Pcola Pelicans Enter All-Star Break With 8-6 Win
July 20, 2009
The Pelicans’ spirits were soaring after sweeping the Saints on Sunday. Kyle Middleton earned his fifth win, Hunter Davis took his fourteenth save, and Adam Darby went deep in an 8-6 victory at Pelican Park.
The Saints took an early lead by scoring Jason Cooper in the first inning. After reaching on a fielder’s choice, Cooper moved to second when Brent Krause was hit by a pitch. Josh Alley took advantage of the situation by scoring Cooper with a base hit.
St. Paul added to their total with a big third inning. Cooper reached first again, though on an error by the first baseman that allowed him to take second as well. Krause walked and Alley followed with his second RBI-single that scored Cooper. Andrew Schmiesing scored Krause with a single, and Scott Knazek put down a suicide squeeze that brought Alley home to put the Saints’ lead at four.
The Pelicans lessened the lead with a run in the bottom of the third. Adam Darby hit a single in his first at-bat, moved to second when Antoin Gray walked, and touched third when Francisco Leandro reached on a force-out to second. Marcos Rodriguez followed with a sacrifice fly to left that brought Leandro in for the Pelicans’ first run.
Pensacola went on a tear in the fourth inning when Lou Palmisano led off the bottom frame with a base knock. Rafael Alvarez walked and both runners moved up a base after Adam Deleo put down a sacrifice bunt. Dallas Christison scored Palmisano with a base hit, and Adam Darby brought the remaining runners in with a three-run bomb to right. Darby hit his second home run in as many days to bring his season total to three and the Pelicans took a 5-4 lead.
The Saints pulled even again when Brent Krause scored on a Jake Butler sacrifice fly in the top of the fifth, but the Pelicans went up by two in the bottom of the inning. Palmisano again led off with a hit, this time a double. Rafael Alvarez thanked him with a base hit to bring Palmisano back to the dugout. After Deleo singled, Dallas Christison reached on a fielder’s choice that scored Alvarez and the Pelicans took a two-run lead.
The Pels added insurance in the eighth, as Francisco Leandro tapped the third single of his birthday. Leandro promptly stole second, and Rodriguez provided the icing on the cake with a single to bring him in.
Cooper tried to close the gap with a triple to begin the ninth inning, but after he scored on a groundout by Krause, the Saints’ scoring was over and so was the game: the Pelicans won 8-6 to sweep the Saints heading into the All-Star break.
Kyle Middleton picked up his fifth win in the Pelicans’ third straight, pitching seven innings. He gave up five runs (three earned) on eight hits and three walks. Middleton struck out five to improve his league-leading total to 83. Aaron Jackson pitched a scoreless eighth, yielding a hit and notching a strikeout to setup Hunter Davis’ fourteenth save of the year. Davis picked up the save while allowing an earned run on a hit with a walk.
The Pelican bats were alive and well in a game that saw Adam Darby go yard, and both Rodriguez and Palmisano hit a double. Darby finished the evening 2-4 with two runs scored and three RBI; Rodriguez went 2-4 as well. Palmisano joined Francisco Leandro in going 3-4, as Leandro swiped a base.
Most of the Pelicans will take an All-Star break, while Davis, Middleton, Burch and Gray will represent the South Division in the All-Star game to be played July 21 in Grand Prairie, TX. Antoin Gray will be the starting second baseman, and both he and Chase Burch will partake in the Home Run Derby before the game. NewsRadio 1620 will carry the game that’s slated for 7:35 p.m. Central Time.
The Pelicans return to action July 23 as they take on the Explorers in Sioux City. The 7:05 p.m. game can be heard on Pelicans flagship station NewsRadio 1620, or online via SportsJuice.com.
The Pelicans will conclude their seven-game road trip by returning home on July 31 to host the Fort Worth Cats. The Woodstock Weekend will be filled with grooviness for all, and all are assured a far-out time. Tie-dying and music from the era will cap off the themed home stand. Tickets are on sale now at Pensacola-area Circle K locations, or online at www.pensacolapelicans.com. Phone orders may be placed by calling (850) 934-8444.
