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Week 7 Football Preview: 2023 seasons rolls along Friday with seven-game slate

Patrick Bernadeau, Pensacola News Journal
·11 min read

Just like that, there's less than month remaining in the 2023 high school football regular season.

Another exciting slate is on tap Friday as the schedule features seven games involving nine Pensacola-area teams. Two area teams, Pensacola and Pace, locked horns on Thursday while Escambia and Milton are enjoying a bye.

Quarterback Taite Davis (9) gets set to pass during the Pine Forest vs Tate football game at Tate High School in Cantonment on Friday, Aug. 25, 2023.
Quarterback Taite Davis (9) gets set to pass during the Pine Forest vs Tate football game at Tate High School in Cantonment on Friday, Aug. 25, 2023.

One particular matchup takes center stage as Pensacola Catholic and Gulf Breeze continues its heated, fun rivalry at 7:30 p.m. from Dolphin Stadium. A little earlier in the evening, Tate aims to continue its turnaround season when it hosts West Florida from Pete Gindl Stadium.

Lastly, the best out-of-area contest is a battle of Eagles as Pine Forest travels to Niceville.

PNJ Football Leaderboard: Escambia, Santa Rosa County stats entering Week 7 of 2023 season

PNJ Power Poll: Not much movement following Week 6, Escambia holds down No. 1 spot

Here's a look at what Week 7 has to offer.

West Florida (2-3) at Tate (3-2)

Trevon Knott (1) intercepts the pass in front of intended receiver Joeseph Skipworth (88) during the Pace vs West Florida football game at West Florida High School in Pensacola on Friday, Sept. 8, 2023.
Trevon Knott (1) intercepts the pass in front of intended receiver Joeseph Skipworth (88) during the Pace vs West Florida football game at West Florida High School in Pensacola on Friday, Sept. 8, 2023.

When: 7 p.m. Friday

Where: Carl Madison Field at Pete Gindl Stadium

Key players: 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.); Tate - Christian Neptune (WR/CB, Sr.), Andre Colston (RB, Sr.), Taite Davis (QB, Jr.), LaBron Baldwin (OL, Sr.), Kaydon Biggs (LB, Jr.), Rayne Johnson (DL, Jr.), Carson Secchiari (RB, Jr.)

RPI rankings: West Florida (2.689) - ninth in Region 1-2S, 28th in Class 2S, 205th overall; Tate (0.258) - 16th in Region 1-4S, 41st in Class 4S, 253rd overall

Week 6 results: West Florida - 34-31 loss vs. Walton; Tate - 45-7 win vs. Milton

Last meeting: Oct. 7, 2022 - West Florida 41, Tate 7

The skinny: The Jaguars have gotten used to nail-biters, as each of their last three games have been decided by three points. However, they’ve emerged victorious once in that span. In its last game, West Florida again suffered heartbreak following a 34-31 loss to Walton. But the one benefit of this stretch is that the team has proven that it can bounce back. The Jaguars suffered a 24-21 defeat to Pace on Sept. 8, but responded two weeks later with a 26-23 comeback win in their next game at home against Pine Forest. This game will be on the road test for West Florida against an Aggies team that is 3-1 this season at home. Having scored 40 points in each of its last four games, Tate aims to be two games above .500 for the first time since 2017. It’s unclear if they will line up against one another, but the premier matchup in this could be Aggies wide receiver Christian Neptune (23 rec, 499 yds, 5 TD) against Trevon Knott (3 Int, 12 tks).

Patrick’s prediction (sure to be wrong): West Florida 31, Tate 27

Godby (2-3) at Booker T. Washington (1-3)

Wildcats head coach Ryan Onkka, right, keeps his eye on the action during the Washington vs Escambia football game at Escambia High School in Pensacola on Friday, Sept. 29, 2023.
Wildcats head coach Ryan Onkka, right, keeps his eye on the action during the Washington vs Escambia football game at Escambia High School in Pensacola on Friday, Sept. 29, 2023.

When: 7 p.m. Friday

Where: Sherman L. Robinson 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.); 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.), Dacaris Brown (DL, Jr.)

RPI rankings: Godby (3.525) - seventh in Region 1-2S, 22nd in Class 2S, 181st overall; Booker T. Washington (-7.150) - 14th in Region 1-3S, 55th in Class 3S, 402nd overall

Week 6 results: Godby - 43-21 win vs. Marianna; Booker T. Washington - 35-0 loss at Escambia

Last meeting: Oct. 7, 2022 - Booker T. Washington 66, Godby 34

The skinny: The Wildcats haven’t tasted triumph since opening night. But before the team can win, it must find a way to score. Booker T. Washington has been held off the scoreboard in its last two games. And for it to score, the team must limit their turnovers (seven giveaways in those two shutouts). Points were hardly at a premium the last time the Wildcats battled the Cougars, as the two teams combined for 100 points in a Booker T. triumph. Tylan Vickers is among the biggest threats to enter the end zone for Godby. Only a sophomore, the 6-foot, 160-pound wide receiver has seven Division I offers, including from the likes of Miami and Florida State.

