35 Sports Page or Section

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2017 Raider Opponent Football Schedules GULF BREEZE DATE OPPONENT Aug. 25 vs. Pascagoula Sept. 1 vs. Catholic Sept. 8 at Tate Sept. 15 vs. Pine Forest Sept. 22 at Washington Sept. 29 at Milton Oct. 6 vs. Ft. Walton Beach Oct. 13 at Pace Oct. 27 vs. Navarre Nov. 3 at East Gadsden PACE DATE Aug. 25 Sept. 1 Sept. 8 Sept. 15 Sept. 22 Sept. 29 Oct. 6 Oct. 13 Oct. 20 Oct. 27 Nov. 3

OPPONENT vs. Ft. Walton at Pensacola at Pine Forest vs. Washington at Choctaw at Navarre Open vs. Gulf Breeze vs. Tate vs. Milton at Catholic

MILTON DATE OPPONENT Aug. 25 vs. Washington Sept. 1 vs. Choctaw Sept. 15 at Catholic Sept. 22 at Tate Sept. 29 vs. Gulf Breeze Oct. 6 vs. Crestview Oct. 13 vs. Navarre Oct. 20 Open Oct. 27 at Pace Nov. 3 at Pine Forest

PLACE Gulf Breeze HS Gulf Breeze HS Tate Gulf Breeze HS Washington Milton Gulf Breeze HS Pace HS Gulf Breeze HS East Gadsden HS

TIME 7:00 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:00 p.m. 7:00 p.m. 7:00 p.m. 7:00 p.m. 7:00 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m.

PLACE Pace HS Pensacola HS Pine Forest HS Pace HS Choctaw HS Navarre HS

TIME 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:00 p.m. 7:30 p.m.

Pace HS Pace HS Pace HS Catholic HS

7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m.

PLACE Milton HS Milton HS Catholic HS Tate HS Milton HS Milton HS Milton HS

TIME 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:00 p.m. 7:00 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m.

Pace HS Pine Forest HS

7:30 p.m. 7:00 p.m.

ESCAMBIA DATE OPPONENT 09/2 at Archbishop Shaw 09/8 vs. Archbishop Rummel 09/15 at Lincoln 09/22 vs. Lighthouse 09/29 at Pine Forest 10/06 at Navarre 10/14 vs. Tate 10/20 Open 10/28 vs. Washington 11/04 vs. Pensacola

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PLACE TIME Archbishop Shaw HS 7:00p Escambia HS 7:00p Lincoln HS 7:00p Escambia HS 7:00p Pine Forest HS 7:00p Navarre HS 7:30p Escambia HS 7:00p Escambia HS Escambia HS

2017 FALL SPORTS

7:00p 7:00p

PENSACOLA DATE OPPONENT 08/18 at Tate 08/25 vs. Pine Forest 09/01 vs. Pace 09/08 at Washington 09/15 at Tate 09/22 vs. Catholic 09/29 at Bay 10/4 Open 10/13 vs. Arnold 10/20 vs. Mosley 10/27 at West Florida 11/03 at Escambia PINE FOREST DATE OPPONENT 08/25 at Pensacola 09/01 Open 09/08 vs. Pace 09/15 at Gulf Breeze 09/22 vs. Navarre 09/30 vs. Escambia 10/06 at West Florida 10/13 at Washington 10/20 vs. Godby 10/27 at Tate 11/03 vs. Milton

PLACE Tate HS Pensacola HS Pensacola HS Washington HS Tate HS Pensacola HS Bay HS

TIME 7:00p 7:00p 7:30p 7:00p 7:00p 7:00p 7:00p

Pensacola HS Pensacola HS West Florida HS Escambia HS

7:00p 7:00p 7:00p 7:00p

PLACE Pensacola HS

TIME 7:00p

Pine Forest HS Gulf Breeze HS Pine Forest HS Pine Forest HS West Florida HS Washington HS Pine Forest HS Tate HS Pine Forest HS

7:30p 7:00p 7:00p 7:00p 7:00p 7:00p 7:00p 7:00p 7:00p

BOOKER T WASHINGTON DATE OPPONENT PLACE 08/25 at Milton Milton HS 09/01 vs. Navarre Washington HS 09/08 vs. Pensacola Washington HS 09/15 at Pace Pace HS 09/22 vs. Gulf Breeze Washington HS 09/29 at Tate Tate HS 10/13 vs. Pine Forest Washington HS 10/21 at Pensacola Catholic Catholic HS 10/28 at Escambia Escambia HS 11/03 vs. West Florida Washington HS PENSACOLA CATHOLIC DATE OPPONENT PLACE 08/25 at Navarre Navarre HS 09/01 at Gulf Breeze Gulf Breeze HS 09/08 vs. Choctaw Catholic HS 09/15 vs. Milton Catholic HS 09/22 at Pensacola Pensacola HS 09/29 at American Heritage American Heritage HS 10/06 at Madison County Madison County HS 10/13 vs. Northview Catholic HS 10/20 vs. Washington Catholic HS 11/03 vs. Pace Catholic HS

TIME 7:30p 7:00p 7:00p 7:30p 7:00p 7:30p 7:00p 7:30p 7:30p 7:00p TIME 7:30p 7:30p 7:00p 7:30p 7:30p 7:30p 7:30p 7:00p 7:30p 7:30p

NICEVILLE DATE OPPONENT Aug. 25 vs. Lincoln Sept. 1 vs. Eastridge Sept. 8 at Westlake (TX) Sept. 15 vs. Lake Area New Tech Sept. 22 Open Sept. 29 at Fort Walton Beach Oct. 6 vs. Mosley Oct. 13 vs. Choctaw Oct. 20 Open Oct. 27 vs. Crestview Nov. 3 at Navarre

PLACE Niceville HS Niceville HS Westlake Niceville HS

TIME 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7 p.m.

FWB HS Niceville HS Niceville HS

7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m.

Niceville HS Navarre HS

7 p.m. 7:30 p.m.

CHOCTAWHATCHEE DATE OPPONENT Aug. 25 vs. Tate Sept. 1 at Milton Sept. 8 vs Catholic Sept. 15 at Navarre Sept. 21 vs. Pace Sept. 29 at Crestview Oct. 6 Open Oct. 13 at Niceville Oct. 20 vs. Leon Oct. 27 vs. Fort Walton Beach Nov. 3 vs. Bay

PLACE Choctaw HS Milton HS Choctaw HS Navarre HS Choctaw HS Crestview HS

TIME 7 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m.

Niceville HS Choctaw HS Choctaw HS Choctaw HS

7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m.

CRESTVIEW DATE OPPONENT Aug. 25 vs. Bay Sept. 1 vs. St. Martin Sept. 8 vs. Navarre Sept. 15 at Tampa Catholic Sept. 22 vs. West Florida Sept. 29 vs. Choctaw Oct. 6 at Milton Oct. 13 vs. Fort Walton Beach Oct. 27 at Niceville Nov. 3 vs. Broward

PLACE Crestview HS Crestview HS Crestview HS Tampa Cath HS Crestview HS Crestview HS Milton HS Crestview HS Niceville HS Crestview HS

TIME 7:00 p.m. 7:00 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:00 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:00 p.m. 7:00 p.m. 7:00 p.m. 7:00 p.m. 7:30 p.m.

Area Fall Sports District Assignments

Cross Country District 1-3A: Escambia, Gulf Breeze, Milton, Pace, Pensacola, Pine Forest, Tate and Washington District 2-3A: Choctaw, Crestview, Fort Walton Beach, Mosley, Navarre and Niceville Football District 1-6A: Escambia, Pine Forest, Tate and Washington District 2-6A: Gulf Breeze, Milton, Navarre and Pace District 3-6A: Choctaw, Crestview, Fort Walton Beach and Niceville Golf District 1-3A: Chiles, Leon, Lincoln, Navarre and Niceville Swimming District 1-3A: Escambia, Milton, Navarre, Niceville, Pace, Pensacola, Pine Forest, Tate and Washington Volleyball District 1-8A: Gulf Breeze, Navarre, Niceville and Tate

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2017 Raider Cheerleaders Raider cheerleaders excited about new season By Brian Lester brian@navarrepress.com Navarre’s cheerleading squad is gearing up for a new year, with co-captains Amaya Craig and Emory Burda leading the way. “It’s a big honor to be able to lead the team and work to help us improve for the season,”Burda said.“It’s going to be a fun year. I’m excited about it.” Craig is also looking forward to the year, although she admits it’s a little nerve-wracking being a captain. “It’s scary because it’s a lot of responsibility,” Craig said. “We just got back from an intense camp and learned a lot. We’re ready for the season.” Burda and Craig will lead the squad that is under the direction of first-year head coach Anna Bagley. The squad has spent the summer working on routines and making sure everyone is on the same page, Burda and Craig said. “We’re making a lot of changes and want to help the team grow. We want to be all together as a team,”Craig said. Burda echoed those thoughts. “We’re making sure everyone is prepared for the season and we want the team’s routines to look great,” Burda said. Ultimately, it’s all about raising school spirit. “We want the school to look at us and be proud of what we do,” Craig said. “We have so much school spirit and we want them to feel that spirit the same way we do.”

