Week 8 Preview: Pine Forest preps seven-hour trip to take on national powerhouse IMG Academy
Coming off a narrow defeat at Niceville last Friday, the Pine Forest football team has quickly regrouped for its biggest challenge of the regular season.
However, this wasn’t an ordinary week of preparation for a rival team in the city or another top-notch team in the Panhandle. Instead, the Eagles are prepared to face one of the best program’s the country has to offer.
Pine Forest will embark on a seven-hour, 500-mile drive to Bradenton as the team plays national-powerhouse IMG Academy. Kickoff is set for 6:30 p.m. CST Friday from IMG Academy Stadium.
A college-prep boarding school with state-of-the-art facilities, IMG Academy first established its football team in 2013. Winning 91 of 98 games since then, the team is regularly in the conversation for best in the nation. The program was recognized as national champions in 2020 by USA Today, MaxPreps and High School Football America.
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With four- and five-star prospects littered across the roster, the Ascenders are currently ranked as high as third nationally by SB Live/Sports Illustrated. They enter this matchup with a 5-0 record, with three wins coming against teams that won state titles in their respective states a year ago.
With the Eagles earning a Class 6A State championship game appearance in 2021 and undefeated regular season in 2022, IMG Academy reached out to Pine Forest during the offseason to schedule a game.
Why would the Eagles accept? According to head coach Tony Carter, matching up against the Ascenders serves a measuring stick. It also is a part of his vision for the Eagles; the aim isn’t just to be the best in the city, but to be one of the premier programs in the state, and one that eventually gets national recognition.
“Sometimes, for lack of a better term, you can play up or play down to the competition. And I think our guys are ready to play up to the competition and show who they really are,” said Carter, who is 4-3 in his first season leading Pine Forest. “I still stand firmly in believing we have the best athletes in the area and I want them to be exposed to what the rest of the country has to offer, too.”
IMG agreed to house the Eagles for one night, partially lessening the financial burden of this trip. The Eagles will take only one charter bus for the players and some members of the coaching staff. The rest of the coaches will travel in a rental van.
Putting the finishing touches on a travel list Tuesday, Carter noted numerous additional items needed to be arranged, from contacting restaurants to see if they could serve a party of the team’s size to seeing if members of team’s support staff were allowed to take off from their regular 9-5 job and head south with them.
Pine Forest hit the road at 9 a.m. Thursday. The team will stop in Gainesville for a walk-through practice before grabbing a bite to eat and returning to the road.
The Eagles will head back to Pensacola immediately after the game. They were given the option of driving to Bradenton on Friday and staying overnight, but decided against it.
“I thought that would be too much on the kids to be on a bus for seven hours and then go out and play a game,” Carter said. “We could go Thursday, let them rest and have a good night’s rest in a comfortable bed and then have a day of watching film, putting the final touches on a game plan and allowing them to go out Friday night and be fresh.”
For several seniors and some juniors, this won’t be their first experience making a long drive to play a meaningful football game. They can call back on the 10-hour trip to Fort Lauderdale for the 2021 Class 6A title game.
Two of those players that performed as sophomore under the bright lights at DVR PNK Stadium are offensive lineman Jonathan Daniels and running back Miequle Brock. As veterans on the team, the duo shared a similar message to those who will be experiencing this for the first time.
“You got to be more mature and focused,” said Daniels, who is headed to Florida State after the season. “Yeah, it’s a trip and whatever, but don’t think of it as just fun. It’s a business trip. Have fun, but treat it as business, stay focused and do your assignment.”
Brock added: “Treat it as another game, even if it’s on a bigger stage of football. Those players bleed just like we bleed. We just have to go out there and just play like it’s any other team.”
Now a senior in the backfield, Brock will likely figure into any success the team has on the field. He has scored more than any position player in the Pensacola-area, racking up 22 touchdowns. That is compared to 27 scores through his sophomore and junior campaigns.
“The linemen are making more holes for me, I’m getting good blocks from the receivers and the quarterback is making more reads. It’s just an easy way to get me in the end zone,” Brock said.
Execution might be harder to come by against an IMG team that boasts eight players from ESPN’s top 300 for the Class of 2024. Five-star Georgia commit Ellis Robinson IV, a 6-foot-1, 180-pound cornerback, is the No. 1-ranked player in the nation while five-star Oklahoma commit David Stone, a 6-4, 280-pound defensive tackle, is ranked sixth overall.