Northwest Escambia All-Stars Headed To State After Sectional Win
July 19, 2009
The Northwest Escambia All-Stars are headed to the state tournament after winning the 11-12 Year Old Major League All-Star Sectional Tournament championship Saturday in Destin.
NWE beat Chairs-Capitola 3-2 in the first game of the tourney. Mallory Ryan pitched six, striking out two and giving up just two walks. Reagan Bell scored one for Northwest Escambia, and Madison Arrington added a couple.
Arrington had an impressive in-park home run for NWE.
NWE took game two of the series for the championship, 10-0.
Mallory Ryan pitched three innings for Northwest Escambia, striking out four and giving up no walks. Courtney Peebles finished the game on the mound for NWE.
Arrington, Darby Randolph, Addy Lee and Ryan scored one each for Northwest Escambia. Courtney Peebles and Kyndall Hall picked up two each for NWE.
Northwest Escambia will travel about 650 miles to the state championship tournament in Coconut Creek, Fla., which is just north of Fort Lauderdale. Brackets for the eight-team tournament are not complete.
The NWE 10-11 Year Old All-Stars with their championship banner Saturday afternoon in Destin. Pictured middle: (L-R)Danielle Steadham, Addy Lee, Kyndall Hall, Kendal Cobb, Courtney Peebles, Darby Randolph, Reagan Bell, Cheyanne Schoonover. Pictured front: Mallory Ryan and Madison Arrington. Pictured back row: Manager Jerry Mason and Coach David Arrington. Pictured below: Mason and Arrington accept the team’s championship plaque. Submitted photos by Kim Ryan for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Sid Wheatley To Be Northview’s Head Football Coach
July 17, 2009
Sid Wheatley is the new interim head football coach at Northview High School.
Wheatley will fill the position left open when Cody Keene announced earlier this week that he was resigning to take a head coaching job at Hooper Academy in Montgomery. He has served as Keene’s assistant coach since the 2005 season, most recently coaching the offensive line and defensive backs last season.
Wheatley has served as Northview’s baseball team since 2005, and he also teaches history at the school. Wheatley attended the University of Southern Mississippi where he received a Bachelor’s degree in coaching and sports administration.
This is not the first time Wheatley has served as a head football coach — he led Loyd Star High School in Brookhaven, Miss. from 2002 to 2003. He’s also served as an assistant football coach at various other schools in Alabama, Florida and Mississippi.
Captains Beat The Pelicans In Five
July 17, 2009
The Captains swept the Pelicans with the aid of rain on Thursday night, winning the final game of the series 3-2 in five innings. An hour and two minute rain delay occurred after the end of the fifth inning, ultimately ending in the game being called due to weather. Antoin Gray hit a two-run bomb for the Pelicans’ runs in the top of the third inning, his ninth round-tripper of the year, but Shreveport-Bossier scored two to tie in the bottom of the fourth. The Captains’ lone run in the bottom of the fifth would end up deciding the contest, as the Captains have now won eight straight games.
The Pelicans tapped the scoreboard first in the third inning. Luis Guance led off with a double, and came home when Antoin Gray hit his ninth homerun of the year. The Pelicans took a two-run lead, but the Captains would tie it in the fourth.
With one out, Andres Rodriguez hit a triple off the centerfield wall in the bottom of the fourth inning. Jose Torres followed with a walk, and Rodriguez scored when Dwayne White hit a sacrifice fly. Jonathan Reynoso batted next and hit a single, scoring Torres to tie the game at two apiece.