NAVARRE PRESS Presents

Varsity Cheerleader Roster Krystyne Luna Diamond Walls Julisa Groves Alexie Scroggins Haley Blixt

Lorelai Snow Malinda Griffiths Taylor Heppner Emory Burda Amiyah Carnall

Myiah Fred Danielle Skinner Olivia Cooper Savanna Spurlock Makaila Hebner

Natalya Garza Faith Peterson Rebecca Morton Rachel Moorehead Amiyah Deas

Lily Williams Gabi Metz Katie Wells

2017-18 College Football

Meet our Pigskin Pickin' Panel. NAVARRE PRESS

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2017 FALL SPORTS

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2017 Raider Varsity Football Roster 2017 VARSITY FOOTBALL TEAM 1 WAGNER, SATURN WR/PK 2 BREWER, BRYSON WR/DB 3 WILLIAMS, CHRIS RB 4 CARTER, JOSH LB/RB 5 WRIGHT, DANTE WR/DB 6 FINLEY, GARON QB 8 CREWS, NATHAN DB 9 STOTTS, DEVON WR 11 HAMILTON, BEN WR 12 REGISTER, SAM WR 13 MARQUIS, BRANDON WR 14 CABALLERO, QUINN WR 15 CHAMBERS, SAGE QB 20 GARRETT, NOLAN LB/TE 21 WASHINGTON, KEVON DB 22 TAYLOR, CADE LB 23 THOMAS, XAYVION LB 25 DAVIS, GABRIEL DB 26 THOMAS, CAMERON DB 27 BIESEL, AVERY DB 28 DOWNEY, MATTHEW DB 29 GREEN, OMARI RB 30 GOURLEY, EVAN DB 31 TAICH, KEVIN PK 32 MOFFO, MICHAEL LB 35 HARPER, GARREN TE 36 MITCHELL, ISAIAH LB 37 VEGA, ISAAC DB 38 ELLIOTT, JARED DB 39 SYLVESTER, ELIJAH DB 41 LAW, PEYTON LB 42 MATTOX, JEFFERY LB 43 SMITH, MICHAEL DB 44 DALE, CALEB LB 48 HEYWARD, ISAIAH LB 50 BRASELL, CONNER LB 55 SEGREST, JAMES DL/OL 56 DIAZ, MARK OL 57 BOST, DANIEL OL 58 LETAVISH, MARK LB 60 TILZ, LUKAS OL 64 GARNER, BRYSON OL 65 HERBERT, BRANDON OL 66 CAMPBELL, TREY DL/OL 73 BRYANT, TAYLOR OL 74 SMITH, AARON OL 75 TAYLOR, COTA OL 78 HIXON, DARRELL OL HEAD COACH JAY WALLS

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ASSISTANT COACHES GREG TAYLOR GARRETT BAGLEY GREG GREENHAW BRANDON LAWSON TONY CARTER BRIAN BRINSFIELD BRAD RHODES EVERETTE ALFORD

SR SR JR JR JR JR JR SR SR SR SR JR SR SR SR SR SO SO JR SR JR SR JR JR SR SR SR JR SR SR JR SO SR SR JR JR JR JR SR SR JR JR SR JR SR SR JR SR

79 81 83 87 89 90 95 96 97 99

DILLARD, KLAYTON SCHLUTER, GARRETT WHITE, MATT ANDERSON, ERIC CORDERO, CONNOR HICKMAN, KYLE GILCHRIST, ALEX SMITH, JACOBI HUNT, MITCHELL JEFFERSON, JORDAN

JR VARSITY FOOTBALL TEAM 6 DEAS, DARNELL 7 FRAZETTA, PHILLIP 14 SIMPSON, ZACH 16 WILSON, JALYN 17 BURCHFIELD, RUSSELL 18 LEE, LOGEN 19 JOHNSON, KOBE 24 ANTONIO, JAYDIN 27 POYNTER, MATTHEW 31 NEAL, JONATHAN 33 ENGLAND, TYLER 34 LOPOSKEY, DANIEL 40 ERLEMANN, JOSHUA 45 OSKARSON, DANIEL 46 COLLINS, WILLIAM 47 ALLEN, JOSH 49 GOMEZ, FERNANDO 51 KASCHAK, KYLE 52 CARRENO, DAVID 53 BARNES, RYAN 54 ADAMS, ROGER 59 MIRANDA, MARVIN 60 DINNES, TREVOR 62 DUGGAN, NATHAN 71 GOMEZ, ANTONIO 72 RANGEL, MIKEL 76 WALLACE, TYLER 80 RAVENT, TAMER 82 THOMPSON, CODY 84 MELENDEZ, NOAH 85 ZIMMERMAN, BRICE 86 SIMON, ROBERT 88 KAHREN, RYAN 91 SAGER, MALACHI 92 WANGERIN, BRANDON 94 SCHULTZ, PAUL

ATHLETIC DIRECTOR SCOTT MURPHY PRINCIPAL BRIAN NOACK

OL TE WR TE WR P DL DL DL DL

JR SR SR JR SR SR JR JR JR JR

RB/LB QB WR WR QB DB DB RB/DB LB DB WR/DB DB/WR DB PK/DB LB RB TE/LB LB LB OL DL/OL OL OL OL OL/DL OL DL/OL WR WR WR WR TE/LB WR DL DL DL

SO SO JR SO SO SO SO SO SO SO SO SO JR SO SO SO SO SO SO SO SO SO SO SO SO SO SO SO JR JR SO SO JR SO SO SO

ASSISTANT PRINCIPALS KASIE WINDFELDER BRIAN HOWELL JOE TRUJILLO ATHLETIC TRAINER ALLEN RAY

NAVARRE RAIDERS FOOTBALL SCHEDULE DATE OPPONENT PLACE TIME Aug. 17 vs. Chiles Navarre HS 7:00 p.m. Aug. 25 vs. Catholic Navarre HS 7:30 p.m. Sept. 1 at Washington Washington HS 7:00 p.m. Sept. 8 at Crestview Crestview HS 7:00 p.m. Sept. 15 vs. Choctaw Navarre HS 7:30 p.m. Sept. 22 at Pine Forest Pine Forest HS 7:00 p.m. Sept. 29 vs. Pace Navarre HS 7:30 p.m. Oct. 6 vs. Escambia Navarre HS 7:30 p.m. (Homecoming) Oct. 13 at Milton Milton HS 7:30 p.m. Oct. 20 Open Oct. 27 at Gulf Breeze Gulf Breeze HS 7:30 p.m. Nov. 3 vs.Niceville Navarre HS 7:30 p.m. (Senior Night)

Navarre Raiders

Head Coach: Jay Walls enters his sixth season at Navarre. He is 50-13 and has guided the Raiders to five consecutive playoff appearances, including state semifinal appearances in 2012 and 2016. Looking Back: Navarre put together one of its best seasons in school history, reaching the state semifinals where it fell 35-14 to Lake Gibson. The Raiders won three road games in the postseason, including a 28-10 win over Walls St. Augustine to claim the regional championship. Top Returning Players: QB Sage Chambers (23-of-41, 418 yards, 1 touchdown); RB Omari Green (29 carries, 181 yards, 2 touchdowns); RB Chris Williams (15 carries, 78 yards, 1 touchdown); WR Dante Wright (35 catches, 740 yards, 6 touchdowns; 37 carries, 398 yards, 5 touchdowns); WR Bryson Brewer (14 catches, 82 yards; 8 carries, 60 yards); WR Sam Register (8 catches, 119 yards, 1 touchdown); OL Darrell Hixon; OL Aaron Smith; OL Tim Elenz; OL Daniel Bost; OL Bryson Garner; LB Josh Carter (104 tackles, 11 sacks); LB Caleb Dale (59 tackles, one interception); LB Cade Taylor (57 tackles, 4 sacks); DB Nolan Garrett (54 tackles) Outlook: Relentless is what the Raiders hope to be as they take aim at contending for a state championship. Yes, the all-time leading rusher in school history is gone in Michael Carter but the cupboard is hardly bare. Coming off one of its best seasons, the Raiders have a talented cast of players who should help lead the way in Navarre’s quest to be the best. Sage Chambers is back at quarterback and he’ll play behind an offensive line that features Darrell Hixon, who earned the distinction of being named one of the top linemen in the country in the class of 2018 at the Top Gun Showcase. Aaron Smith, Tim Elenz, Daniel Bost and Bryson Garner will also be key contributors up front for an offense that cranked out more than 3,000 yards. The backfield is set as well with returning players Omari Green and Chris Williams. The two are poised to take the torch and carry on the tradition of great backs at Navarre. Transfer Darnell Deas should also provide a big lift after rushing for more than 1,000 yards as a freshman at Monte Vista Christian School in California. If that isn’t enough, the Raiders have one of the most explosive offensive players in the area in Dante Wright, a speedy threat who will give defenses fits with not only his ability to catch the ball but his ability to play the running back position as well. The defense was hit hard by graduation but should be solid again, especially with the return of Josh Carter. He racked up 104 tackles as a sophomore and also recorded 11 sacks. Carter is moving from defensive lineman to linebacker this season. Caleb Dale and Cade Taylor both tallied more than 50 tackles and will provide veteran leadership on the defense as well. Nolan Garrett is set to rise to the occasion as well. Players such as Evan Gourley, Nathan Crews, Mitchell Hunt, Jordan Jefferson, Alex Gilchrist and Xavier Allen should make an impact as well for a Raiders team with a reputation for having one of the most physical defenses in the area. Many will expect the Raiders to take a step back with the loss of Carter but the expectations are as high as ever and this team certainly has an opportunity to achieve its ultimate goal.

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2017 FALL SPORTS

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2017 Raider Football Facts & Information

High school football has new playoff format for 2017 By Brian Lester brian@navarrepress.com

The remaining 16 teams will be selected as wild cards, with four teams selected out of each region. Those spots will be based on a point system as well. Teams will earn 50 points if they beat an opponent that finishes anywhere between 8-2 and 10-0. It picks up 30 points if it loses to one of those opponents. Teams receive 45 points for beating an opponent that wins at least six of its games. They receive 25 points for a loss to that opponent. Teams that beat an opponent that wins at least four games will get 40 points for a win and 20 points for a loss. A team will receive 35 points for a win over a team that ends up winning three games or less. It gets just 15 points for a loss to one of those opponents.