Comparatively, Daniels, the only Pine Forest recruit on the list, is ranked 67th overall.
But regardless of the numbers and how players stack up, the Eagles don’t plan on being intimidated. For senior linebacker Tyquan Hunter, there’s a plan of attack.
“Bust them in the mouth first and finish the game all the way through,” he said. “We’ll be good after that.”
Pine Forest/IMG Academy is one of nine games this week involving Pensacola-area teams. Here's a look at how the rest of the schedule breaks down.
District 1-4S
Pace (5-1, 1-0 District) at Tate (4-2, 1-1 District)
When: 7 p.m. Friday
Where: Carl Madison Field at Pete Gindl Stadium
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.); 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: Pace (8.924) - fifth in Region 1-4S, 16th in Class 4S, 81st overall; Tate (3.146) - 12th in Region 1-4S, 32nd in Class 4S, 200th overall
Week 7 results: Pace - 49-0 win at Pensacola; Tate - 58-41 win vs. West Florida
Last meeting: Oct. 14, 2022 - Pace 38, Tate 9
The skinny: The best game played in either Escambia or Santa Rosa County will take place in Cantonment. No one has been able to slow down the Tate train weeks as the Aggies have scored 40 points or more in their last five games, including a season-best 58 points in a home win against West Florida. With the rate Tate puts up points, the Patriots not only need a strong effort defensively, but also a clock-chewing, possession-controlling effort offensively, if only to keep the ball out of the Aggies’ hands. Additionally, in the team’s season-opening loss to Pine Forest, Tate wore down against a bigger Eagles team. Pace may try to do the same. The Patriots have won five straight against the Aggies.
Patrick’s prediction (sure to be wrong): Pace 42, Tate 28
Navarre (4-2, 1-0 District) at Milton (2-4, 0-2 District)
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday
Where: Haywood Hanna Panther Stadium
Key players: 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.), Manny Kimmons (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.)
RPI rankings: Navarre (7.717) - eighth in Region 1-4S, 19th in Class 4S, 96th overall; Milton (-3.865) - 18th in Region 1-4S, 54th in Class 4S, 330th overall
Week 7 results: Navarre - 35-31 win vs. Mosley; Milton - Bye
Last meeting: Oct. 14, 2022 - Navarre 34, Milton 27
The skinny: The Raiders are another team on a four-game winning streak. They extended their string of victories last week when the defense produced a pair of late stops that propelled Navarre to a 35-31 win against Mosley. While the defense, lifted by 20-tackle performances from Andre Spence and Vinny Villanova, came up huge when the team needed, offense has been at the forefront of this streak. The Raiders are averaging 43.5 points per game over its last five games, with junior running back Connor Mathews racking up 12 touchdowns within that span. They’ll face the Panthers, a team coming off a bye and having hoped it corrected its recent woes. Milton has been outscored 155-49 in its last three games.
Patrick’s prediction (sure to be wrong): Navarre 45, Milton 14
District 1-3S
Escambia (5-1, 2-0 District) at Choctaw (4-2, District 1-0)
When: 7 p.m. Friday
Where: Joe Etheredge 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.); Choctaw - Cole Tabb (RB, Sr.), Jesse Winslette (QB, Sr.), Jashawn Armstrong (LB/RB, Sr.), Isaac Thomas (WR, Sr.), Jonathan Boyd (DB, Sr.)
RPI rankings: Escambia (7.705) - third in Region 1-3S, 13th in Class 3S, 97th overall; Choctaw (7.013) - fourth in Region 1-3S, 15th in Class 3S, 104th overall
Week 7 results: Escambia - Bye; Choctaw - 66-30 in vs. South Walton
Last meeting: Oct. 14, 2022 - Escambia 28, Choctaw 27 (2OT)
The skinny: To see who will have the inside track to the District 1-3S title, something will have to give. Coming off a bye week, Escambia has not given up a point in its last three games. Meanwhile Choctaw put up a season-best 66 points in a win over South Walton. And while the Gators are just allowing 10 points per game, the Indians have averaged 45.8 points in their four wins. As has been the case since he started his high school career, Cole Tabb will be the focal point for the defense. Last season against the Gators, Tabb had a whopping 39 carries for 205 yards and three touchdowns. But Escambia, namely linebacker Messiah Everheart, halted the star running back on a game-deciding, two-point conversion to capture a 28-27 victory in double overtime. Tabb has been held under 100 rushing yards over the last two weeks, although he recorded 85 yards on just six rushes last week. He might be due for a breakout, but will the Gators allow it?
