Week 9 Takeaways: 15 things we learned across Pensacola-area high school football landscape

There's nothing like some drama under the lights.

The area's best three games during Week 9 of the high school football season all delivered as Escambia/Pine Forest, Tate/Gulf Breeze and Navarre/Pace were each decided in the final minute of play, with the latter two going down to the very final play.

That's some good football.

Plus, Northview/Blountstown was a one-score entering the fourth quarter before the Chiefs went down against the top-ranked team in Region 2-1R.

On the door step: Navarre controls its destiny with stirring, hard-fought win at Pace

'We did our jobs': Pine Forest's defense staunch in key district win over rival Escambia

Those four contests helped cancel out blowouts from the other four games in this week's slate. The average separation in total was 20.5 points.

As postseason time continues to creep up, here at the best takeaways from Week 9.

Thursday

Choctaw/Booker T. Washington

1. Two for the future

The football season has not gone the way Booker T. Washington expected and hoped, but with two games remaining, there is still motivating elements.

The Wildcats will host Pine Forest next Friday in a game featuring players who were former teammates, opponents growing up in youth football leagues.

Then on Nov. 3, it’s the inaugural First City Bowl against the Tate Aggies at Blue Wahoos Stadium. This will be the first regular-season, high school football game, ever staged at the bayfront stadium.

So, still some things to play for?

“Most definitely,” said Washington coach Ryan Onkka, after his team lost 49-7 against Fort Walton-Choctaw in a Thursday night game at Sherman Robinson Stadium.  “I don’t worry about the last two weeks. Pine Forest is always a rivalry game with crosstown kids who grew up together.

“So, they will want to get after them and they feel like they can do that. I know they have been talking about it all season, but now they can focus on it.”

The First City Bowl with Washington vs. Tate will feature a 7 p.m. start time on Nov. 3 and ticket prices at Blue Wahoos Stadium are $7 general admission. There will be an extended halftime show in the game to allow both schools’ acclaimed bands to perform and the expectation is for a festive atmosphere  in the season finale.

A link for tickets has been established at www.bluewahoos.com/firstcitybowl. The game will be televised through Cox Communications.

“That will be a great experience, a unique experience,” Onkka said. “I don’t know if there’s a trophy involved, but to us, it’s like our Super Bowl. That is how we view it, and to build off it for next year, to roll from there.”

2. So close, yet far

After Choctaw’s Jonathan Boyd returned the game-opening kickoff 95 yards for a touchdown, the Wildcats had their chance to answer right back.

On a first-and-goal from the Choctaw 10, Wildcats junior quarterback Austin Smith had a short pass that was dropped from the outstretched hands of a receiver with only the end zone ahead. Two plays later, a short field goal was missed.

After Choctaw went up 14-0, the Wildcats halved the deficit on Kendrick Burrell’s catch-and-run pass from Smith. Had their opening possession been successful, Burrell’s big play could have tied the game with 8:59 left in the second quarter.

Instead, Choctaw answered back to go up 21-7, then blew open the game with another score with 2:51 left in the first half.

“It’s kind of maybes and whats,” Onkka said. “We’re just battling through it. At this point in the year, you are building for the future in the sense of next year, we bring back 16 starters.

“Despite the way the season has gone on the field, our kids have been really good at practice. We’ve had some of our toughest practices, and as coaches, we feel like we’re coaching our best ball.

“You get (players) to buy into the process of competing and finding little victories and seeing improvement, seeing growth and in doing that you teach them about adversity and life. And really, just how football is a microcosm of life and that’s why it’s the greatest sport. You hope that clicks, it sinks in, and it builds them up for long-term success.”

Friday

Escambia/Pine Forest

3. Facing adversity head on

Pine Forest easily could have called it quits and had players in their own heads after the dominant first drive from Escambia to open the game. But, as Pine Forest head coach Tony Carter has been preaching all year, it’s about body language.

There were even instances where players might’ve questioned something on the field, and Carter quickly reminded them, “Positive attitude.”

C.J. Floyd noted some typical high school behavior leading up to the game – social media comments, etc. – but the Eagles blocked out the noise.