Last fall the Florida High School Athletic Association Board of Directors voted to approve a new football format. It will go into effect this season. The change was approved by a 14-2 vote. In Class 1A-4A districts have been eliminated and the top 16 teams based on a point system will be selected for the postseason. In Class 5A-8A – Navarre is in Class 6A – the 16 district champions will receive automatic bids and host a first-round home game. The district champions will receive a 1-4 seed based on the point system.

Scouting District 2-6A Gulf Breeze

Head Coach: Bobby Clayton, 2nd season 2016 Record: 9-2 overall, 3-0 district Key Returning Players: RB Tyler Dittmer (160 carries, 1,110 yards, 11 touchdowns); RB/OLB Carl Taylor (38 carries, 263 yards, 4 touchdowns); WR Bryce Callahan (11 catches, 202 yards); OT/DT Matthew Hawkins; C/ NG Deems Edlund, WR/FS Walter Yates III (68 tackles, 8 interceptions); SB/ FS Nate Herrick (32 tackles) Outlook: Gulf Breeze is coming off one of its best seasons in school history, winning the district championship and earning a berth in the postseason. The Dolphins’ playoff run ended with a gut-wrenching 42-38 loss to Tate in the opening round. Record-breaking quarterback Tyler Phelps is gone and it certainly won’t be easy to replace a signal caller who threw for more than 2,800 yards. Former Navarre quarterback Dylon Kelley is likely to start for Gulf Breeze this year. The good news for the Dolphins is their running attack should be fine with the return of Tyler Dittmer, who rolled up more than 1,100 yards and scored 11 touchdowns. Carl Taylor will provide help in the backfield as well after rushing for 263 yards last season. Bryce Callahan returns at wide receiver and should play a bigger role in the passing attack. Walter Yates III will anchor the defense after racking up 68 tackles a season ago. He finished third on the team in that category and also picked off a team-best eight passes. Nate Herrick will play a pivotal role on defense as well. He is coming off a year where he finished with 32 tackles. Matthew Hawkins and Deems Edlund will anchor both the offensive and defensive lines. Gulf Breeze won’t take anyone by surprise this year but will contend for the district title. Its game against Navarre on Oct. 27 will decide the district championship.

Milton

Head Coach: Harry Lees 2016 Record: 3-7 overall, 0-3 district Key Returning Players: RB/LB Lonnie Bennett; WR Marquisse McRoy; OL Josh Bastin; DL Demetrius Spencer; LB Mike Mullins; LB Tavian Williams; S Cameron Brye

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2017 FALL SPORTS

Outlook: Change is in the air at Milton where the Panthers will be under the direction of a new head coach. Harry Lees takes over a program that lost six of its final seven games last season, including two by three points or less. Lees has been at West Florida Tech the past seven years and also has experience coaching at Pace. So he’s familiar with football in this area and is eager to turn things around at Milton. The good news is the Panthers have a couple of stars to build their success around. They return leading receiver Marquisse McRoy and safety Cameron Brye, who led the team in tackles. Lonnie Bennett will help anchor the running attack and play a key role on defense while Josh Bastin is a returning starter on the offensive line. Demetrius Spencer is back to lead the way on the defensive line. Linebackers Mike Mullins and Tavian Williams are poised for big seasons as well. The Panthers are adjusting to new coaches and a lot of new players but to goal is to see the team come together quickly and be a team that will be competitive week in and week out.

Pace

Head coach: Kent Smith 2016 Record: 5-5 overall, 1-2 district Key Returning Players: QB Damean Bivens, WR Camaron Rohling, WR/ CB Caleb Vincent, LB Antonio Gerenscer, LB Gatlin Lowe Outlook: The Patriots ended the year on a two-game winning streak and return a total of nine starters, including five on offense. Replacing one of the area’s best running backs in Anthony Johnson will be a tall order but Pace is counting on others to step up. Quarterback Damean Bivens will go a long way in helping to fill the void as he was also the teams’ second-leading rusher, churning out 717 yards and five touchdowns to go along with his 807 passing yards and 12 touchdowns. Camaron Rohling will be one of Bivens’ top targets after racking up more than 300 yards and four touchdowns last season. The defense will be led by three of its top returning tacklers, including linebacker Antonio Gerenscer, who tallied 92 tackles last year. Gatlin Lowe came through with 42 tackles and Caleb Vincent finished with 32 tackles. Pace could very well contend for a district championship. At the very least, a winning season is within reach for the Patriots.

By the Numbers 12-2: The record Navarre fashioned a season ago. The Raiders advanced all the way to the state semifinals. 13: The number of times in the last 24 games that Navarre has scored 40 or more points. The Raiders scored a season-high 70 in a win over American Heritage last October.

3: The Raiders trailed at the half three times on the road last season. They rallied to win every game. 2,536:

The school-record rushing total Michael Carter finished his senior season with. As if that wasn’t enough, he also rushed for 41 touchdowns, also a school record.

11: The number of touchdowns Dante Wright scored as a sophomore last season. Six came off catches. The other five were on the ground.

50: The number of wins head coach Jay Walls has in his first five seasons at Navarre. Walls is 50-13 overall and has guided the Raiders to the postseason in each of the last five years.

20: That is the number of wins the Raiders rattled off before having their regular-season win streak snapped in a 31-28 loss to Gulf Breeze.

37: That is how many yards of offense Milton managed against Navarre in a 44-0 loss to the Raiders. 55: The number of times a team converted on third down against the Raiders last season. Opponents attempted a conversion 174 times. 2: Number of state semifinal appearances the Raiders have made in their program’s history, the most recent trip coming last season. 4: Number of district championships Navarre has won 8: Number of playoff appearances the Raiders have made in their program’s history

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Navarre Raider Football School Records

Rushing Yards in a Season 2016: Michael Carter, 2,536 yards 2012: Jay Warren, 1,832 yards 1999: Frank Willis, 1,461 yards 2010: Dwayne Carter, 1,389 yards 2011: Dwayne Carter, 1,317 yards

Receptions in a Career 2009-11: Brad Leggett, 118 2010-12: Jordan Leggett, 117 2005-07: Chris Weaver, 97 2007-09: Michael Pettus, 67 2005-06: Donte Rome, 65

Rushing Touchdowns in a Season 2016: Michael Carter, 41 2011: Dwayne Carter, 22 2010: Dwayne Carter, 20 2012: Jay Warren, 19 1999: Frank Willis, 14

Rushing Yards in a Career 2013-16: Michael Carter, 4,536 yards 2009-11: Dwayne Carter, 3,021 yards 2010-12: Jay Warren, 2,286 yards 1999-01: Frank Willis, 2,235 yards 2002-03: Patrick Hess, 1,961 yards

Receiving Yards in a Season 2007: Chris Weaver, 973 2012: Jordan Leggett, 964 2014: Quentin Randolph, 801 2011: Brad Leggett, 768 2007: Kyle Irby, 44

Rushing Touchdowns in a Career 2013-16: Michael Carter, 69 2009-11: Dwayne Carter, 42 2010-12: Jay Warren, 24 1999-01: Frank Willis, 19 2007-09: Michael Pettus, 18

Passing Yards in a Season 2007: Austin Grimm, 2,517 2014: Matt Webb, 2,397 2014: Dusty Jones, 2,315 2013: Matt Webb, 1,793 2001: Zach Cook, 1,719

Receiving Yards in a Career 2010-12: Jordan Leggett, 1,827 2009-11: Brad Leggett, 1,743 2005-07: Chris Weaver, 1,438 2011-13: Gatlin Casey, 1,031 2005-06: Donte Rome, 944

Passing Yards in a Career 2012-14: Matt Webb, 4,461 yards 2006-07: Austin Grimm, 4,087 2009-11: Dusty Jones, 2,503 2008-09: Andrew Velazquez, 2,009 2014-16: Caine Adamson, 1,783

Passing Touchdowns in a Season 2014: Matt Webb, 19 2007: Austin Grimm, 17 2011: Dusty Jones, 17 2001: Zach Cook, 15 2010: Colton Kane, 15

Receiving Touchdowns in a Season 2011: Brad Leggett, 9 2013: Gatlin Casey, 8 1999: Stephen Crabtree, 7 2007: Chris Weaver, 7 2010: Brad Leggett, 7 2012: Jordan Leggett, 7 2014: Quentin Randolph, 7

Receptions in a Season 2007: Chris Weaver, 67 2014: Quentin Randolph, 62 2011: Brad Leggett, 55 2012: Jordan Leggett: 55 2013: Blake Malter, 47

Passing Touchdowns in a Career 2012-14: Matt Webb, 32 2006-07: Austin Grimm, 28 2014-16: Caine Adamson, 22 2009-11: Dusty Jones, 19 2008-09: Andrew Velazquez, 17

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Receiving Touchdowns in a Career 2009-11: Brad Leggett, 20 2012-13: Gatlin Casey, 13 2010-12: Jordan Leggett, 12 2006-07: Chris Weaver, 9 2001-03: Patrick Hess, 8

Sacks in a Career 2011-13: Christian Gill, 18 2015-16: Josh Carter, 16 (Still Playing) 2008-10: Andrew Garcia, 14 2008-10: Chris Anderson, 11 2013-14: Kyle Arrasmith, 11 2009-10: Victor Byers, 10 2007-09: Eugene Robinson, 10 2014-16: Bo Hering, 10 Interceptions in a Season 2015: Michael Sandle, 6 2012: Nick Benton, 5 2006: Michael Hagewood, 5 2013: Michael Sandle, 4 2008: Billy Mitchell, 4 2010: Johnny Pettus, 4 Interceptions in a Career 2010-12: Nick Benton, 11 2013-15: Michael Sandle 11 2011-12: Elijah Appel, 7 2007-09: Tre’Von Allen, 5 2001-02: Lucas Thomas, 5 2006: Michael Hagewood, 5 2012: Johnny Robinson, 5

