Week 11 Preview: Inaugural First City Bowl provides unique finale for Tate, Washington football teams
The Blue Wahoos have always tried to seek ways to be innovative with special events at their stadium outside of baseball season.
The inaugural First City Bowl game, presented by Cox Communications on Friday at 7 p.m. represents the latest one.
With its unique backdrop and configuration, the event is more than just a season-finale, high school football game between the Tate Aggies and Booker T. Washington Wildcats.
It’s the first time that Blue Wahoos Stadium has staged a regular-season, prep football game, utilizing both schools’ bands and other components to provide a different kind of experience.
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“I think this really meets our mission, which includes creating a community type of event like this game,” said Blue Wahoos president Jonathan Griffith, whose idea it was a year ago to bring two area high school teams for a game with a special name. “We thought it would be fun to name it the First City Bowl and get people excited about it and hopefully we will have many more of these games.
“What you want is all these kids playing Friday to one day bring their own kids out to the stadium and say, ‘I played on this field.’ It’s another way to create those memories for life.”
The admission price, online ticketing, game operations matches the way all high school games are played in this area. The stadium will utilize all of its concession stands. The video board will have the game action.
Cox Communications is providing a televised broadcast available on its YurView channel for Cox subscribers. With it being Washington’s home game, the Wildcats will be in the Blue Wahoos clubhouse and their band will perform pregame, along with both school bands performing at halftime. Tate will be in the visiting team clubhouse at the stadium.
“It’s been fun for me to see how open these two schools have been to this event,” said Shannon Hannah, the Blue Wahoos events manager. “They seem to be happy for the partnership.
“Since we first announced in August this game being played here and calling it the First City Bowl, the schools have been super responsive, excited and enthusiastic to play the game here.
“It’s a community experience,” said Hannah, who worked with both schools to handle logistic challenges. “We have never done this before and I think the kids are going to be excited to play here and have the experience of playing here.”
For both teams, the game represents a positive way to end the season. Washington won its season-opener, but has since lost the other seven games.
“I think it was an easy trade (when a proposal was made months ago) on moving our home game to a professional baseball stadium that is one of the best in the country,” said Wildcats coach Ryan Onkka. “This will be our Senior Night moved to a new place. That will be a unique experience and a great first-time experience for these kids.
“To us, it’s like our Super Bowl. That is how we will view it to build off and welcome it.”
Tate (4-5) will have a chance to finish with a non-losing record for the first time since 2017. The Aggies have already made significant strides under head coach Rhett Summerford, working his second season at Tate. The Aggies had won just one game in each of the previous four seasons.
“It’s huge,” Summerford said, after his team dropped its third consecutive game in a loss at Escambia. “I am so glad we are playing there (at Blue Wahoos Stadium. Because it gives our kids some excitement.
“We need some excitement now. Our guys are still playing their tails off, but we’re just not doing some of the things we were doing earlier this year.
“We are playing in a phenomenal venue. It’s a great way to send our seniors out. We are going to prepare and play as hard as we can to play our best.”
First City Bowl
Booker T. Washington (1-9) vs. Tate (4-5)
When: 7 p.m. Friday
Where: Blue Wahoos Stadium
Admission: $7
Tickets: Available online at www.bluewahoos.com/tickets. Or stadium box office
Information: www.bluewahoos.com/firstcitybowl
Promotion: Early-arriving fans will receive special light-up bracelets, courtesy of Cox Communications. There is a limited number.
Additional game info: Seating is general admission, no reserved seating. Both teams’ bands will perform at halftime. Other special activities will occur.
Key players: Booker T. Washington - Dacaris Brown (DL, Jr.), Kendrick Burrell (WR, Sr.), Kaleb Campbell (LB, Sr.), Kyler Battle (RB/ATH, Jr.), Luke Sepe (LB, Sr.), Jermaine McCants Jr. (LB, Sr.)