“It was so personal going in,” he said. “We just had to stay in our business.”

After that opening Escambia drive, Carter said there were no heads hanging down or finger pointing from players.

“Everybody picked each other up and encouraged each other as a team. That’s the building block to a successful program,” Carter said. “This whole season is being mentally tough and being able to face adversity. They did that tonight.”

The defense has faced a lot of adversity of its own the last couple weeks, going against nationally-recognized IMG Academy and Niceville, ranked 36th in the state, both Carter and assistant coach Kadetrix Marcus noted. And it was finally nice for the defense to get a much-needed confidence booster.

“These guys showed that they really want it,” Marcus said. “It showed tonight.”

“The defense has gotten some tough breaks this year, but they’re really good. They’ve got to understand what we’re trying to do and be more aggressive about it,” Carter said. “Being the type of defense that we want to set the tone with for the rest of the season.”

4. ‘It wasn’t my call’

The Pine Forest-Escambia game was televised locally, and the winner of the game gets a small trophy to keep. Escambia took home the trophy earlier in the season against Gulf Breeze. Up until this point in the season, when celebrating with the trophy, the head coach has been surrounded by his team.

That wasn’t the case on Friday for Pine Forest. Instead of shaking hands after the final play of the game, both teams were immediately sent to their locker rooms. Carter couldn’t help but look around the field as he held the trophy.

It’s a similar situation to last year, when there was increased security at Escambia High School. This year, only 1,800 tickets were sold for the game. A final attendance number wasn’t announced during the contest.

There appeared to be an increased law enforcement presence from the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office as well.

Carter said the decision to not shake hands was made by people “above (his) head” before the game even started. There were a few outliers after the game, with a couple opposing players or coaches giving hugs and handshakes – but coaches quickly hustled their teams to locker rooms.

“It was going to happen no matter what the outcome was. I just wish we didn’t have to be fearful of things like that, about some negativity happening – whether it be in the stands or on the field,” Carter said. “I know the kids that I coach, they’re going to be classy, they’re going to be good sportsmen, and they’re going to be gracious in wins and losses. That’s what we promote here. … These guys are going to have a winning mentality and attitude in everything we do.”

5. ‘Too many mistakes’

Escambia head coach Mike Bennett didn’t have much to say after the Gators’ loss on Friday. Between two interceptions from Anthony Hall, a lost fumble from Dorrion White and a failure to execute when getting within striking distance, Bennett said Escambia has “got to step it up.”

The Gators were proficient during their first drive. During the first quarter, Pine Forest’s defense had a tough time stopping several offensive weapons from Escambia. But then penalties came, including a few personal fouls after the whistle.

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“The first quarter, they couldn’t stop us. Then we get the penalties. That’s what happened to us – penalties,” Bennett said. “Oh hell, just way too many mistakes again this week. … We can’t have this many mistakes against good teams.”

Navarre/Pace

6. Another 'Beach Bowl' celebration?

For the second season in a row, the stage is set for the Raiders to be crowned district champions while their rivals stand on the opposing sideline.

Navarre, currently unbeaten in District 1-4S play, can go back-to-back with a win at home against Gulf Breeze, raising the stakes to the already, much-anticipated Beach Bowl.

"I don't think we'll have any trouble getting our guys pumped up," Raiders head coach Jay Walls said.

One player who is ready to hit the field is Andre Spence. The junior athlete was everywhere Friday night, scoring the opening touchdown on a short run, intercepting a pass just before stepping out of bounds and accounting for the game's final lead change on a kickoff return touchdown.

At night's end, Spence wasn't afraid to make a prediction.

"Coming off this win, we're going to feel great. We're going to win that Beach Bowl, we're going to win districts and we're going to go onto the playoffs," he said.

7. Moving on

On the other end of the spectrum, the Patriots saw their chance of hoisting a district trophy slip their hands.

Pace would've clinched the title with a win Friday night, but that was not to be. The team still has an outside shot of being champion in a three-way tiebreaker scenario, but head coach Kent Smith already has his focus on an at-large bid.

