Kilcrease Signs With Jefferson Davis Community College
January 21, 2015
Atmore Christian School senior Grace Kilcrease signed with Jefferson Davis Community College in Brewton Tuesday. Pictured with Kilcrease are her parents Woody and Angie Kilcrease (seated), and Jefferson Davis Coach Misti Nims, Atmore Christian Coach Yoder, Molino Lady Astros travel team coach Donnie Nicholson and Atmore Christian Principal Tim Battles. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Golfer Bubba Watson Purchases Part Ownership In The Blue Wahoos
January 20, 2015
Two-time Masters Champion Bubba Watson has purchased ownership in the Pensacola Blue Wahoos, joining majority owners Quint and Rishy Studer.
“Ever since I went to my first Blue Wahoos game I have been a big fan of the team. I love the atmosphere, it’s such a great place to go with friends and family. I wish Pensacola had a team like this when I was growing up. There’s something special about pulling for the hometown team. It’s great that Quint and Rishy were willing to let me be a part of it. I look forward to a long and exciting partnership with them. I just hope Quint doesn’t get tired of my crazy ideas because I have been known to have a few. One thing I know for sure is that you won’t see me out there in a uniform playing. I already asked, and they said I can’t do that even if I own part of the team,” said Watson.
Bruce Baldwin ,president of the Blue Wahoos, made the announcement Monday afternoon at Pensacola Bayfront Stadium. Following the announcement, Watson took two ceremonial swings from home plate – one with his signature hot pink shafted driver and the other with a Louisville slugger. Jamie Walczak, who pitched for the Wahoos last season, threw to Watson.
Watson is no stranger to the team’s home field, throwing out ceremonial first pitches and greeting Wahoos players and fans in 2012 and 2014 after each of his Masters wins. In 2014, he even wore the famed green jacket while throwing out the first pitch.
“We are thrilled to welcome Bubba Watson into the ownership and to have Bubba’s family, Angie, Caleb and Dakota, as part of the Wahoos family, enjoying the Wahoos Life,” said Quint Studer. “Over the years many have been touched by Bubba beyond golf. His work to make life better for others is what attracted Rishy and I to him. Bubba sends a message of belief and giving, always striving to be the best he can be. Rishy, Bubba and I all view the Wahoos as an investment in improving the quality of life for people. Together we will continue to create great experiences for all ages, make lifelong memories for our fans, be a super place to work and now, with Bubba’s leadership, we will gain a national and international awareness for the Blue Wahoos and Northwest Florida.”
Known for incredible shot-making, mammoth drives, a hot pink shafted driver and an electric personality, Watson is a true all-American superstar. Born in Pensacola and raised in nearby Bagdad, he began the game of golf at age six with a cut down 9-iron and plastic golf balls. As a professional golfer, he has twice won the Masters, golf’s most prestigious tournament, and is a seven-time winner on the PGA Tour.
The first game of the season for the Blue Wahoos is April 9.
Courtesy photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
West Florida’s Gunter Signs With Tallahassee Community College
January 19, 2015
West Florida High School’s Kristin Gunter recently signed her national letter of intent to play softball at Tallahassee Community College. She was a member of the Jaguar’s 2014 Class 4A State Champion softball team and was named first team All-Area Shortstop. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Northview Lady Chiefs Defeat Catholic
January 17, 2015
The Northview Lady Chiefs took the lead and never trailed Friday night as they defeated Catholic High 42-35.
The Lady Chiefs were led by seniors E’Layzha Bates with 16 and Angel Lathan with 14 points. Sophomore Dimonique Davis scored 7, sophomore Autumn Albritton scored 3 and junior Abbie Johnson scored 2.
The Lady Crusaders were led by T. Flemings with 11 points and J. Falco with 7 points.
The two teams meet again Tuesday night at Northview at 7:00 p.m.
Jay’s Blackmon Signs To Play Softball At Jeff Davis
January 16, 2015
Jay High School senior Dana Blackmon signed Thursday to play softball for the Jefferson Davis Warhawks in Brewton. Blackmon was the Warhawks’ first signee from the 2015 class. Courtesy photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Four Tate Players Named To All-State Class 7A Team
January 9, 2015
Four members of the Tate High School Aggie football team have been named to the Florida All-State Class 7A team.
Linebacker Marquis Cass (6-0, 220) was named to the first team defense. Christ Terrell was named to the second team defense, and Reggie Payne was named to the third team offense.