Sacks in a Season 2010: Andrew Garcia, 12 2016: Josh Carter, 11 2010: Victor Byers, 10 2013: Christian Gill, 8 2014: Kyle Arrasmith, 8 2010: Virgilo Hunter, 7 2010: Chris Anderson, 7

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2017 College Football Outlook

Information compiled by Brian Lester

It’s almost time for college football and below is a look at what the teams in the SEC are looking like as the 2017 season inches closer to the start. 2,411 ranks ninth all-time in program history. Two players to watch on defense are linebacker Lorenzo Carter Florida and strong safety Dominick Sanders. Head Coach: Jim Carter tallied 44 tackles and tied for McElwain (41-24 overall; 19-8 at Florida) the team lead in sacks (5). Sanders racked up 34 tackles and picked off a Looking Back: Florida went 9-4 last team-best three passes. His 12 career picks ranks sixth all-time in school year. It finished 6-2 in the SEC and was crushed 54-16 by Alabama in the history. The Bulldogs are among the frontrunners for the SEC title. SEC championship game. The Gators beat Iowa 30-3 in the Outback Bowl. Quoting Kirby Smart: “I’m excited Noteworthy: The Gators have two of about the players we got returning. the SEC’s premier offensive players in We have a lot of competition and a lot running back Jordan Scarlett and wide of positions, and that fires me up. And I think competition is what makes your receiver Antonio Callaway. Scarlett team better.” rushed for 889 yards and six touchdowns. His yard total was the most by a Florida freshman or sophomore Kentucky running back since 1995. Callaway Head Coach: Mark caught three touchdown passes last Stoops (19-30 overall season and rolled up 721 receiving and at Kentucky) yards. He’s also the first player in school history to score a rushing, Looking Back: The Wildcats finished receiving, passing, punt return and kickoff return touchdown in a career. with a 7-6 record. They went 4-4 in the SEC. Their season ended with Defensive backs Duke Dawson and a 33-18 loss to Georgia Tech in the Marcell Harris will pave the way defensively. Dawson tallied 24 tackles TaxSlayer Bowl. and forced a fumble. Harris finished Noteworthy: Kentucky is seeking with 73 tackles and also picked off two passes. Florida returns 18 starters its first winning record in conference and is hoping to win its first SEC crown play under Stoops. Stephen Johnson returns at quarterback after throwing since the Tim Tebow era. for more than 2,000 yards last year Quoting Jim McElwain: “Each team and he’ll have a great target to kind of creates their own identity. You throw to in Garrett Johnson. Johnson caught 39 passes for 585 yards and are never what you were a year ago and you’re never going to be staying he has caught at least one pass in 11 consecutive games. He caught five the same.” touchdown passes as well. Benny Snell Jr. will anchor the running attack. An All-American last year, Snell set sevGeorgia eral freshman records, including most Head Coach: Kirby Smart (8-5 overall and yards (1,091) and most touchdowns (13). Linebacker Jordan Jones is one at Georgia) of the best defenders in the conference Looking Back: The Bulldogs finished and is coming off a year where he tallied 109 tackles. He also recorded 8-5 overall and 4-4 in the SEC. They four sacks. Safety Mike Edwards won four of their final five games, including a 31-23 win over TCU in the finished with 100 tackles and picked off three passes. Liberty Bowl. SEC East Preview Capsules

Noteworthy: Few teams have the running back tandem that Georgia will this season. Nick Chubb ranks second all-time in rushing yards in school history (3,424). He rolled up 1,130 yards last year, including 222 in a win over North Carolina. Sony Michel, the MVP of the Liberty Bowl, made two starts last season and finished with 840 yards. His career rushing total of

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Quoting Mark Stoops: “We are not concerned about the rest of the league. I know this about the league. The league’s not backing up. Nobody we’re playing is backing up. We’re certainly not backing up.”

Missouri

Head Coach: Barry Odom (4-8 overall and at Missouri) Looking Back: Missouri finished 4-8 overall and 2-6 in the SEC, losing six of their final eight games. Noteworthy: The Tigers didn’t win a road game last year and that will have to change if they are going to improve. Missouri does return quarterback Drew Lock, who threw for 3,399 yards, ranking him 10th nationally in that category, and he also threw for 23 touchdowns, the sixthmost in program history. Damarea Crockett anchors a deep backfield and is coming off a year where he rushed for 1,062 yards and 10 touchdowns. He’s the first true freshman in the SEC to go over 1,000 yards since Nick Chubb and Leonard Fournette did it in 2014. Terry Beckner will help lead the defense after making 24 tackles. Defensive end Marcell Frazier made 33 tackles and chalked up 7.5 sacks last season. Quoting Barry Odom: “I want to win. That’s the bottom line. I want to make Mizzou to go win a championship. And my vision hasn’t changed since I got the job.”

South Carolina

Head Coach: Will Muschamp (34-28 overall; 6-7 at South Carolina) Looking Back: The Gamecocks finished 6-7 overall and 3-5 in the conference. Their season ended with a 46-39 loss to South Florida in the Birmingham Bowl. Noteworthy: South Carolina dominated at home last year, winning five of seven, and it returns 16 starters. Jake Bentley will be under center after starting the final seven games of 2016. He threw for more than 1,400 yards and was the first true freshman at the school to win his first three starts since Steve Taneyhill in 1992. Deebo Samuel will be a key target after rolling up 944 receiving yards and has nine career touchdowns. Skai Moore is back after missing 2016 with a neck injury. Prior to the injury, the linebacker led the team in tackles for three consecutive seasons, the first to

do that since Tony Watkins from 199294. D.J. Smith led the Gamecocks in tackles with 80. Quoting Will Muschamp: “I need to credit our players because I think they have bought into the type of culture we want to have within our organization. And we have had not had much resistance from that.”

Tennessee

Head Coach: Butch Jones (80-48 overall; 30-21 at Tennessee) Looking Back: Tennessee finished 9-4, including a 4-4 mark in the SEC. The Volunteers closed out the season by defeating Nebraska 38-24 in the Music City Bowl. Noteworthy: The Vols had a strong finish, winning four of their final five, and of their four losses, two were by seven points or less. John Kelly will be an integral part of the offense after a breakout sophomore season. He rushed for 630 yards and five touchdowns and went over 100 yards twice. The offensive line is solid with the presence of Jashon Robertson. He has 35 career starts. The defense will lean on defensive back Todd Kelly Jr. He was a full-time starter last season, racking up a team-best 71 tackles. Linebacker Darrin Kirkland started seven times last year after battling back from a high ankle sprain and finished with 45 tackles. He has 111 in his career. Jones has led Tennessee to nine wins in each of its last two years. Quoting Butch Jones: “This is a results-oriented business and we fell short of our goals. But I don’t like to use the term “disappointment,” because when you still look at it, it’s hard to win in this conference.”

Vanderbilt

Head Coach: Derek Mason (13-24 overall and at Vanderbilt) Looking Back: The Commodores finished 6-7 overall and 3-5 in the conference. They lost 41-17 to N.C. State in the Independence Bowl. Noteworthy: Vanderbilt had an up-and-down year. Finding consistency

will depend on how well quarterback Kyle Shurmur plays. The junior threw for a sophomore-record 2,409 yards, helping the offense score 117 more points than it did the previous season. He threw nine touchdown passes. Running back Ralph Webb rushed for a single-season record 1,283 yards to go along with 13 touchdowns. His career total (3,342) ranks second among active running backs in the SEC. Nifae Lealao is regarded as one of the best nose tackles in the nation and came up with 22 tackles. He has 47 in his career. LaDarius Wiley is the top returning tackler with 76. Quoting Derek Mason: “Vanderbilt football is on the rise. As I look at our program and where we’re at and what we’ve done, I thought in 2016, we took several steps forward to be a better program.” SEC West Preview Capsules

Alabama

Head Coach: Nick Saban (205-61-1 overall; 119-19 at Alabama) Looking Back: The Crimson Tide finished 14-1 overall, including an 8-0 mark in the SEC. It won the SEC championship as well and finished as the national runner-up to Clemson, falling 35-31 in the title game. Noteworthy: The Crimson Tide returns 13 starters, including quarterback Jalen Hurts, the reigning SEC Offensive Player of the Year who threw for more than 2,700 yards. Damien Harris and Bo Scarbrough anchor the rushing attack, with Harris rolling up more than 1,000 yards. Calvin Ridley is one of the best offensive threats in the game after leading the team in receiving yards (769) and touchdown catches (7) and three starters are back up front. The defense will be anchored by All-American defensive back Minkah Fitzpatrick, who holds the career record for interception returns for touchdowns (4). Free safety Ronnie Harrison led the Tide in tackles (84). There is no reason to think Alabama won’t contend for a title again this year. Quoting Nick Saban: “I think that we have one of the youngest teams that we’ve ever had. So it’s going to

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be a real challenge for us to maintain the standard that we’ve been able to maintain.”