Patrick’s prediction (sure to be wrong): Godby 28, Booker T. Washington 13

Holmes County (4-1) at Jay (4-1)

Grayson Shehan(14) pulls in a pass during the Jay vs Northview football game at Northview High School on Friday, Oct. 1, 2021.
Grayson Shehan(14) pulls in a pass during the Jay vs Northview football game at Northview High School on Friday, Oct. 1, 2021.

When: 7 p.m. Friday

Where: Merle V. North Stadium

Key players: Holmes County - Jameson Bacon (ATH, Sr.), Landon Lumpkin (QB, Sr.), Colton Serpas (RB/LB, Sr.), Gabe Justice (TE/DL, Sr.), Ayden Justice (RB/LB, Jr.), Tate Faircloth (OL/DL, Jr.); 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.)

RPI rankings: Holmes County (8.167) - first in Region 1-1R, fifth in Class 1R, 86th overall; Jay (4.801) - fourth in Region 1-1R, 12th in Class 1R, 154th overall

Week 6 results: Holmes County - 56-20 win vs. Vernon; Jay - 22-6 win at Destin

Last meeting: Sept. 23, 2022 - Holmes County 42, Jay 23

The skinny: A dream start was momentarily derailed last week when the Royals suffered their first defeat of the 2023 season. Destin captured a 22-6 victory to deny Jay its first 5-0 start since 2003. There’s no rest for the wary though, as the Royals welcome the top-ranked team in Region 1-1R into Merle V. North Stadium. There’s no secret to the Blue Devils’ offensive approach. Of 240 plays from scrimmage, Holmes County has run the ball 231 times. Jay’s defense has been tough and stingy, but this may be its most difficult challenge yet. Offensive, the Royals were without starting quarterback Hayden Morris last week due to injury. After a quad contusion, the junior is questionable to return Friday.

Patrick’s prediction (sure to be wrong): Holmes County 28, Jay 22

Northview (1-4) at Baker (1-4)

Devin Kelly (5) carries the ball during the Northview vs Tate football game at Tate High School in Cantonment on Thursday, Sept. 7, 2023.
Devin Kelly (5) carries the ball during the Northview vs Tate football game at Tate High School in Cantonment on Thursday, Sept. 7, 2023.

When: 7 p.m. Friday

Where: Doug Griffith Stadium

Key players: 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.); Baker - Wyatt Straight (RB, So.), Kurt Armstrong (OL, Sr.), Kase Armstrong (QB, Jr.), Riley Renfro (RB/DB, So.)

RPI rankings: Northview (-6.920) - eighth in Region 1-1R, 28th in Class 1R, 393rd overall; Baker (-4.035) - sixth in Region 1-1R, 23rd in Class 1R, 335th overall

Week 6 results: Northview - 43-26 loss at Elberta (Ala.); Baker - 42-12 win at Lighthouse Private Christian Academy

Last meeting: Sept. 23, 2022 - Northview 49, Baker 10

The skinny: The lone victory for both teams came against Lighthouse Private Christian Academy. It’s been a struggle for programs that had massive holes to fill from last year. Aside from their 42-point explosion against the Stingrays, the Gators have totaled 36 points in their four other games. Offense hasn’t been as big an issue for the Chiefs, but playing a full 48-minute game has been. Northview has struggled particularly in the second half. The team has been outscored 80-35 in the second half of their losses. Still, any win moving forward could prove to be valuable for two teams that still have their playoff hopes intact.

Patrick’s prediction (sure to be wrong): Northview 21, Baker 17

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Pine Forest (4-2) at Niceville (5-1)

Miequle Brock (18) carries the ball during the Niceville vs Pine Forest football game at Pine Forest High School in Pensacola on Friday, Oct. 7, 2022.
Miequle Brock (18) carries the ball during the Niceville vs Pine Forest football game at Pine Forest High School in Pensacola on Friday, Oct. 7, 2022.

When: 7 p.m. Friday

Where: Eagle 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.); 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.)

RPI rankings: Pine Forest (4.517) - seventh in Region 1-3S, 27th in Class 3S, 167th overall; Niceville (10.497) - third in Region 1-4S, eighth in Class 4S, 49th overall

Week 6 results: Pine Forest - 35-20 win vs. Fort Walton Beach; Niceville - 42-21 win vs. Crestview

Last meeting: Oct. 7, 2022 - Pine Forest 28, Niceville 7

The skinny: A masterful, five-touchdown performance from Miequle Brock helped the team get back to their winning ways, but Pine Forest will have to maintain its intensity and focus for what is easily their most difficult stretch of games this season. Before a trip to Bradenton to take on IMG Academy, who is the fourth-ranked team in the country according to MaxPreps, and a rivalry game at home against Escambia, Pine Forest has to travel to Niceville. A key to Niceville’s success is limiting the opponent’s best option on the ground. The team has not allowed a 100-yard rusher in its five victories, which includes slowing Choctaw’s Cole Tabb to just 75 rushing yards. But in its one blemish, Niceville did relinquish 146 yards and two scores to Lincoln’s Jashawn Washington during the Trojans’ 28-14 road win. Can Brock replicate Washington’s effort?