Tate quarterback Sawyer Smith received an All-State Class 7A team honorable mention.
HS Basketball: Jay Over Freeport, Tate Loses To Freeport, Niceville
January 9, 2015
Here are high school basketball scores from around the area Thursday:
Jay 46, Freeport 40
The Jay Royals defeated Freeport Thursday evening, 46-40. Justice Garcia led the Royals with 16, while Thomas Fischer added 14. Other scorers were: Victor Mishoe 5, Eric Trevino 5, Taylor Kelley 4 and Dallin Edwards 2.
The Royals will play Escambia Charter on Tuesday.
Pace 68, Tate 44
The Pace Patriots down the Tate Aggies Thursday night, 68-44. Christian Cass scored 13 for the Aggies. Other Tate scorers: Daniel Cafarella 8, Jordan Watkins 5, Robert Rush 5, Mike Roberts 4, Quintin McGhee 3, Jake Henry 2, Justin Baker 2, and Zach Phalen 2.
The Aggies will take on Crestview at 7 p.m. Friday.
GIRLS
Niceville 58, Tate 32
The Tate Lady Aggies fell to Niceville Thursday, 58-32, in a District 1-7A game.. Scoring for Tate: Victoria Samuel 11, Brianna Daniels 8, Callie Richardson 6, Valerie Samuel 3, Madison 2, and Amani McRae 2.
Northview’s Lett Named All-State First Team; Two Jay Players Make Second Team
January 7, 2015
One player from the Northview Chiefs and two from the Jay Royals have been named to the Class 1-A all-state football team.
Senior running Keondre Lett (5-9, 170) from the Chiefs was the only North Escambia area player named to the first team offense. Lett finished the season with 1,234 yards for the Chiefs, along with 13 touchdowns and 121 carries on the ground. He also recorded 114 yards and two touchdowns on 14 receptions, and four kick off returns for 151 yards and the final of his 16 touchdowns.
Running back Braden Cross (5-10, 170) from Jay was named to the second team offense, as was senior Tucker Harrington (6-2, 280).
NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.
Northview Boys Beat Freeport
January 7, 2015
Northview 64, Freeport 56 (Boys)
The Northview Chiefs beat the Freeport Bulldogs Tuesday night in a district game in Bratt, 64-56.
The Chiefs were coming off a Monday night 72-60 road win over the Baker Gators. Cameron Newsome had 26 for the Chiefs Monday night.
The Northview Chiefs (6-6, 4-1) will travel to Holmes County on Friday before hosting Escambia Charter on Monday and Tate on Tuesday, January 13.
Freeport 63, Northview 30 (Girls)
In girls’ basketball action, Freeport defeated Northview Tuesday night 63-30. The Lady Chiefs were coming off a Monday road loss to Baker, 50-34.
The Northview Lady Chiefs (1-7, 0-4) will headto Holmes County on Friday.
Taxwatch: Florida Bowl Games A Big Win For Florida’s Economy
January 3, 2015
College football playoffs and postseason games were expected to bring additional revenue to state and local economies, according to the latest Economic Commentary from Florida TaxWatch, the independent, nonpartisan, nonprofit public policy research institute. Florida was host to eight of the 38 college football postseason games, which is more than any other state.
“For 80 uninterrupted years, Florida has welcomed fans across the nation to the Sunshine State for postseason bowl games, including Championship Games,” said Dominic M. Calabro. “Bowl games give Florida an incredible opportunity to show off our vibrant communities and impeccable attractions and resources.”
Bowl games benefit Florida’s economy best when they host out-of-state teams, since fans travel to stay in Florida hotels and are encouraged to spend time at Florida’s theme parks, beaches and other attractions. In this year’s postseason bowl games, Florida hosted 15 out-of-state schools and their fans. The only Florida school to participate in a Sunshine State bowl game was the University of Central Florida.
Benefits of postseason bowl games include additional tax revenue, more money circulating through local and regional economies, and national exposure for host cities. Florida industries expected to benefit most from Florida’s bowl games are accommodations and food services; arts, entertainment and recreation; and retail trade.
“Florida residents should be excited to welcome this year’s out-of-state postseason bowl game fans,” added Calabro. “When fans come to watch their teams play, they also pay, which enables Florida taxpayers to continue experiencing low tax rates.”