Arkansas

Head Coach: Bret Bielema (93-50 overall; 25-26 at Arkansas) Looking Back: The Razorbacks went 7-6, winning only three SEC games, and lost 35-24 to Virginia Tech in the Belk Bowl Noteworthy: Austin Allen returns at quarterback and led the conference in passing yards with 3,430. He threw for 25 touchdowns. Jared Cornelius is one of the top receiving threats, racking up 515 yards and four touchdowns. Devwah Whaley is coming off a stellar freshman season in which he ranked fourth among SEC backs in carries. Arkansas has one of the best offensive linemen in the nation in Frank Ragnow while defensive backs Josh Liddell (63 tackles) and Ryan Pulley (47 tackles) are back to help anchor the defense. Liddell has started 20 consecutive games. Quoting Bret Bielema: “I feel really good about where that group (offensive line) is. I like the fact that they’ve taken some shots and they’ve survived, and I really think they’re in a mode to really prove some things this fall.”

Auburn

Head coach: Gus Malzahn (44-21 overall; 35-18 at Auburn) Looking Back: The Tigers fashioned an 8-5 record, including a 5-3 mark in the SEC, and played in the Sugar Bowl where it lost 35-19 to Oklahoma Noteworthy: Auburn is seeking its first SEC championship since 2013. The Tigers return seven starters on offense and six on defense. Kamryn Pettway went over 100 yards seven times and rushed for 1,224 yards and seven touchdowns while former Niceville standout Eli Stove is one of the top receivers after finishing second in receptions (23). The offensive line features three key returnees and former Navarre standout Nick Brahms is on the Auburn roster as well and is

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expected to redshirt. Yet, he’ll have a chance to compete for a starting job beyond 2017. The Tigers have two quarterbacks competing for the job in returning player Sean White and transfer Jarrett Stidham. Defensive back Tray Matthews and linebacker Tre Williams will anchor the defense after tallying 76 and 67 tackles, respectively. Auburn will aim for a strong start after dropping three of its final four games last year.

Gray first. Gray racked up nearly 800 yards and five touchdowns. Safety Head Coach: Matt Lukes (Interim coach) Brandon Bryant will help lead the defense. He’s the fastest player on the Looking Back: The Rebels went 5-7 team and has 125 tackles over the last two seasons. and went just 2-6 in the SEC, losing five of their final seven games. Quoting Dan Mullen: “We have not Noteworthy: The team is in turmoil won the West yet. We have not won after Hugh Freeze resigned. Offensive an SEC championship. We have not won a national championship yet. So coordinator Matt Lukes takes over. there’s an awful lot ahead on the table A string of four consecutive winning seasons was snapped last year and the of goals that we want to achieve as a Quoting Gus Malzahn: “We Rebels are hoping to get back on track program.” weren’t happy the way we finished. with a team that features 11 returning And so those guys had that chip on starters. A former U.S. Army All-Amertheir shoulder of rebounding. We got ican Bowl MVP, Shea Patterson started Texas A&M to redeem ourselves. You know, from the final three games at quarterback Head Coach: Kevin a coach’s standpoint, that’s what you Sumlin (79-38 overall; last year and threw for 880 yards. His want.” 44-21 at Texas A&M) top target should be Van Jefferson, who is coming off a freshman season Looking Back: The Aggies finished in which he caught 49 passes for LSU 8-5 overall and were 4-4 in the SEC. 543 yards and three touchdowns. Head Coach: Ed Org- Defensive end Marquis Haynes enters They played in the Texas Bowl and lost eron (22-29 overall; his senior year ranked third in career 33-28 to Kansas State. 6-2 at LSU) sacks with 24.5. He finished with 53 Noteworthy: Trayveon Williams tackles and seven sacks last season. Looking Back: LSU went 8-4 overall, With a bowl ban in place this year, the became the first true freshman to winning six of those games after go over 1,000 yards in a season Rebels are playing for pride. Orgeron took over as the interim head (1,057) and also scored eight rushing coach. The Tigers, who finished 5-3 in Quoting Matt Lukes: “I think touchdowns. Christian Kirk will be fun the SEC, defeated Louisville 29-9 in they’re just ready to play and they’re to watch as well. He led the nation in the Citrus Bowl. punt return touchdowns (3) and was tired of all of the outside noise and one of the SEC’s top receivers, tallying social media. They just want to play Noteworthy: The Tigers closed out football.” 83 catches for 928 yards and nine the season with two consecutive wins touchdowns. Leading the defense will and were 4-2 against Top 25 teams. be defensive back Armani Watts. The With eight starters back on offense, talented playmaker tallied 56 tackles Mississippi things appear to be looking up. and was one of only a handful of State Danny Etling will be under center after players with at least two interceptions, Head Coach: Dan throwing for more than 2,100 yards two forced fumbles and two recovered Mullen (61-42 overall fumbles. He’s the team’s leading active and Heisman Trophy candidate Derrius and at Mississippi State) tackler with 241 in his career and will Guice anchors the rushing attack after scoring 15 touchdowns last season. aim at helping A&M fashion a winning Looking Back: The Bulldogs finished record in SEC play for the first time D.J. Clark is the team’s top returning 6-7 overall and 3-5 in the SEC. They receiver and four offensive linemen since 2012. The Aggies haven’t won are back as well, including Will Clapp. capped the year with a 17-16 win over more than four conference games in Miami of Ohio in the St. Petersburg Arden Key is one of the nation’s best each of last four years. pass rushers and set the single-season Bowl. school record in sacks (12). The big Quoting Kevin Sumlin: “We’re here Noteworthy: It was an up-and-down to compete for championships. How thing will be seeing how Orgeron responds to the pressures of no longer year, with the Bulldogs never winning we do that, when we do that, basically, more than two games in a row. This having the interim tag attached to the why, with and how, that remains year should be a little better with 14 his title. internal, but that’s my job and the starters back. Quarterback Nick Fitzpressure for that never changes.” Quoting Ed Orgeron: “I understand gerald is among the returnees and is one of the nation’s best signal callers. the expectations of LSU. I was born He had one of the best seasons in SEC in Louisiana, and they’re very high. But we have the same expectation of history last year, breaking the record for most 100-yard rushing games by our staff and ourself. I don’t feel the a quarterback (8) and he churned pressure, but I do acknowledge that out 3,798 yards of total offense. His it’s out there.” rushing total (1,375) ranked third for a single season behind only Johnny Manziel and Cam Newton. When he throws the ball, he’ll look to Donald

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Ole Miss

Florida State

North Carolina

Head Coach: Jimbo Fisher (78-17 overall and at Florida State) Looking Back: The Seminoles went 10-3 last year and ended the season on a five-game winning streak. They punctuated the year with a 33-32 win over Michigan in the Orange Bowl. Noteworthy: Florida State is one of only two schools in the country at the Division I level to win at least 10 games in each of the last five seasons. Extending that streak another year shouldn’t be an issue with 20 starters back. Deondre Francois returns at quarterback and is coming off a season in which he completed nearly 60 percent of his passes while throwing for 20 touchdowns. Jacques Patrick will be among the players competing to replace Dalvin Cook and there are three players back on the offensive line. Nyqwan Murray racked up more than 400 receiving yards and caught five touchdowns and will be one of Francois’ top targets. Ten starters return on the defensive side of the ball, including safety Derwin James, who missed most of last year with an injury but has the potential to be one of the best defensive players in the nation. Defensive end Josh Sweat is coming off a year where he recorded seven sacks and Tavarus McFadden is back after leading the team in interceptions with eight. Florida State took a back seat to Clemson last year in the conference but could jump back into the driver’s seat this year. Quoting Jimbo Fisher: “At the end of the day, the players have to take ownership for what they do, what they accept and what they want. That’s what great teams do. They have the ownership ability to say, okay, we own this guys, and we’re going to make sure everybody in our organization understands and owns it.”

Head Coach: Larry Fedora (74-44 overall; 40-25 at North Carolina) Looking Back: The Tar Heels went 8-5 last season, fashioning a 5-3 record in ACC action. They lost their final two games of the season, including a 25-23 loss to Stanford in the Sun Bowl.

Noteworthy: North Carolina is looking to contend for a conference championship and Navarre’s own Michael Carter is expected to play a key role for the team. The talented running back graduated as the Raiders’ all-time leading rusher and will play as a freshman and help fuel a backfield that also features Jordan Brown and Jacob Schmidt. The quarterback position is up in the air and four players are expected to compete for the job, including LSU graduate transfer Brandon Harris. Austin Proehl is the Tar Heels’ top receiving threat and is coming off a season in which he made 43 catches, including three touchdown passes. The linebacker position will be the strength of the defense as all three starters return. Cole Holcomb racked up 115 tackles last season and Andre Smith made 113 tackles. Cayson Collins finished with 60. North Carolina beat both Miami and Florida State on the road last year, marking the first time an ACC team has ever beaten both in the same season when the two teams were nationally ranked. The Tar Heels could have easily won a few more games as three of their losses were by a total of 10 points. North Carolina goes into the season with momentum, having won 13 of its last 16 ACC games and nine of its last 10 road games. Quoting Larry Fedora: “As guys move in and out of your offense or your defense or your special teams, the philosophy doesn’t change. It’s to take care of the football, put the ball in the end zone, and then on special teams, it’s to create game-changing plays. If we continue to do those things, then we’ll still have success.”