FHSAA RPI rankings: Booker T. Washington (-9.087) - 16th in Region 1-3S, 61st in Class 3S, 422nd overall; Tate (-0.743) - 16th in Region 1-4S, 47th in Class 4S, 279th overall
Week 10 results: Booker T. Washington: 42-6 loss vs. Pine Forest; Tate - 52-19 loss at Escambia
Last meeting: Nov. 4, 2022 - Booker T. Washington 36, Tate 20
Patrick’s prediction (sure to be wrong): Tate 42, Booker T. Washington 20
Gulf Breeze (3-6) at West Florida (3-5)
When: 7 p.m. Thursday
Where: Marlon R. Bullock Field
Key players: Gulf Breeze - Battle Alberson (QB, Sr.), Jake Frazetta (ATH, Sr.), Bryson Rouillier (WR/DB, Sr.), Gavin Quenneville (RB/DB, Sr), Shamane Walker (DL, Sr.), Roehn Maldonado (LB, Sr.), Luke Denby (OL/DL, Sr.); West Florida - Marquez Jones (RB, Sr.), John Nicholas (QB, Sr.), L.J. Aples (LB, Sr.), Trevon Knott (CB, Sr.), Wyatt Casey (ATH, Sr.), Josh Spears (WR, Jr.), Joseph Jones (WR, Jr.)
FHSAA RPI rankings: Gulf Breeze (-2.861) - 18th in Region 1-4S, 52nd in Class 4S, 314th overall; West Florida (-0.409) - 10th in Region 1-2S, 34th in Class 2S, 272nd overall
Week 10 results: Gulf Breeze - 49-48 overtime loss at Navarre; West Florida 56-35 loss at Pensacola Catholic
Last meeting: Nov. 4, 2022 - West Florida 14, Gulf Breeze 7
The skinny: Playing on a short week, each team looks to end their season on a solid note after taking losses that extinguished their playoff chances. The contest features two of the best performing quarterbacks/wide receiver combos in Dolphins seniors Battle Alberson and Bryson Rouillier and Jaguars senior John Nicholas and junior Josh Spears. No passer has thrown for more yards (2,815) or touchdowns (26) than Alberson while no receiver has collected more catches (72), more yards (1,240) or more touchdowns (12) than Rouiller.
Meanwhile, Nicholas has the area’s highest passer rating among quarterbacks with at least 100 pass attempts at 130.3. Spears is ranked third in the area with receiving (686 yds). As much as those offensive weapons could be in line for big days in the season finale, the past two meetings between these two programs were defensive struggles.
After blocking the potential game-tying extra point, West Florida sealed a 14-13 victory in 2021 with a late interception. Last season, the Jaguars surrendered only 132 yards of total offense in 14-7 triumph.
Patrick’s prediction (sure to be wrong): Gulf Breeze 31, West Florida 28
Battle for the Tub
Pensacola (0-9) at Escambia (6-3)
When: 7 p.m. Friday
Where: Emmitt Smith Field
Key players: Pensacola - De’andre Barr (WR/DB, Jr.), T.J. Bowens (LB/TE, Sr.), Dequan Gaddy, (LB/WR/P, Sr.), Dominique Hughley (WR/RB, Jr.), Treashawn Washington (Ath, Jr.); Escambia - LeJon Williams (LB, Sr.), Ladarian Clardy (DB, Jr.), Trevion Killette (DB, Sr.), Ryan McVay (DL, Sr.), Tadarius Wright (DB, Sr.), Anthony Hall (QB, Sr.), DK, Hines (DL, Sr.); Joshua Jackson (WR, Sr.)
FHSAA RPI rankings: Escambia (5.437) - sixth in Region 1-3S, 24th in Class 3S, 154th overall;
Week 10 results: Pensacola - 46-0 loss vs. Walton; Escambia - 52-19 win at Tate
Last meeting: Nov. 4, 2022 - Escambia 35, Pensacola 6
The skinny: Looking for their 11th consecutive victory over the Tigers, the Gators aim to slingshot into the postseason with some momentum. Following back-to-back losses, Escambia put up a season-best 52 points in a blowout win over Tate last work. Currently slated to hit the road as the sixth seed in Region 1-3S, just ahead of No. 7 Matanzas.
If the region standings hold, the Gators are in line for a Week 8 rematch with District 1-3S champion Choctaw. On Oct. 13, Escambia rallied back from a 17-0 hole to take a lead in the game’s final stages. However, the Indians traveled 85 yards in 41 seconds to steal a 24-20 victory.
Patrick’s prediction (sure to be wrong): Escambia 42, Pensacola 0
Navarre (7-2) at Niceville (7-2)
When: 7 p.m. Friday
Where: Eagle Stadium
Key players: Navarre - Terence Marshall (ATH, Sr.), Tyrell Marshall (ATH, Sr.), Hunter Pfiester (QB, Sr.,) Connor Mathews (RB, Jr.), Charlie Cottrell (OL, Sr.), Andre Spence (LB/RB, Jr.) Josh Wilson (LB/RB, Jr.), Vinny Villanova (LB, Jr.); Niceville - Maddax Fayard (WR, Sr.), Kane Lafortune (QB, Jr.), Colin Sorensen (OL, Sr.), D.J. Robinson (RB, Sr.), Maddox Hayles (LB, Jr.), Demontre Allen (RB/LB, Sr.)