Adam Brandenburg made his third start for the Pelicans, pitching two outs into the bottom of the fifth. He walked Dan Williams to start the bottom-half of the fifth, Brandenburg’s third base on balls. He allowed his sixth and final hit on the next batter, as Bryan Sabatella put down a bunt single. After catching a pop-up from Richard Paz and recording his only strikeout with Chris Garcia, Brandenburg left his third earned run up to Joey Wedner. Wedner gave up a RBI-single to Andres Rodriguez and the Captains took a 3-2 lead. Torres followed and struck out, ending the fifth inning with a 3-2 Captains lead.
An hour and a two-minute rain delay followed, ending in the game being called and the Captains claiming victory. Brandenburg took the loss, and Ronald Lowe earned his fifth win of the year.
The Pelicans drive to Pensacola overnight to host the St. Paul Saints Friday through Sunday. Friday’s game begins at 6:35 p.m. and will be followed by a Boy Scout Campout on the field of Pelican Park. Tickets are available now at Pensacola-area Circle K locations, online at www.pensacolapelicans.com, and at the park on the day of the game. Saturday’s game will be followed by fireworks, and Sunday will be a Kids Day, with all Kids Club members gaining free admission while wearing the Kids Club t-shirts. For more information, please call the Pelicans at (850) 934-8444.
Pictured above: The rains came during the Pensacola Pelicans game Thursday night. Submitted photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
FHSAA Recinds Policy; High School Games Return
July 16, 2009
The Florida High School Athletic Association Board of Directors voted unanimously yesterday to rescind a new policy that would have reduced the number of games played in most high school sports.
The policy would have reduced varsity games by 20 percent and junior varsity games by 40 percent in most sports in an effort both to alleviate the financial crisis facing school districts and provide a uniform solution across the state. Varsity football was the one sport spared by cuts announced last April, with the schedule the next two years remaining at 10 games per year.
Since sports involving female athletes were all cut, many called foul, with a lawsuit claiming the policy amounted to gender discrimination under a law called Title IX. On Tuesday, the U.S. Justice Department and Department of Education filed a motion to join the lawsuit. Title IX prevents discrimination based upon gender in public schools.
The FHSAA was made aware of a possible Title IX violation and litigation in June, and worked diligently to be in compliance with Title IX. Since no compromise could be reached, a recommendation was made to hold a Board meeting to consider rescinding the amendments to the policy, the FHSAA said in a news release.
“I believe what we did in April was the best thing for the membership then, and given the situation, what we did today was in its best interest now,” said Board of Directors President Greg Zornes.
“I know there have been a lot of blogs and news articles about the FHSAA and this particular issue regarding gender equity. In actuality, the FHSAA is recognized by its peer members from other states as leading the nation in terms of providing equal and equitable opportunities for both boys and girls in high school,” said FHSAA Executive Director Roger Dearing. “We were yesterday, are today, and will be tomorrow, advocates for both boys and girls equally in creating life experiences that will make them healthier, happier and more competitive, while at the same time creating memorable experiences they will have for a lifetime.”
A temporary injunction meeting in the lawsuit is still scheduled for Friday, July 17. What impact, if any, the Board’s decision will have on that meeting is unknown.
The new policy would have seen baseball, basketball, softball and volley ball cut from 25 games to 20 allowed per year. At the JV level, those sports would have been cut from 25 maximum games per year to just 15. Junior varsity football teams would have been allowed to play six games rather than eight, while varsity football teams would have remained at 10 games per year.
The maximum number of games in other sports, such as track and field, golf and cross country, were also cut.
Pictured above: Sarah Killam, member of Northview High School’s Cross Country team, rounds the corner toward the finish line in a race last September. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Shreveport Beats The Pelicans
July 15, 2009
The Captains out-dueled the Pelicans 2-1 on Tuesday night to extend their winning-streak to six games. Luke Massetti earned the win to improve to 5-1 on the season, as Kyle Middleton took the loss and fell to 4-2. Justin Dowdy pitched a perfect ninth for the Captains to earn his ninth save of the year.