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West Florida Argos

Head Coach: Pete Shinnick begins his fourth year at the helm of the program. He was hired in 2014 to build the program much the way he did when he was at UNC Pembroke. He has more than 25 years of coaching experience. Looking Back: West Florida finished 5-6 during its inaugural season, winning three of its eight Gulf South Conference games. Among the highlights was season a 42-39 win over nationally ranked Florida Tech. The final stretch of the season was tough, though, as the Argos lost their final three games. Looking Ahead: With a taste of what life in NCAA Division II football is like, West Florida is poised to take a big step forward in year two. A winning season is realistic for the Argos, who return plenty of talent on both sides of the ball. The Argos are set in the backfield with the return of their top two rushers. Chris Schwarz rushed for 355 yards and two scores during the inaugural season while Tim Bellinger churned out 264 yards and scored four touchdowns. Replacing Kaleb Nobles won’t be easy but backup Grey Jackson could be up to the task. He played in nine games last season and threw for 319 yards and four touchdowns. Ishmel Morrow should be the top target in the passing attack. He’s coming off a season where he caught 72 passes for 1,045 yards and eight touchdowns. Antoine Griffin is also back and is looking to build off his successful 2016 campaign when he made 43 catches, including seven for touchdowns, and racked up 560 yards. The offensive line will be anchored by Ethan Cruz, who started all 11 games at right tackle. Tomarick Collier was the starter all of last season at left tackle and his return is a big deal for the Argos. Chris Gibson started the last seven games of the season at center. West Florida should thrive defensively as well, especially with leading tackler Trent Archie back in the fold. Archie finished the season with 90 tackles. The talented defensive back also picked off three passes. Linebacker Joshua Smiley also returns and finished second on the team in tackles. He came through with 78 stops and registered six sacks. Fellow linebacker Reggie Barnes is also back. Ranked third on the team in tackles last year with 67, his experience will aid the Argos in their quest to improve on the 401.1 yards per game it allowed. The Gulf South Conference is one of the best in NCAA Division II football but the Argos showed last year that they can compete at a high level. Beating the top-tier teams in the league consistently will be the key this season if West Florida hopes to contend for a title.

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2017 College Football Schedule West Florida Argonauts Sept. 2 at Missouri S&T Sept. 9 vs. Midwestern State, 6 p.m. Sept. 16 vs. Chowan, 6 p.m. Sept. 23 vs. Valdosta State, 6 p.m. Sept. 30 at Florida Tech, 7 p.m. Oct. 7 vs. Mississippi College, 6 p.m. Oct. 14 vs. Delta State, 4 p.m. Oct. 21 at Shorter, 1 p.m. Oct. 28 at West Alabama, 4 p.m. Nov. 4 vs. North Alabama, 4 p.m. Nov. 11 at West Georgia, 2 p.m.

Florida State Seminoles Sept. 2 vs. Alabama in Atlanta Sept. 9 vs. Louisiana-Monroe Sept. 16 vs. Miami Sept. 23 vs. NC State Sept. 30 at Wake Forest Oct. 14 at Duke Oct. 21 vs. Louisville Oct. 27 at Boston College Nov. 4 vs. Syracuse Nov. 11 at Clemson Nov. 18 vs. Delaware State Nov. 25 at Florida

North Carolina Tar Heels Sept. 2 vs. California Sept. 9 vs. Louisville Sept. 16 at Old Dominion Sept. 23 vs. Duke Sept. 30 at Georgia Tech Oct. 7 vs. Notre Dame Oct. 14 vs. Virginia Oct. 21 at Virginia Tech Oct. 28 vs. Miami Nov. 9 at Pittsburgh Nov. 18 vs. Western Carolina Nov. 25 at NC State

Miami Hurricanes Sept. 2 vs. Bethune Cookman Sept. 9 at Arkansas State Sept. 16 at Florida State Sept. 23 vs. Toledo Sept. 29 at Duke Oct. 12 vs. Georgia Tech Oct. 21 vs. Syracuse Oct. 28 at North Carolina Nov. 4 vs. Virginia Tech Nov. 11 vs. Notre Dame Nov. 24 at Pittsburgh

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Florida Gators Sept. 2 vs. Michigan Sept. 9 vs. Northern Colorado Sept. 16 vs. Tennessee Sept. 23 at Kentucky Sept. 30 vs. Vanderbilt Oct. 7 vs. LSU Oct. 14 vs. Texas A&M Oct. 28 vs. Georgia in Jacksonville Nov. 4 at Missouri Nov. 11 at South Carolina Nov. 18 vs. Alabama-Birmingham Nov. 25 vs. Florida State

Georgia Bulldogs Sept. 2 vs. Appalachian State Sept. 9 at Notre Dame Sept. 16 vs. Samford Sept. 23 vs. Mississippi State Sept. 30 at Tennessee Oct. 7 at Vanderbilt Oct. 14 vs. Missouri Oct. 28 vs. Florida Nov. 4 vs. South Carolina Nov. 11 at Auburn Nov. 18 vs. Kentucky Nov. 25 at Georgia Tech

Missouri Tigers Sept. 2 vs. Missouri State Sept. 9 vs. South Carolina Sept. 16 vs. Purdue Sept. 23 vs. Auburn Oct. 7 at Kentucky Oct. 14 at Georgia Oct. 21 vs. Idaho Oct. 28 at Connecticut Nov. 4 vs. Florida Nov. 11 vs. Tennessee Nov. 18 at Vanderbilt Nov. 25 at Arkansas

Kentucky Wildcats Sept. 2 at Southern Mississippi Sept. 9 vs. Eastern Kentucky Sept. 16 at South Carolina Sept. 23 vs. Florida Sept. 30 vs. Eastern Michigan Oct. 7 vs. Missouri Oct. 21 at Mississippi State Oct. 28 vs. Tennessee Nov. 4 vs. Mississippi Nov. 11 at Vanderbilt Nov. 18 at Georgia Nov. 25 vs. Louisville

Tennessee Volunteers Sept. 4 vs. Indiana State Sept. 9 at Florida Sept. 23 vs. Massachusetts Sept. 30 vs. Georgia Oct. 14 vs. South Carolina Oct. 21 at Alabama Oct. 28 at Kentucky Nov. 4 vs. Southern Mississippi Nov. 11 at Missouri Nov. 18 vs. LSU Nov. 25 vs. Vanderbilt

Auburn Tigers Sept. 2 vs. Georgia Southern Sept. 9 at Clemson Sept. 16 vs. Mercer Sept. 23 at Missouri Sept. 30 vs. Mississippi State Oct. 7 vs. Mississippi Oct. 14 at LSU Oct. 21 at Arkansas Nov. 4 at Texas A&M Nov. 11 vs. Georgia Nov. 18 at Louisiana-Monroe Nov. 25 vs. Alabama

Vanderbilt Commodores Sept. 2 at Middle Tennessee Sept. 9 vs. Alabama A&M Sept. 16 vs. Kansas State Sept. 23 vs. Alabama Sept. 30 at Florida Oct. 7 vs. Georgia Oct. 14 at Mississippi Oct. 28 at South Carolina Nov. 4 vs. Western Kentucky Nov. 11 vs. Kentucky Nov. 18 vs. Missouri Nov. 25 at Tennessee

LSU Tigers Sept. 2 vs. BYU in Houston Sept. 9 vs. Chattanooga Sept. 16 at Mississippi State Sept. 23 vs. Syracuse Sept. 30 vs. Troy Oct. 7 at Florida Oct. 14 vs. Auburn Oct. 21 at Mississippi Nov. 4 at Alabama Nov. 11 vs. Arkansas Nov. 18 at Tennessee Nov. 25 vs. Texas A&M

South Carolina Gamecocks Sept. 2 vs. NC State Sept. 9 at Missouri Sept. 16 vs. Kentucky Sept. 23 vs. Louisiana Tech Sept. 30 at Texas A&M Oct. 7 vs. Arkansas Oct. 14 at Tennessee Oct. 28 vs. Vanderbilt Nov. 4 at Georgia Nov. 11 vs. Florida Nov. 18 vs. Wofford Nov. 25 vs. Clemson

Alabama Crimson Tide Sept. 2 vs. Florida State in Atlanta Sept. 9 vs. Fresno State Sept. 16 vs. Colorado State Sept. 23 at Vanderbilt Sept. 30 vs. Mississippi Oct. 7 at Texas A&M Oct. 14 vs. Arkansas Oct. 21 vs. Tennessee Nov. 4 vs. LSU Nov. 11 at Mississippi State Nov. 18 vs. Mercer Nov. 25 at Auburn

Mississippi Rebels Sept. 2 vs. South Alabama Sept. 9 vs. UT Martin Sept. 16 at California Sept. 30 at Alabama Oct. 7 at Auburn Oct. 14 vs. Vanderbilt Oct. 21 vs. LSU Oct. 28 vs. Arkansas Nov. 4 at Kentucky Nov. 11 vs. Louisiana-Lafayette Nov. 18 vs. Texas A&M Nov. 23 at Mississippi State

Arkansas Razorbacks Sept. 2 vs. Florida A&M Sept. 9 vs. TCU Sept. 23 vs. Texas A&M in Dallas Sept. 30 vs. New Mexico State Oct. 7 at South Carolina Oct. 14 at Alabama Oct. 21 vs. Auburn Oct. 28 at Mississippi Nov. 4 vs. Coastal Carolina Nov. 11 at LSU Nov. 18 vs. Mississippi State Nov. 25 vs. Missouri

Texas A&M Aggies Sept. 2 at UCLA Sept. 9 vs. Nicholls State Sept. 16 vs. Louisiana-Lafayette Sept. 23 at Arkansas Sept. 30 vs. South Carolina Oct. 7 vs. Alabama Oct. 14 at Florida Oct. 28 vs. Mississippi State Nov. 4 vs. Auburn Nov. 11 vs. New Mexico Nov. 18 at Mississippi Nov. 25 at LSU

Mississippi State Bulldogs Sept. 2 vs. Charleston Southern Sept. 9 at Louisiana Tech Sept. 16 vs. LSU Sept. 23 at Georgia Sept. 30 at Auburn Oct. 14 vs. BYU Oct. 28 at Texas A&M Nov. 4 vs. Massachusetts Nov. 11 vs. Alabama Nov. 18 at Arkansas Nov. 23 vs. Mississippi

