Who wins battle of 3-1 Choctaw-Niceville? Can SoWal hand Walton first loss? Our football picks

Back in 2012 when I joined the Daily News in the heart of football season, I was sent to cover Choctaw-Niceville by then sports editor Brandon Walker. Neither team was great that year, Choctaw just 1-3 and Niceville 3-2. Nonetheless, it was my entry to Okaloosa County rivalry games. I was promised Joe Etheredge Stadium would be popping, and my first impression more than lived up to the hype.

As rivalries are prone to discard records, Choctaw won 31-28 on a Dominik Jordan time-expiring field goal. The district win was significant because it ended a run of seven straight losses to the Eagles. Little did I know, more than a decade later that'd be the only Choctaw win over Niceville I'd see.

Yes, Niceville has won 11 straight over Choctaw, including a 36-21 region semifinal win back in 2015. But the streak only gains steam when you factor in Eagle Stadium, where the Big Green haven't won since 2001's 7-2 defensive gem.

But the past is the past. This year, both teams have fought through early season losses and are primed for playoff runs. Who'll win Friday night? Your best guess is my best guess. Regardless, it'll be fun.

USA Today HS Football ranks: Where did Choctaw, Niceville, Walton rank in latest poll?

'We love each other': Destin football playing as a family en route to 4-0 start

5 Bold Predictions

Defense, not offense, will decide Choctaw-Niceville game

The offensive star power is everywhere: Cole Tabb, Maddax Fayard, Jesse Tabb, DJ Shorts, etc. But the last time these two programs met resulted in a 23-13 Niceville win, and we've seen the Eagles' offense struggle back-to-back weeks and the Big Green lay an egg on the road. For as good as Tabb is and Winslette's weapons are, for as good as Niceville's offense can in that heavy package near the goal line, this will be a game won by field position and turnovers. Keep an eye on Choctaw's Ellis Alloway, Jashawn Armstrong and Choctaw's secondary. The same goes for Maddox Hayles, Harper Campbell, Kevin Downing and Co. for Niceville, who's linebacking core is scary.

Malcom Boyd continues INT streak, Walton's defense overwhelms SoWal

Juanyeh Thomas, now with the Dallas Cowboys, had five straight games with a pick-six for Walton back in 2015. Malcom Byrd is working on an interception streak of his own with three straight games with a pick. With SoWal built on the pass, expect that streak to continue as Walton looks to give Carson Hawk fits all night.

Destin's Boudreaux racks up 5 TDs as Sharks move to 5-0

Last week Boudreaux delivered on the ground and through the air with 354 yards, yet in a one-score effort where he had a 60-yard touchdown dropped and another 52-yard reception fall inches short of the goal line, he ceded the majority of the scores to a backfield that found the end zone six times. This week Boudreaux scores in bunches.

Connor Mathews eclipses 200-yard rushing mark in Navarre win

Navarre lost Eddie Love Jr. to Fort Walton Beach in the offseason, but Mathews has embraced the lead back role for the Raiders and emerged as a star. Four games in he's delivered 511 rushing yards and nine touchdowns. Expect the good times to roll on the road at Carroll.

Love Jr. owns Arnold, eclipses 300 yards

This isn't so much a bold prediction as it is, "What can Love Jr. do next?" The man produces in losses and wins, and if given the carries he can top 300 yards and four or five scores against lowly Arnold.

Week 5 Predictions

Walton 34, South Walton 14

FWB 49, Arnold 0

Navarre 31, Carroll 28

Destin 49, Lighthouse Christian 7

Freeport 28, Vernon 13

Niceville 24, Choctaw 21

Rocky Bayou 21, Franklin County 7

Bye: Baker, Crestview

Seth Stringer is sports editor of the Northwest Florida Daily News. Follow him on Friday nights @SethSnwfdn and contact him at sstringer@nwfdailynews.com.

This article originally appeared on Northwest Florida Daily News: Choctaw-Niceville, SoWal-Walton highlight Week 5's bold predictions