The Captains wasted no time in taking the lead, putting a run up in the bottom of the first inning. Bryan Sabatella led off with a single, and then stole second base. On the throw down to second, however, neither infielder covered the bag, and thus the play was ruled an error on the second-baseman, as per the rulebook. Sabatella advanced to third on the play, and scored when Chris Garcia hit a sacrifice fly to centerfield.
Pensacola tied the game up in the third inning, as Luis Guance started it off with a single. He stole second base, and scored when Marcos Rodriguez ripped a base hit.
Shreveport-Bossier took the lead, and eventually the game, after scoring a run in the fifth inning. With one out, Sabatella hit his second single, stole his second base, and scored his second run when Richard Paz singled.
Kyle Middleton pitched seven innings for the Pelicans, allowing two runs, of which one was earned. He yielded eight hits, but no walks, as he struck out six batters. Tyler Wilson pitched a one-two-three eighth, striking out one.
The Pelicans are back in action tomorrow, as Dane DeValk will throw for Pensacola against the Captains’ Jimmy Heard. All the action can be found on NewsRadio1620 and online at SportsJuice.com. The pregame show starts at 6:50 with first pitch scheduled for 7:05 p.m.
Pictured above: Tyler Wilson of Andalusia, Ala, on the mound Tuesday evening for the Pensacola Pelicans. Submitted photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Northview High Football Coach Keene Resigns
July 14, 2009
Northview High School Head Football Coach Cody Keene has resigned, leaving the school to head to Hooper Academy in Montgomery.
Keene announced his decision to his football team at a Monday morning practice and then met with the team’s seniors to stress the importance of good leadership to them. After that meeting, he sat down exclusively with NorthEscambia.com to talk about his decision.
“I was presented with another challenge that will allow us to be closer to my wife’s family, and closer to my kids,” Keene said, adding that his wife’s family is from Montgomery. “It is an opportunity that we have been praying about for months.”
Keene will be the fifth head coach at Hooper Academy in the past six years. But that does not bother him; he was the seventh coach in nine years at Northview.
He said he is proud of where the Chiefs have gone in his five seasons as head coach. Three of those six years were winning seasons, including back-to-back winning seasons from 2005 to 2007. One undefeated regular season. Two district championships. Three trips to the playoffs. Three Northview players gone on to college careers. Keene is proud of the numbers. But he’s prouder of the kids.
“I’m proud of these guys, and I am proud of where this program is,” he said.
There’s a bond between a coach and his players, one that Keene takes very seriously.
“It was hard on me; it was hard on them,” he said about his announcement to the players Monday morning. “But the kids are great kids. They will be fine.”
He is looking to the seniors to provide leadership for the rest of the team.
“There are some good leaders in that group, and they will lead the team through the transition,” he said, adding that he has faith that the remaining coaching staff will be able to lead the team until his replacement is announced. “One of them (the coaches) will step up to the challenge until a decision is made. They are good coaching team.”
Keene said this year will be an exciting one for the Chiefs. In a new district, Northview will face teams like Jay, Freeport, Sneeds and Bonifay. “All teams, except Jay because we didn’t play them, that we beat that 9-0 year,” he added with a smile.
“They are kids more like us — rural, small schools,” he said. “There will be real competition again for us in the district. Northview will have the opportunity to compete, the opportunity to win.”
Keene is confident that Northview will have a good season with the new district and talented assistant coaches.
“They are going to be fine,” he said. “I appreciate the support we have had from the fans, and I ask that they continue to support us.
While Keene said everything about Northview and his departure was positive, there was one major negative he wanted NorthEscambia.com to point out. You can read about it in another story by clicking here.
Northview Principal Gayle Weaver said Keene will be missed.
“He has been one of the best things that’s ever happened to Northview High School,” she said. “He has been the players’ friend, academic adviser and mentor.”
“He instilled a work ethic in the players on and off the field,” Weaver said. “He built a wonderful football program at Northview High School. He will be missed.”
Monday was Keene’s last day physically at Northview. He will be taking accumulated leave days until his official resignation date of August 14.
