Week 3 Football Preview: Which teams will head into district play with a win?
Tate and Northview kicked off the Week 3 of the 2023 high school football season from Cantonment last night, but the rest of area schedule will be played under Friday night lights.
All of the other 11 local teams will be in action, with six playing from home. Of Friday's seven-game slate, four feature matchups between a pair of Pensacola-area programs.
For many, these games serve as a precursor before district play gets underway.
Without further adieu, here are previews and predictions to Friday's games.
PNJ Power Poll: Who is the new No. 1 team in our latest power rankings?
PNJ Football Leaderboard: Escambia, Santa Rosa County stats after Week 2 of 2023 season
Milton (1-1) at Booker T. Washington (1-1)
When: 7 p.m. Friday
Where: Sherman L. Robinson Stadium
Key players: Milton - Ethan Diamond (QB, Sr.), Tate Williams (QB, Jr.), Kaiden Hall (WR/DB, So.), Tommy Walker (OL, Sr.), Kaden French (LB, Sr.), Manny Kimmons (DL, Sr.); Booker T. Washington - Donnell Snowden (LB, Sr.), B.J. Johnson (LB/RB, Jr.), Kyler Battle (RB/ATH, Jr.), James Brown (RB/ATH, Sr.), Tre Landry (WR/OLB, Sr.), Kendrick Burrell (WR, Sr.), Luke Sepe (LB, Sr.), Mark Bennett (DL, Sr.)
Last week’s results: Milton - 42-7 loss at Niceville; Booker T. Washington - 30-14 loss at West Florida
Last meeting: Sept. 9, 2022 - Milton 47, Booker T. Washington 31
The skinny: As the Wildcats are set for their home-opener, the Panthers will play their third-straight road game to start the 2023 season. Each team is looking to be above the .500 mark after both were beaten in Week 2. Last season, Milton and Booker T. Washington needed two days to complete their clash from Haywood Hanna Stadium. The Wildcats led 28-26 at halftime before inclement weather pushed the second half to the following evening. From there, the Panthers scored 21 of the next 24 points to claim a 47-31 win. The two teams combined for more than 800 yards of offense.
Patrick’s prediction (sure to be wrong): Booker T. Washington 31, Milton 14
Pace (1-1) at West Florida (1-1)
When: 7 p.m. Friday
Where: Marlon L. Bullock Field
Key players: 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.); 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.)
Last Week’s results: Pace - 21-7 loss vs. Lincoln; West Florida - 30-14 win vs. Booker T. Washington
Last meeting: Sept. 9, 2022 - Pace 42, West Florida 14
The skinny: The Patriots’ most dominant victory in 2022 came from this matchup a year ago when then-sophomore quarterback Nick Simmons had five total touchdowns while a ball-hawking defense had a pair of interceptions. But more than anything else, the 42-14 result was decided in the trenches, as Pace offensive and defensive lines bulled through a West Florida team that was not 100% from a health standpoint. And while the Patriots seemingly have the same advantage against an inexperienced Jaguars front-seven, four of five offensive lineman that started for Pace during the 2022 contest have since graduated. Now the visitors this time around, can the Patriots repeat that performance or will West Florida do a better job controlling the line of scrimmage?
Patrick’s prediction (sure to be wrong): Pace 28, West Florida 24
Pine Forest (2-0) at Pensacola (0-2)
When: 7 p.m. Friday
Where: Jim Scoggins Stadium
Key players: Pine Forest - Jonathan Daniels (OL, Sr.), Miequle Brock (RB, Sr.), Zion Legree (QB/RB, So.), R.J. Payne (MLB, So.), James Clark (QB, Sr.), Tyquan Hunter (RB/SS, Sr.), Xavier Thompson (CB, Jr.), Charleston Floyd (DB, Jr.); Pensacola - De’andre Barr (WR/DB, Jr.), T.J. Bowens (LB/TE, Sr.), Dequan Gaddy, (LB/WR/P, Sr.), Dominique Hughley (WR/RB, Jr.), Jamarcuz Fountain (WR/CB, So.)
Last week’s results: Pine Forest - 40-17 win vs. Navarre; Pensacola - 54-0 loss at Tate
Last meeting: Sept. 10, 2022 - Pine Forest 41, Pensacola 8
The skinny: This matchup features the top team in the most recent PNJ Power Poll and the No. 13-ranked team. Through the first two weeks, Pine Forest has scored more than anyone in the area with 88 points while Pensacola is scoreless and has allowed the most points among local squads. The Eagles have won the last eight meetings in this pairing by an average of 29.3 points per game. While a win in this game is unlikely, the Tigers will aim to be competitive and get their season off the mat.
Patrick’s prediction (sure to be wrong): Pine Forest 49, Pensacola 6
Franklin County (0-2) at Jay (2-0)
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday
Where: Merle V. North Stadium
Key players: Franklin County - Sadiq Jones (RB/DB, Fr.), Ethan Kembro (QB/DB, Sr.), Cody Abercrombie (RB/LB, Sr.), Eric Smith (RB/LB, So.), Terry Proctor (WR/LB, Sr.); 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.)