FHSAA RPI rankings: Navarre (10.258) - fifth in Region 1-4S, 14th in Class 4S, 72nd overall;
Week 10 results: Navarre - 49-48 win vs. Gulf Breeze; Niceville - 29-28 loss at Mosley
Last meeting: Nov. 4, 2022 - Niceville 35, Navarre 14
The skinny: Following the thrill of capturing their second straight district title in dramatic, overtime fashion, the Raiders quickly have to turn the page for a program that’s gotten the better of them as of late. Niceville has won the last three meetings in this matchup by a combined margin of 86-30. Interestingly enough, a Navarre win may bring the teams together the following week.
The Eagles are presently third in Region 1-4S, but a loss may drop them down a spot or two. If two teams are locked into a 4-5 matchup, the teams would battle on Nov. 10 at Bennett C. Russell Stadium.
Patrick’s prediction (sure to be wrong): Navarre 31, Niceville 28
Northview (3-5) at Walton (9-0)
When: 7 p.m. Friday
Where: Yates Memorial Stadium
Key players: Walton - Dalton Kolmetz (WR, Sr.), Wells Bettenhausen (QB, Jr.), Daniel Boatwright (LB, Sr.), Corniulis McKenzie (RB/LB, Sr.), Malcolm Byrd (DB, Jr.); Northview - Wyatt Scruggs (CB/WR, Sr.), Devin Kelly (RB/CB, Sr.), Joe Wright V (LB/RB, Sr.), D.J. Lyons (DL/OL, Sr.), Moses De La Rosa (LB/RB, Jr.)
FHSAA RPI rankings: Northview (-3.499) - fifth in Region 1-1R, 22nd in Class 1R, 329th overall; Walton (16.003) - first in Region 1-2S, third in Class 2S, 16th overall
Week 10 results: Northview - Bye; Walton - 46-0 win at Pensacola
Last meeting: Oct. 9, 2020 - Northview 27, Walton 12
The skinny: Ranked fifth, Northview is clinging to one of the last at-large bids in Region 1-1R. A win over one of the best teams in the state may not be likely, but for the Chiefs, it would pay giant dividends. Even a loss may not be devastating given the Braves’ current ranking.
The question is how will Northview plan to compete? Walton has scored 37.6 points per game. The Chiefs have only reached that mark once, so their best chance is to shorten the game with their running game.
Patrick’s prediction (sure to be wrong): Walton 38, Northview 14
Blacksher (Ala.) (3-6) at Jay (6-3)
When: 7 p.m. Friday
Where: Merle V. North Stadium
Key players: Blacksher - N/A; Jay - Hayden Morris (QB/DB, Jr.), Brock Stout (RB/LB, Sr.), Brady Godwin (WR, Jr.), Ethan McDonald (WR/CB, Sr.), Grayson Shehan (CB/WR/RB, Jr.), Joe Norris (LB, Sr.)
FHSAA RPI rankings: Blacksher - N/A; Jay (1.303) - fourth in Region 1-1R, 15th in Class 1R, 243rd overall
Week 10 results: Blacksher - 27-20 loss vs. Washington County (Ala.); Jay - 35-22 win at Wewahitchka
Last meeting: Oct. 28, 2022 - Blacksher 41, Jay 20
The skinny: The Royals have clinched their first winning season and are set to have their first home playoff game since 2018. They can seal their first seven-win campaign since 2008. Since a three-game skid, Jay has gotten back on the right track thanks to the play of Brock Stout. The senior running has totaled 63 touches for 323 yards and six touchdowns. The Bulldogs have dropped six games in a row after starting the season at 3-0.
Patrick’s prediction (sure to be wrong): Jay 24, Blacksher 14
Godby (3-5) at Milton (2-7)
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday
Where: Haywood Hanna Panther Stadium
Key players: Godby - Tylan Vickers (WR/DB, So.), Demyric Bentley, Lazarus Chambers (QB, So.), Ca’Marion Bush (DL/OL, Sr.), Amari Jones (RB/LB, Jr.); Milton - Ethan Diamond (QB, Sr.), Tate Williams (QB, Jr.), Kaiden Hall (WR/DB, So.), Tommy Walker (OL, Sr.), Rayvon Conttrell (WR/DB, Jr.), Kaden French (LB, Sr.), Bryson Brown (WR, Jr.)