"We just have to rebound," he said. "We have Milton next week, and if we win take one, we'll probably be in the playoffs. We definitely will travel and we got to go win that one."

8. Praying and hoping

Connor Mathews chewed up yards all night long against a strong Pace defense, but he was nearly fitted for goat horns after his fumble gave the Patriots the ball back late.

Slow to his feet after taking a hard hit to his elbow during the scramble for the ball, Mathews watched helplessly from the sideline as the Patriots inched up the field.

Needless to say, there wasn't anyone happier to see Navarre collect a defensive stop than the junior.

"I just thought I let us down. And after that hit, I was just in pain. I wasn't trying to think about it," he said. "I was just praying and hoping that my defense would get the job done and they did."

Aside from that one mistake, Mathews was possibly the best player on the field. The area's leading rusher going into the night finished unofficially with 21 carries for 120 yards, including a 25-yard touchdown where he broke multiple tackles before reaching pay dirt. He also had four catches for 32 yards.

"That's just how I run, that's how I do it every game," Mathews said of his touchdown. "I feel like I'm a hard runner and I use my strength and my ability to do that. I try to keep driving my feet, and breaking tackles is my thing. I just kept running, I wanted it so bad."

9. Navarre special teams makes impact

A Raiders strength rose once again to forefront.

Navarre has made play after play on special teams this season, and Friday wasn't much different.

High School Football: How's special teams has boosted Navarre into the area's hottest team

Senior wide receiver Nate Hanson nearly broke free on the game's opening kickoff, but his return set the visitors up with a short field. They would cash in with a touchdown on that drive.

Pace responded with scoring drive of its own on the ensuing possession, but the road team stayed ahead following a blocked PAT. The hosts were 0-2 on extra-point kicks and 0-2 on two-point conversions.

It wasn't a flawless night for the Raiders third-team unit, though. Hanson nearly made a costly mistake on punt, as a ball he wasn't trying to field bounced seemingly centimeters away from him. The Patriots were convinced that it touched him, but the officials ruled it otherwise.

Additionally, the road team allowed a 73-yard kickoff return in the fourth quarter to freshman running back Makael Williams. They recovered by breaking up a pass in the end zone following a bobbled snap on the extra-point kick.

"I know that we had some big plays and our kids made some big plays," Walls said. "It wasn't a deal where (Pace) shot itself in the foot. We played some good football tonight."

Tate/Gulf Breeze

10. What a ride

Reflecting on his high school career brought some emotion into Battle Alberson’s voice.

He’s been such a big part of the Dolphins success and the team’s ability to create a special home-field atmosphere.

“Oh, I’ve loved it,” he said, following the team’s 27-20 homecoming win Friday that was also the last time Alberson and his fellow seniors will play at Dolphin Stadium  “There’s nothing better. After home crowds we’ve had and the one (Friday) I wouldn’t trade it.

“We have a great community and all week you know this night was going to be great. You feel a little anxiety but you know it is going to be awesome.”

11. Sales pitch

Three of the Dolphins senior standouts, receiver Bryson Rouillier, running back and defensive back Gavin Quennville and quarterback Battle Alberson are still hoping for a college opportunity.

In his only season coaching and admiring Alberson, new Gulf Breeze coach Jeff Gierke is baffled that he’s not juggling multiple scholarship offers.

“I don’t know what people are waiting on,” he said. “Battle is the best quarterback in the Panhandle. Maybe in the state. He has over 6,000 career yards and may be over 7,000 before he’s done.”

Quenneville is the son of former professional hockey star Chad Quenneville. In 1996, Quenneville was part of the inaugural team with the Pensacola Ice Pilots as a tough, play-making forward and points producer. He is one of the former franchise’s greatest players.

His son has shined as a two-way football player. Friday night, Quenneville scored on a touchdown run and broke up several passes as a defensive back. He rarely leaves the field.

Rouillier has been the Dolphins’ go-to receiver with breakaway speed.

“They are really, really good football players,” said Gierke, who previously coached in central Florida. “They’ve had unbelievable senior years.