Last week’s results: Franklin County - 24-20 loss vs. Vernon; Jay - 20-14 win at Freeport.
Last meeting: Sept. 9, 2022 - Jay 37, Franklin County 0
The skinny: Of the 13 area teams, only three are undefeated through two weeks. The Royals are part of that trio. Jay hasn’t been flashy, but with a workmanlike efforts, the team outlasted Vernon at home and Freeport on the road. Now in search of their first 3-0 start since 2013, the Royals take on a Franklin County team they shut out 37-0 last season. The Seahawks have also taken on Vernon, falling 24-20 last week at home.
Patrick’s prediction (sure to be wrong): Jay 27, Franklin County 10
Pensacola Catholic (2-0) at Fairhope (Ala.) (1-1)
When: 7 p.m. Friday
Where: W.C. Majors Field Football Stadium
Key players: Pensacola Catholic - Jayvion Showers (WR, Sr.), Demontrae Gaston (LB/WR, Sr.), Ryland Bragg (OL, Sr.), Desjon Robertson (DL, Sr.), Nigel Nelson (LB, Jr.),Ryan Huff (QB, Jr.), Courtney Clark (DL, Sr.), Turner McLaughlin (LB, Sr.); Fairhope - Preston Godfrey (QB/RB, Sr.), Ameyr Adams (DB, Sr.), Nolan Phillips (LB, Sr.), Barrett Cain (OL, Sr.), Rock Gearhart (TE, Jr.)
Last week’s results: Pensacola Catholic - 13-12 win at Escambia; Fairhope - 33-13 lost at Choctaw
Last meeting: N/A
The skinny: Coming off a wet, wild and emotional victory over Escambia last week, the Crusaders look to avoid a letdown at Fairhope. It’s the third consecutive week Catholic has played on the road. Meanwhile, this is a home-opener for a Pirates program that has qualified for the AHSAA postseason each of the last six seasons. Fairhope is a senior-heavy squad led by Preston Godfrey. The senior athlete has completed 70 percent of his passes for 190 yards and an interception. He has also accounted for two touchdowns on the ground.
Patrick’s prediction (sure to be wrong): Pensacola Catholic 21, Fairhope 14
Escambia (1-1) at Gulf Breeze (0-1)
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday
Where: Dolphin Stadium
Key players: 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.); Gulf Breeze - Battle Alberson (QB, Sr.), Jake Frazetta (ATH, Sr.), Bryson Rouillier (WR/DB, Sr.), Gavin Quenneville (RB/DB, Sr), Jake Hooten (WR/FS, Jr.), Shamane Walker (DL, Sr.), Luke Denby (OL/DL, Sr.), Londen Taylor (OL, Sr.)
Last week’s results: Escambia - 13-12 loss vs. Pensacola Catholic; Gulf Breeze - 35-21 loss at Crestview
Last meeting: Sept. 9, 2022 - Escambia 12, Gulf Breeze 10
The skinny: For the fourth time over the past five seasons, the Dolphins and Gators will collide on the gridiron. Each of the previous three encounters have gone Escambia’s way, including a 12-10 victory during a downpour last season. If Gulf Breeze intends to break that trend, the team has to clean up its protection breakdowns displayed its loss to Crestview last week. That won’t be easy against D.K. Hines, Lillas Legree, Ryan McVay and a pass rush capable of wrecking a game. Conversely, Escambia has to clean up sluggish and undisciplined play that proved costly in its loss to Pensacola Catholic.
Patrick’s prediction (sure to be wrong): Escambia 33, Gulf Breeze 21
Rickards (1-1) at Navarre (0-2)
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday
Where: Bennett C. Russell Stadium
Key players: Rickards - Jalen Wiggins (TE/DL, Jr.), Kemarrion Battles (RB/LB, Jr.), Jaishaun Frazier (WR/DB, Sr.) Judah Randall (OL/DL, Sr.); 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.)
Last week’s results: Rickards - 24-7 loss vs. Gadsden County; Navarre - 40-17 loss at Pine Forest
Last meeting: Sept. 9, 2022 - Navarre 37, Rickards 6
The skinny: Navarre has been tasked with trying to slow down some of the premier athletes in the Panhandle. But after struggling against Pensacola Catholic’s C.J. Nettles and Pine Forest’s Miequle Brock Jr., the team now has to find answers against Rickards junior Jalen Wiggins. A weapon from the tight end and defensive end positions, Wiggins has college offers from the likes of Auburn, Stanford, LSU and hometown Florida State. But Navarre has had success against the four-star athlete before, holding him to no catches and just two tackles during a 37-6 victory last season.
Patrick’s prediction (sure to be wrong): Navarre 28, Rickards 20
Patrick's prediction record after Week 2: 10-7
Patrick Bernadeau is a sports reporter for the Pensacola News Journal. He can be reached at (850) 985-9692, on X at @PatBernadeau or via email at pbernadeau@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Pensacola News Journal: High School Football: Preview and picks of Week 3 slate in Pensacola
