argos back in control. The drive chewed up over seven minutes of game time.
Newsome grabbed his first pick of the game which set up Lane’s second rushing touchdown of the game to give UWF a two-score advantage.
Following an 86-yard TD pass to Rearden to again cut the lead to a one possession game the Argos had a pressure-filled drive with five minutes remaining in the game. With the ability to run the time down and seal the game Nobles made the gutsy call to go for it on fourth down and inches at their own 38-yard line. The Argos picked it up and two plays later closed out the game with a 61-yard touchdown run by Stokes.
UP NEXT
West Florida will be on a bye week this upcoming week. The Argos will have a chance to complete its first-ever undefeated regular season in two weeks when the team hosts Valdosta State for the regular season finale on Nov. 15 at 2 p.m. With a win in that game UWF would also claim the Gulf South Conference title.