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2017 UWF Argos Football Argonauts ready to embrace challenges of year two By Brian Lester brian@navarrepress.com Three points is all the West Florida football team managed to score in its final three games of its inaugural season. It allowed 165. Head coach Pete Shinnick told his team after the season ended with a 69-0 loss to West Georgia that it simply ran out of gas during a rugged stretch against the premier teams in the Gulf South Conference. The Argonauts have no intentions of repeating history and have spent the offseason and preseason camp doing everything it can to prepare for the rigors of the season ahead. “The motto of the offseason has been to put gas in the tank,” running back Chris Schwarz said. “We want to be ready for that long stretch at the end and we’re preparing for that every day. It’s going to lead to success for us in the long run.” The Argonauts didn’t have a bad first season in program history all things considered. They finished 5-6 overall and 3-5 in a conference often referred to as the SEC of NCAA Division II. The highlight was a wild 42-39 victory over nationally ranked Florida Tech last October. But while the Argonauts have made strides, they lose the option of taking opponents by surprise. “Year two is a difficult year in a lot of measures,” Shinnick said. “We really don’t have that surprise element anymore. In year one, we had an opportunity to go out and play and there were very little expectations from anyone on the outside. Opponents looked at you as just a start-up program. In year two, everyone knows who we are.” West Florida is ready for the challenges it will face and returns a cast of talented players who gained valuable experience last season. Schwarz is back to lead a running attack that averaged right around 100 yards per game. West Florida leaned

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Navarre Press file photo West Florida's football team begins its second season and is hoping to build off the five-win season it had a year ago. The Argos are looking to be more consistent from start to finish after struggling down the stretch of last season. The Argos kick off the 2017 campaign Sept. 2 with a game against Missouri S&T.

much more on its passing attack, with the now graduated Kaleb Nobles throwing for more than 3,300 yards. Shinnick said his team expects to be far more balanced this season, especially with the offensive line much stronger and more aggressive as it heads into the new season. “We threw the ball a lot more last year because we needed to, but we plan to run the ball a little more this year and feel like we have the guys in place to do that,” Shinnick said. “Running for 100 yards a game isn’t going to get it done for what we want to accomplish. That doesn’t mean the passing attack won’t be effective. Three quarterbacks are in the mix for the job, with last season’s backup, Grey Jackson, coming out of spring football as the starter. Mike Beaudry and Benedict transfer Kalu Onumah are also battling for the job.

“It’s not something we’re in a hurry to make a decision on,” Shinnick said. “We like the competition.” Ishmel Morrow and Antoine Griffin will be the top targets, with the two combining for more than 1,500 yards and 15 touchdowns last season. The defense is led by Trent Archie, who racked up a team-best 90 tackles a season ago. West Florida opens its season on the road, taking on Missouri S&T Sept. 2. It then comes home for three consecutive games, starting with a showdown against Midwestern State Sept. 9. The goal is to get off to a fast start and finish strong. “If you look at the teams that have won this conference over the last 20 years, it’s the team that is most consistent,” Shinnick said. “We want to be a good football team from the get-go and be playing at a high level by the time we get to Gulf South Conference play.”

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West Florida Argonauts 2017 Football Schedule Sept. 2 at Missouri S&T Sept. 9 vs. Midwestern State, 6 p.m. Sept. 16 vs. Chowan, 6 p.m. Sept. 23 vs. Valdosta State, 6 p.m. Sept. 30 at Florida Tech, 7 p.m. Oct. 7 vs. Mississippi College, 6 p.m. Oct. 14 vs. Delta State, 4 p.m. Oct. 21 at Shorter, 1 p.m. Oct. 28 at West Alabama, 4 p.m. Nov. 4 vs. North Alabama, 4 p.m. Nov. 11 at West Georgia, 2 p.m.

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2017 Raider Volleyball

Navarre Volleyball Schedule

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Aug. 22 at Milton 6:30 p.m.

Sept. 9 at Tate Invitational, TBA

Oct. 3 vs. Pensacola, 6:30 p.m.

Aug. 24 at Gulf Breeze, 7 p.m.

Sept. 14 at Niceville, 7 p.m.

Oct. 5 vs. Niceville, 7 p.m.

Aug. 29 vs. Pine Forest, 6:30 p.m.

Sept. 21 vs. Gulf Breeze, 7 p.m.

Oct. 9 vs. Pace, 6:30 p.m.

Sept. 5 at Pensacola, 6:30 p.m.

Sept. 26 at Pace, 6:30 p.m.

Oct. 10 at Pine Forest, 6:30 p.m.

Sept. 7 vs. Tate, 7 p.m.

Sept. 28 at Tate, 7 p.m.

Oct. 17-19 District Tournament at Gulf Breeze

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2017 Raider Marching Band Student Akers, Chiara Buckland, Oliviah Donnell, Ashlyn Evans, Madison Fletcher, Katelyn Fowler, Ashley French, Joncee Gallegos, Ashley Hines, Ovella Keck, Summer Kelley, Holly Manning, Skylar Martinez, Emily McArthur, Sage Moisant, Ariel NeffCamatti, Jaide Payne, Skylar Rice, Isabella Rivera, Misha Tucker, Hana Ballow, Emma Bautista, Lauren Brewer, Kyla Floyd, Kyra Hoffner, Madeleine Newenham, Alicia Turman, Amanda Ward, Jocelyn Warfield , Deelia Autry, Kencin Beard, Stephanie Crawford, Kaylee Cunningham, Katalina Morales, Ayrianna Morris, Angelia Nelson, Sydney Shackleford, Lily Steward, Savannah Tobias, Meagan Van Dorn, Kevin Beard, Dorrian Elizondo, Luis Gostomski, Jacob Hall, Veronica Koetters, Noah McDonald, Kaylee Neto, Joseph Reyes, Cristian Rudman, Megan Singleton, Jayden Wagner, Nathaniel Wagner , Raymond Willis, Connor Bennett, Robert Bray, Katelyn Irmen, Olivia Beard, Gavin Cheney, Madison Coleman, Brittany Cotton, Piper Culberson, Tyler Hellyer, Jayda

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Noah, Have a great season!

Cade, Hope you have a great

Love, Dad, Mom and Siblings!

Senior year! We love you, Mam-ma and Papa

Sage Allen, We are so proud of you and all of your accomplishments! Always remember to keep God first and continue to follow your dreams! We love you! Have a great season and enjoy your senior year! With all our love, Mom & Dad, Ridge & Shelby, Brooke & John, Brandie & Jonathon

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N AVA R R E P R E S S

THURSDAY, AUGUST 24, 2017

/ 1B

SPORTS

N more waiting

Raiders kick off 2017 season against Crusaders Friday night By Brian Lester brian@navarrepress.com Mitchell Hunt wasn’t sure what to do when he scored a touchdown off a fumble recovery in Thursday night’s Kickoff Classic against Chiles. It’s not as if defensive linemen get into the end zone too often. For a moment, with the ball in his hands after his 10-yard rumble to pay dirt, Hunt looked as if he might try to dunk the ball through the uprights. Instead, he merely jumped into the air and then proceeded to celebrate the big moment with his Navarre teammates. “I didn’t know how to express myself,” Hunt said. “I just ran in and was kind of like what do I do now?” Hunt’s touchdown was one of four the Raiders scored in a preseason battle with the Timberwolves at Bennett C. Russell Stadium that ended with Navarre holding on for a 28-21 win after leading 28-0 at halftime. The second half featured mainly varsity backups and junior varsity players. All in all, sixth-year head coach Jay Walls can’t complain. His team still has work to do for sure before Friday night’s season opener against Pensacola Catholic, but the Raiders showed a lot of promise as well as they gear

up for what they hope is a season that e n d s with a 6A state championship. “We have a lot of work to do across the board, but overall, it was a good night. It’s something to build on,” Walls said. “We’re still 0-0. I told the guys no matter how good or how bad we played, or no matter what the score is, we have a lot of work to do (this week).” There were certainly some impressive moments, though, the first coming beforefans had even settled into their seats. Sage Chambers hooked up with Dante Wright on a 50-yard scoring strike on the first play of the game. Wright, expected to be one of the best receivers in the area – keep in mind he is only a junior – caught the ball with no one around him and bolted to the end zone to give the Raiders a 7-0 lead 23 seconds into the game. A 40-yard touchdown run by Darnell Deas and Hunt’s score off a turnover pushed the Navarre

lead to 21-0. The exclamation point on a mostly well played first half was delivered when Chambers found Wright wide open just outside the end zone. Chambers is entering his senior season and is in his third year as a starting quarterback. He is

healthy again after suffering an injury that forced him out of action most of last season and felt good about his performance last night. He did throw one interception but also looked quicker on his feet when he opted to run the ball. “I like how we are working right now,” Chambers said. “We have some small stuff, some nitpicky stuff to work on, but everyone is working hard and doing their job. Chambers said one of the biggest steps forward this team took against Chiles was along the offensive line. He was rarely under pressure as his linemen provided great protection while also opening up holes for the run game to thrive. “We’ve had a bunch of guys step up. We have (Darrell) Hixon, a threeyear starter, and Aaron Smith, a two-year starter, and we also have some new guys playing their roles right,” Chambers said.“They are working hard. I love them to death.”

COUNTDOWN TO FOOTBALL

Navarre vs. Pensacola Catholic Days until kickoff in the regular season: 1 Looking Back: Navarre captured its second regional title in program history

with a 28-10 win over St. Augustine on the road. Michael Carter scored four touchdowns while the defense was nearly lights out, giving up just three points in the second half as Navarre punched its ticket to the final four. The win was 50th for Jay Walls in his career at Navarre.

Photo by Brian Lester Navarre wide receiver Dante Wright gets set to make a catch against Chiles in the Kickoff Classic last Thursday. Wright scored on the play.