NorthEscambia.com file photos, click to enlarge.
Junior Little League Tourney Underway; NWE Falls
July 12, 2009
The Junior League All-Star Tournament got underway Saturday at Bradberry Park in Walnut Hill with host team Northwest Escambia losing their first game.
NWE fell 6-3 to Niceville-Valparaiso. Also Saturday, Defuniak Springs beat Shalimar 4-2.
The Northwest Escambia All-Stars will take on Shalimar Monday evening at 7:30, while Niceville-Valparaiso will play Defuniak Springs at 5:00 Monday at Bradberry Park.
For a complete photo gallery from the game, click here.
Pictured: Action from Northwest Escambia versus Niceville-Valparaiso Saturday night at Bradberry Park In Walnut Hill. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
NWE Girls Win 11-12 Year Old Softball Championship
July 9, 2009
The Northwest Escambia All-Stars won the 11-12 Year Old All-Star District 1 Tournament championship Wednesday night in Destin.
NWE beat Niceville 4-1 to claim the district title. They will advance to the sectional tournament July 18 and 19 in Destin.
Pitching for NWE Wednesday night, Mallory Ryan had seven strikeouts and allowed just two walks. Reagan Bell, Danielle Steadham, Cheyenne Schoonover and Kyndall Hall each scored once for Northwest Escambia.
The NWE All-Stars were undefeated during the tournament, with a 7-0 win over Niceville, a 12-1 win over Shalimar and Wednesday night’s 4-1 win over Niceville.
Pictured above: The NWE 10-11 Year Old All-Stars with their championship banner Wednesday night in Destin. Pictured front: (L-R) Addy Lee, Kyndall Hall, Kendal Cobb, Courtney Peebles, Darby Randolph, Mallory Ryan, Danielle Steadham, Cheyanne Schoonover, Reagan Bell and Madison Arrington. Pictured back row: Manager Jerry Mason and Coach David Arrington. Submitted photo by Kim Ryan for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Pensacola Pelicans Game Halted By Rain
July 8, 2009
The Pelicans and Diablos will have to wait until Wednesday to see who wins the first game of their six-game series. With the score tied 5-5 midway through the fifth inning, rainfall postponed Tuesday’s game. The game will be resumed Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. with the Pelicans batting in the bottom of the fifth.
What baseball was played on Tuesday was exciting, as both teams scored in the first inning. Arnoldo Ponce scored the first run of the game for El Paso after hitting a one-out single. Jorge Alvarez walked, and Juan Camacho followed up with a RBI single. A throwing error by the third baseman allowed Alvarez to score as well, and the Diablos led 2-0.
Pensacola rallied back with three runs in the bottom of the fourth. Francisco Leandro walked with one out, and Antoin Gray singled as well. Chase Burch singled to load the bases, but was out at second when Marcos Rodriguez reached on a fielder’s choice. Leandro scored on the play, however, and the Diablo lead was cut in half. Lou Palmisano followed with a RBI single that scored Gray to tie the game, and Adam Darby hit a base knock that plated Rodriguez, but Darby was thrown out trying to stretch it to a double.
The Pelicans starting pitcher was Jason Navarro, signed on Tuesday after playing triple-A ball in Mexico earlier this year. Navaroo retired the Diablos in order, bringing the Pels up in the bottom of the second. Pensacola added two more runs when Adam Deleo walked and Francisco Leandro hit his first homerun of the season to make the score 5-2 Pelicans.
El Paso made it close again in the top of the third, as Jorge Alvarez hit a two-run fence-clearer of his own to make it 5-4. With rain falling in the top of the fifth, El Paso’s Mike Provencher tied it up by scoring Arnoldo Ponce on a RBI fielder’s choice. The game was called after the top of the fifth was over. Francisco Leandro will lead off the bottom of the fifth when play resumes at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday evening. The scheduled game for July 8 will be shortened to a seven-inning affair and will take place following the conclusion of the first game.
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