Patrick’s prediction (sure to be wrong): Pine Forest 35, Niceville 31

Pensacola Catholic (4-1) at Gulf Breeze (2-3)

Gulf Breeze quarterback Battle Alberson throws downfield during play against the Pace Patriots at Dolphin Stadium Friday, September 29, 2023.
Gulf Breeze quarterback Battle Alberson throws downfield during play against the Pace Patriots at Dolphin Stadium Friday, September 29, 2023.

When: 7:30 p.m. Friday

Where: Dolphin Stadium

Key players: Pensacola Catholic - Jayvion Showers (WR, Sr.), Demontrae Gaston (LB/WR, Sr.), C.J. Nettles (RB, Jr.), Ryland Bragg (OL, Sr.), Desjon Robertson (DL, Sr.), Nigel Nelson (LB, Jr.), Ryan Huff (QB, Jr.), Courtney Clark (DL, Sr.), Turner McLaughlin (LB, Sr.); Gulf Breeze - Battle Alberson (QB, Sr.), Jake Frazetta (ATH, Sr.), Bryson Rouillier (WR/DB, Sr.), Gavin Quenneville (RB/DB, Sr), Shamane Walker (DL, Sr.), Luke Denby (OL/DL, Sr.)

RPI rankings: Pensacola Catholic (9.912) - fifth in Region 1-2S, 11th in Class 2S, 62nd overall; Gulf Breeze (-2.880) - 17th in Region 1-4S, 50th in Class 4S, 318th overall

Week 6 results: Pensacola Catholic - 51-7 win vs Pensacola; Gulf Breeze - 55-24 loss vs. Pace

Last meeting: Oct. 6, 2022 - Pensacola Catholic 38, Gulf Breeze 17

The skinny: Regardless of whether one side is heavily favored or the two sides are close, “Battle of the Bay” week for the Crusaders and Dolphins always gets the competitive juices flowing. The two teams have split their last eight meetings. “Obviously, it’s a big rivalry game for both schools, so it’s a fun week. It’s always a very competitive game and I expect this will be to be also,” Catholic head coach Matt Adams said. “I’m sure they are looking forward to this game and we always do, too. So hopefully it’s an exciting game and it’ll be fun for everybody watching.”

The question headed into the 2023 renewal is whether Gulf Breeze can control tempo and sustain drives against a loaded Crusaders defense. Against excellent defenses in Pace and Escambia, Dolphins had stints where their offense was shut down. Conversely, Catholic has struggled to get to the quarterback this season, only recording four sacks in five games. Gulf Breeze will have a better chance staying on the field if it can hold the Crusader pass rushers from breaking out.

Patrick’s prediction (sure to be wrong): Pensacola Catholic 31, Gulf Breeze 21

Mosley (4-2) at Navarre (3-2)

Connor Black (2) returns a kickoff during the West Florida vs Navarre preseason football game at Navarre High School on Friday, Aug. 18, 2023.
Connor Black (2) returns a kickoff during the West Florida vs Navarre preseason football game at Navarre High School on Friday, Aug. 18, 2023.

When: 7:30 p.m. Friday

Where: Bennett C. Russell Stadium

Key players: Mosley - Sammy Freitas (QB, Jr.), Jack Massey (ATH, Jr.), Aiden Dunn (DL, So.), Marquise Wilkerson (RB/LB, So.), Wyatt Fleming (LB, So.), Ethan Poplin (LB, 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.)

RPI rankings: Mosley (4.721) - 10th in Region 1-4S, 28th in Class 4S, 158th overall; Navarre (5.690) - eighth in Region 1-4S, 23rd in Class 4S, 129th overall

Week 6 results: Mosley - 21-14 win vs. Chiles; Navarre - Bye

Last meeting: Oct. 6, 2022 - Navarre 38, Mosley 35

The skinny: Last year’s meeting between these two squads was a classic that featured eight lead changes, two ties and a go-ahead field goal in the final minute. This year’s version is set up to be a pivotal and intriguing matchup between programs currently fighting for one of the last playoff spots in Region 1-4S. If the postseason started today, the Raiders would receive the final at-large bid while the Dolphins would be on the outside looking in. A victory would serve as the best win of the season for either side, as both Mosley and Navarre do not have a victory against an opponent currently ranked in the top 200 in the state.

The Raiders enter Friday with a three-game winning streak. Odds of pushing that streak to four hinges on slowing down the quarterback-wide receiver combo of Sammy Freitas and Jack Massey. The two juniors connected seven times for 169 yards and three touchdowns during the team’s win last week against Chiles.

Patrick’s prediction (sure to be wrong): Navarre 30, Mosley 24

Patrick's prediction record after Week 6: 32-14

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: 9 Pensacola-area teams in action Friday for Week 7