FHSAA RPI rankings: Godby - ninth in Region 1-2S, 30th in Class 2S, 234th overall; Milton (-5.864) - 19th in Region 1-4S, 60th in Class 4S, 376th overall
Week 10 results: Godby - 46-28 loss vs. Gadsden County; Milton - 27-7 loss at Pace
Last meeting: Nov. 4, 2022 - Milton 56, Godby 32
The skinny: The Panthers hope to avoid a seven-game losing streak to end the season. They struggled to stay close to their opponents during this stretch, but they did show signs of improvement after holding Pace to six points in the second half last week. Milton will also hope to play spoiler for a Cougars team currently on the outside looking in for a playoff spot. Godby is ninth is Region 1-2S, 2.302 rating points behind Marianna for the region’s final at-large bid.
Patrick’s prediction (sure to be wrong): Godby 37, Milton 28
Lafayette (6-3) at Pace (7-2)
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday
Where: Pace High School
Key players: Lafayette - T.K. Williamson (QB/DB, So.), Amarie Fleming (DL, Sr.), Jamarien Ervin (RB, Sr.), Jordan Murphy (WR, Jr.), Trevor Mares (LB/RB, Jr.); Pace - Jackson Ward (LB, Sr.), Xakery Wiedner (ATH, Sr.), Nick Simmons (QB, Jr), Tylon Lee (DL, Jr.), Grant Wise (OL, So.), Brayden Gates (DB, Sr.), Ben Tyner (RB, Jr.), Nathaniel Lyons Jr. (DB/WR, Jr.)
FHSAA RPI rankings: Lafayette (3.232) - fourth in Region 3-1R, 12th in Class 1R, 202nd overall; Pace (8.897) - sixth in Region 1-4S, 16th in Class 4S, 88th overall
Week 10 results: Lafayette - 38-8 win vs. Jefferson County; Pace - 27-7 win vs. Milton
Last meeting: N/A
The skinny: Even with a 7-2 record, the Patriots find themselves on the playoff bubble as they are the last at-large team in Region 1-4S. They only possess a 0.346 ratings lead over Creekside for the final spot.
It’s probably a good thing that Pace switched its Week 11 opponent from one-win Hollis Christian Academy to six-win Lafayette. Powered by a defense that has only relinquished 15.7 points per game, the playoff-bound Bulldogs have limited four of its opponents to 10 points or less. However, Pace is just the second FHSAA team on Lafayette’s schedule that’s above a rural classification.
Patrick’s prediction (sure to be wrong): Pace 34, Lafayette 16
St. John Paull II (4-5) at Pensacola Catholic (7-2)
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday
Where: Goreck-LeBeau Stadium
Key players: St. John Paul II - Tremaine Hughes Jr. (QB, Sr.), Terrell Copeland (WR, Sr.), Christian Williams (DL, Jr.), Julian Mills (LB, Jr.), Ethan Braun (WR, Jr)
FHSAA RPI rankings: St. John Paul II (0.623) - second in Region 1-1S, 13th in Class 1S, 252nd overall
Week 10 results: St. John Paul II - 47-0 win vs. FAMU DRS; Pensacola Catholic - 56-35 win vs. West Florida
Last meeting: N/A
The skinny: Currently positioned for a home playoff game, the Crusaders face a solid tuneup in the Panthers, namely Tremaine Hughes Jr. Twice named to the All-State second team, the senior quarterback has passed for 2,095 yards, 22 touchdowns and six interceptions. He is also the team’s leading rusher, collecting 745 yards and five scores on the ground. Following a blowout loss to Prince Avenue Christian (Ga.), Catholic has been unbeaten at home, defeating teams by a combined margin of 149-49. Nigel Nelson carried the team to its latest victory, pounding West Florida to the tune of 350 rushing yards and five touchdowns.
Patrick’s prediction (sure to be wrong): Pensacola Catholic 30, St. John Paul 24
Patrick's prediction record after Week 9: 54-23
Bill Vilona is a retired Pensacola News Journal sports columnist and now senior writer for Pensacola Blue Wahoos. He can be reached at bvilona@bluewahoos.com.
Patrick Bernadeau is a sports reporter for the Pensacola News Journal. He can be reached at (772) 985-9692, on X at @PatBernadeau or via email at pbernadeau@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Pensacola News Journal: Football: First-ever First City Bowl at Blue Wahoos Stadium highlights Week 11