Patrick’s prediction (sure to be wrong): Escambia 27, Choctaw 21
Booker T. Washington (1-4, 0-1 District) at Fort Walton Beach (3-3, 0-2 District)
When: 7 p.m. Friday
Where: Steve Riggs Stadium
Key players: 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.); Fort Walton Beach - Eddie Love Jr. (RB, Jr.), Zavier Hamilton (LB, Sr.), Harrison Orr (QB/SS, Sr.), Dante Core (DB, Jr.), Sidney Davis (LB, Sr.), Marcuise Taylor (DB, Jr.), Ison Newcomb (LB/DL, Jr.)
RPI rankings: Booker T. Washington (-8.424) - 16th in Region 1-3S, 61st overall, 416th overall; Fort Walton Beach - 11th in Region 1-3S, 42nd overall, 281st overall
Week 7 results: Booker T. Washington - 43-6 loss vs. Godby; Fort Walton Beach - Bye
Last meeting: Oct. 14, 2022 - Booker T. Washington 42, Fort Walton Beach 0
The skinny: The Wildcats and their offensive troubles continued a week ago when they were held to six points in a homecoming loss to Godby. Since pouring in 39 points in Week 9, Booker T. Washington has scored 20 total points since. The team will take on a Vikings squad fighting for its first winning season since 2012. With each team winless in district play, this game will likely decide who will finish fourth in District 1-3S. Fort Walton Beach has not played since falling two weeks ago at Pine Forest.
Patrick’s prediction (sure to be wrong): Fort Walton Beach 34, Booker T. Washington 14
District 1-2S
West Florida (2-4, 0-1 District) at Pensacola (0-7, 0-1 District)
When: 7 p.m. Friday
Where: Jim Scoggins 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.); 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.)
RPI rankings: West Florida (0.197) - ninth in Region 1-2S, 33rd in Class 2S, 255th overall; Pensacola (-11.620) - 15th in Region 1-2S, 60th in Class 2S, 450th overall
Week 7 results: West Florida - 58-41 loss at Tate; Pensacola - 49-0 loss vs. Pace
Last meeting: Oct. 14, 2022 - West Florida 40, Pensacola 2
The skinny: Dominant on defense over the last few years, the Jaguars had an anomalous performance last week after relinquishing 58 points in a loss at Tate. That was the most points the program has allowed in a game in 12 years. However, West Florida and its defense may get back on track against a Tigers team that has been held off the scoreboard in six of seven games this season. The Jags have defeated Pensacola eight consecutive times. In seven of their victories, they have limited the Tigers to seven points or less. Pensacola hopes to buck that trend during homecoming.
Patrick’s prediction (sure to be wrong): West Florida 42, Pensacola 6
Pensacola Catholic (5-1, 1-0 District) at Walton (6-0, 1-0 District)
When: 7 p.m. Friday
Where: Yates Memorial 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.); Walton - Dalton Kolmetz (WR, Sr.), Wells Bettenhausen (QB, Jr.), Daniel Boatwright (LB, Sr.), Corniulis McKenzie (RB/LB, Sr.), Malcolm Byrd (DB, Jr.)
RPI rankings: Pensacola Catholic (10.526) - fourth in Region 1-2S, 10th in Class 2S, 59th overall; Walton (15.970) - first in Region 1-2S, second in Class 2S, 12th overall
Week 7 results: Pensacola Catholic - 38-17 win at Gulf Breeze; Walton - 48-14 win vs. Marianna
Last meeting: Oct. 14, 2022 - Pensacola Catholic 35, Walton 6
The skinny: The best matchup to be played outside of the Pensacola area may decide who wins District 1-2S. Both the Crusaders and Braves each won their district opener two weeks ago and a 2-0 start within the division would have each on the doorstep of a district title. Both teams have displayed the ability to execute in a tight ballgame, as they’ve combined for five victories decided by seven points or less, two of which went into overtime. However, the last game in this matchup wasn’t nearly as close, as Pensacola Catholic came away with a 35-6 victory. Can the Crusaders duplicate that performance or will the top-ranked team in Region 1-2S flip the script?