“Whoever gets them. I know Gavin and Bryce are a little undersized, but those guys play so hard, so fast, and they are such good football players. Whoever takes a chance on them will never forget it.”

Rouillier made several over-the-middle catches in traffic Friday and he run deep routes.

“Oh my goodness, he is unbelievable. Always unbelievable,” Alberson said. “When we need a big play, he does something crazy. He does something to get open.”

12. Mojo search

This has been a breakthrough season in some respects for Tate (4-4), which still has a chance at a winning record. But head coach Rhett Summerford watched his offense struggle and believes some of that was a carryover from last Friday’s loss to Pace.

That game was well-hype and Tate trailed just 7-6 late in the second quarter, but Pace went on a surge and posted a lopsided win.

Thursday Night Football: Booker T. Washington's struggles continue in lopsided loss vs. Choctaw

PNJ Power Poll: Behind its fifth-straight victory, Pace surges to top spot of area rankings

Next Friday, Tate hosts Escambia High, then will finish the season in a special way on Nov. 3 at Blue Wahoos Stadium in the inaugural First City Classic against Booker T. Washington High. It will be the first regular-season high school game at the stadium.

“We have to find our swagger, or our Mojo,” Summerford said. “We have a tough one next week and we have to figure out what we do. We have to make plays on offense.”

Munroe/Pensacola Catholic

13. Next man up

The Crusaders have found ways to put points on the board despite one of their key players currently on the mend.

Junior running back C.J. Nettles, the team's leader in touchdowns, has missed the last two games due to an injury suffered on Oct. 6 at Gulf Breeze. Others have stepped up in his place.

Sure, stars such as Arkansas State commit Jayvion Showers and junior athlete Nigel Nelson, who had two touchdowns Friday, have done the brunt of the scoring in Nettles' absence. But the team has also gotten contributions from freshmen Geno Cunningham and Vaughn Howard.

"We've just had the next guy step up and play," Catholic head coach Matt Adams said. "I feel like we have a deep roster. Guys have been waiting on their turn and when their turn comes, they make the most of their opportunity."

Adams says Nettles is day-to-day. His status for the Crusaders' next game - 7:30 p.m. Friday against West Florida - is unknown.

Lighthouse Private Christian Academy/Jay

14. ‘A wide open playbook’

Against Northview last week, Jay head coach Brian Watson said it was quarterback Hayden Morris’ first game back “really being able to run the ball and scramble” after battling through injuries a majority of the beginning of the season. Morris missed the Week 7 game for the Royals.

Morris finished with 66 yards passing at Northview, and easily cleared that standard against Lighthouse Private Christian Academy on Friday in the Royals’ dominant 42-8 victory. On one play alone, Morris connected with wide receiver Ethan McDonald for a 68-yard touchdown.

Morris’ final stats from the Week 9 victory weren’t available.

“The playbook is wide open with Hayden back out there,” Watson said. “It’s really nice to have him back out there.”

Blountstown/Northview

15. 'There's a lot of ways to skin a cat'

The Chiefs have hosted a home playoff game during every season under head coach Wes Summerford. They played three postseason home games in their march to the Class 1R state title game in 2022.

But following a competitive loss to Blountstown, Northview opportunity's to play in front of its home fans in November took a major hit.

Summerford believes losses to the Tigers, as well as some of the other quality opponents from earlier in the year, will have his team primed for whatever that comes next. That includes a potential playoff run as road underdogs.

"Not everything is going to be like it was last year. There's a lot of ways to skin a cat," Summerford said. "And if that's on the road, than that's what it'll be. We'll take that challenge head on and we'll go from there. I want to preach the message to our guys that there's a lot that we have to look forward to."

Northview's next challenge is in two weeks at unbeaten Walton.

Ben Grieco is a sports reporter for the Pensacola News Journal. He can be reached on X (@BenGriecoSports) and via email at BGrieco@gannett.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.

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

This article originally appeared on Pensacola News Journal: High School Football: 15 biggest takeaways from Week 9 in Pensacola-area