Patrick’s prediction (sure to be wrong): Pensacola Catholic 28, Walton 24
Non-District Games
Gulf Breeze (2-4) at Tohopekaliga (4-2)
When: 6 p.m. (CST) Thursday
Where: Tohopekaliga High School
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.), Luke Denby (OL/DL, Sr.); Tohopekaliga - Sabby Meassick (QB, So.), Churandy Duval (RB/DB, Sr.), Julian Nasco (WR, Sr.), Delvin Pryor (WR/DB, Sr.), Andrew Hines (DT, Jr.), Anthony Paradiso (DL, Sr.)
RPI rankings: Gulf Breeze (-3.278) - 17th in Region 1-4S, 53rd in Class 4S, 319th overall; Tohopekaliga (2.193) - ninth in Region 3-4S, 36th in Class 4S, 219th overall
Week 7 results: Gulf Breeze - 38-17 loss vs. Pensacola Catholic; Tohopekaliga - 35-28 loss at Orlando Christian Prep
Last meeting: N/A
The skinny: Two of the most prolific air attacks in the state will do battle on a Thursday night tilt in central Florida. Leading the state in passing, Tigers sophomore quarterback Sabby Meassick has completed 73 percent of his passes for 2,460 yards, 30 touchdowns to just five interceptions. Five Tohopekaliga receivers have at least 27 receptions in a passing game that throws it nearly three times as much as the team runs it. That unit is led by Julian Nasco (46 recs, 706 yds, 11 TDs). Meanwhile, Dolphins senior quarterback Battle Alberson and senior wide receiver Bryson Rouillier are fifth in the state in passing (1,906) and receiving (772), respectively. Gulf Breeze, who has struggled controlling the line of scrimmage in recent weeks, will have to contain Andrew Hines and Anthony Paradiso. Leading the Tigers in tackles, the two defensive lineman have combined for 17 sacks, 27 tackles for loss and 43 hurries.
Patrick’s prediction (sure to be wrong): Tohopekaliga 42, Gulf Breeze 31
Pine Forest (4-3) at IMG Academy (5-0)
When: 6:30 p.m. (CST) Friday
Where: IMG Academy 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.); IMG Academy - Ellis Robinson IV (DB, Sr.); David Stone (DL, Sr.), Jordan Seaton (LB, Sr.), Jayden Bradford (QB, Sr.), Jerrick Gibson (RB, Sr.), Jimothy Lewis (OL, Sr.)
RPI rankings: Pine Forest (4.061) - seventh in Region 1-3S, 26th in Class 3S, 176th overall; IMG Academy - N/A
Week 7 results: Pine Forest - 31-28 loss at Niceville; IMG Academy - 49-20 win at Bartram Trail
Last meeting: N/A
Patrick’s prediction (sure to be wrong): IMG Academy 42, Pine Forest 21
Jay (4-2) at Northview (2-4)
When: 7 p.m. Friday
Where: Tommy Weaver Memorial Football Stadium
Key players: 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.); 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.)
RPI rankings: Jay (1.336) - fourth in Region 1-1R, 16th in Class 1R, 234th overall; Northview (-4.472) - fifth in Region 1-1R, 23th in Class 1R, 342nd overall
Week 7 results: Jay - 55-7 loss vs. Holmes County; Northview - 28-0 win at Baker
Last meeting: Oct. 14, 2022 - Northview 49, Jay 13
The skinny: While a first-round bye is likely out of the question, the two rivals are fighting for home-field advantage in the opening round of the Region 1-1R playoffs. And as it currently stands, they are lined up to meet in the first round. This is just the Chiefs’ second home game of the season. They previously defeated Lighthouse Private Christian Academy 35-0 in Week 4 at home. Meanwhile, after a 4-0 start, the Royals are looking to avoid a three-game losing streak. Northview has captured the last seven meetings between the two teams. Jay last defeated the Chiefs in 2017.
Patrick’s prediction (sure to be wrong): Northview 21, Jay 18
Patrick's prediction record after Week 7: 37-16
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: Pine Forest's road trip to IMG Academy headlines Week 8 slate