Flying high with Jordan Leggett Weekly updates on Navarre’s first NFL player Jordan Leggett was back on the field for the New York Jets Saturday night. The former Navarre standout caught one pass for 12 yards in a 16-6 preseason loss to the Detroit Lions at Ford Field. Leggett has two catches for 20 yards in two games. The Jets are 1-1 in the preseason. Taken in the fifth round of the NFL Draft in April, the two-time Mackey Award finalist out of Clemson is hoping to make an impact in his first NFL season

after helping the Tigers win a national championship in January. Navarre’s first NFL player is on a Jets team that finished fourth in the AFC East a year ago with a 5-11 record. The Jets scored all six of their points on a pair of field goals by Ross Martin. Up Next: Leggett and the Jets will battle the New York Giants Saturday night in a 6 p.m. game at MetLife Stadium.

There were big plays made on defense as well. Cade Taylor picked off a pass and Alex Gilchrist laid out the Chiles quarterback on a hard hit after shooting through the line. Navarre has a reputation for being aggressive and physical on defense and Hunt sees no reason why this team can’t keep it intact. “We played pretty good. We lost contain on a few plays, but we were pretty good otherwise,”Hunt said. “It feels good to get the shutout in the first half. We feel like we can be a great defense again.” The Raiders go into this season with high expectations after finishing 12-2 and reaching the state semifinals last year. They begin their journey Friday night in a 7:30 p.m. showdown against the Crusaders at home. Walls said the focus on the preseason has been on his own team, and of course, preparation for Chiles. With that game now history, the Raiders can turn their attention to Catholic.

He said it’s important for his players to come out ready to play at a high level Friday night. “We have to come out and understand that we haven’t done anything yet (this season),” Walls said. “We have a lot to improve on, a lot to prove and we have to be really hungry.” The Raiders have been waiting for the 2017 season ever since they walked off the field last December stinging from a 35-14 loss to Lake Gibson in the state

semifinals. With the season here, the wait is over. “We are ready. Everyone is excited,” Chambers said. “We have to have fun and do our jobs and make sure we finish every week 1-0.”


THURSDAY, AUGUST 24, 2017

2B / NAVARRE PRESS

Brian Out Loud! By Brian

More action from the Kickoff Classic

Lester

brian@navarrepress.com Forget about finding a close division race in Major League Baseball. It’s like trying to find Waldo. Maybe that’s a little extreme. Still, for the first time in the six-year history of the era of the additional wild card spot, only one division is closer than three games. That would be the always interesting National League Central, where the World Series Champion Chicago Cubs are up on the Milwaukee Brewers by two and a half games. To be fair, the AL East and AL Central Divisions are still up for grabs. Boston only leads rival New York by four and a half games and Cleveland holds a five and a half game lead on second-place Minnesota. The AL West race on the other hand has no pulse. Houston holds a 12 and a half game lead on Seattle and has the second-best record in baseball. Someone should hand the Washington Nationals and Los Angeles Dodgers their division titles right now, too. The Nationals are up 14 games on hopeless Miami and the Dodgers, who are on an historic run, haven’t lost since April. Well, it feels that way. They have 88 wins. During one 50-game stretch, they won 43 times. That’s ridiculous, especially when you consider the Philadelphia Phillies had yet to win that many games entering the second weekend of August. They sat at 42 wins through 112 games. Something needs to change in baseball. The lack of competition is the last thing the sport needs at a time when it’s in desperation mode to keep the attention of the casual fan. The problem is baseball is stubborn. It doesn’t like to change. But it needs to. And here’s a simple way to do it. One of my friends in Ohio suggested Major League Baseball should take a minor league approach to igniting a fresh wave of excitement in the game. What that means is the majors should divide up the season into two halves, each half essentially a new season with a new opportunity for a team to win a division and clinch a playoff berth. Under that format, the arrival of the all-star break would mean a champ would be crowned in each of the six divisions and all six of those teams would be assured of a playoff spot. And then the second half of the season would begin with every team at 0-0 again. Teams once buried at the bottom would be given new life and new hope for the postseason. If any of the six teams repeat as division champs in the second half, it would win the second-half title but the playoff spot would go to the runner-up. Give the teams with the two best records in the American and National Leagues a bye and let the remaining four playoff qualifiers duke it out in a best-of-five opening round series. Baseball purists might need time to get over the format change but they’ll live. The sport, on the other hand, might not survive in the long run if something isn’t done to generate new excitement among the fans.

Raiders on Campus

Photos by Brian Lester Navarre battled Chiles in the Kickoff Classic last Thursday night. The Raiders defeated the Timberwolves 28-21 in their only preseason game.

New school year brings opportunities for former Navarre athletes By Brian Lester brian@navarrepress.com A new sports season is about to begin. Here is a look at the athletes from Navarre who are playing at the next level during the 2017-18 school year, including the stats for those who played last season. Matt Cronin: Finished 3-1 with a 2.00 ERA in 15 appearances in his first season as a pitcher at Arkansas. He struck out 31 batters on the season. Callan Taylor: Hit .271 in 51 games as a freshman with the University of West Florida softball team. She tallied 39 hits, including three home runs, and drove in 32 runs. She also scored 20 runs. Jared Gonzalez: He ended his junior season at West Florida with a 3-1 record and 3.62 ERA. The transfer from Huntingdon struck out 23 batters and in 16 appearances. Kayla Folse: Scored a team-high eight goals and also dished out two assists as a freshman soccer player at Thomas University in Georgia. She finished second on the team in points with 18. Mariah McKinney: Played in 16 games on defense at Thomas University. She made 13 starts for the Night Hawks soccer team as a freshman. Jordyn York: Scored three points

Presents

ht Dante Wrig Sport: Football Parents: Damon and Stacy Wright Class: 2019

in the four games she played in last season as a freshman on the basketball team at the University of Mobile. De’Naizha Elder: She averaged 1.3 points per game in 20 games during her freshman basketball season at Pensacola State. Gianna Bly: The freshman played in 12 games with the Daytona State soccer team, starting three times, and took one shot on goal. Shelby Freese: In 22 games during her freshman year on the Gulf Coast State volleyball team, Freese racked up 39 kills and came through with 12 digs. Ailsa Clark: She played in 23 rounds of golf as a freshman at Florida Gulf Coast and averaged a 79.26. Her top finish at a tourney was 35th. Khorri Newton: She set a personal-best mark of 5-feet-1 1/4 inches in the high jump during the indoor and outdoor track seasons at North Florida and had a top throw of 92-feet-10-inches in the javelin. Tommy Leggett: Led Alan Hancock College in tackles as a freshman, tallying 50 on the season. He is headed to Texas Tech to continue his college football career. Anthony Miller: He finished sixth on the team in tackles as a freshman at Alan Hancock. Miller tallied 35 tackles and 3.5 sacks. Brady Hammel: He kicked off 23 times during his freshman season at Shorter, averaging 55.9 yards per

kickoff. He had two touchbacks. Tre Baker: Baker played in 23 games as a freshman at Mitchell and put up 2.0 points per game. He made five 3-pointers on the season. Jacob Kendall: In nine games for the Majors last season, the junior defensive lineman at Millsaps College in Mississippi tallied 27 tackles and 1.5 sacks. Kyle Arrasmith: Finished up his sophomore football season at Kennesaw State with eight tackles. Dylan Main: The sophomore finished ninth in tackles at Birmingham-Southern, finishing the year with 27 tackles. He also picked off a pass. Shelby Clark: She finished with one goal in 16 games as a junior forward with the Huntingdon soccer team. Cam Smith: He played in 13 games on defense for the Huntingdon soccer team last season. Kameron Bethell: As a sophomore on the West Florida soccer team, Bethell tied for the team lead in points with 16. He finished his season with four goals and eight assists. Gatlin Casey: The Lehigh wide receiver had a breakout season for the Hawks, catching 62 passes for 1,135 yards. He caught a team-best 14 touchdown passes. Demetrius Brown: Ranked third on the team in tackles last sea-

NHS Athlete of the Week

Plans after graduation: Go to college and play football or run track

What is the toughest thing about being an athlete? Completing school work on time

Favorite School Subject: Math

What do you love most about being an athlete? Being athletic

Favorite Sports Memory: Going to state for track last year Name three people, dead or alive, that you would love to sit down and have Favorite Song: “Tic Toc” by Kesha dinner with? Michael Jordan, Ugly God (rapper) and Kevin Hart Favorite Movie: “Cars 2” If you could be anyone for a day who Favorite Store: Publix would it be and why? Usain Bolt because he’s the fastest man alive Do you have a pregame routine or superstition? None

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son at Huntingdon, racking up 59. He also picked off two passes and earned second-team all-conference honors. Chris Hering: Earned first-team all-conference honors as an offensive lineman at Huntingdon last year. Michael Sandle: Redshirted at South Alabama last spring but turned in a strong performance over the summer in the Coastal Plain League, hitting .281 in 49 games. He drove in 23 runs and scored 36. Octavien Moyer: He hit .277 in 36 games at Florida A&M last season. He also drove in 10 runs. Athletes from the class of 2017 who are playing a college sport this year Football: Michael Carter (North Carolina); Nick Brahms (Auburn); Tyson Brown (Florida Tech); Royce Thomas (Shorter); Bo Hering (Maryville); Caine Adamson (Maryville); Jordan Williams (Alabama A&M); Lee Jones (Troy); Marc Struck (Huntingdon). Soccer: Emily Madril (Florida State); Lizzy Madril (Daytona State); Haylee Howard (Daytona State); Tori Martino (Daytona State); Zach Smith (Huntingdon). Baseball: Cyrus Grimes (South Alabama); Softball: Hanna Stapleton (Tallahassee Community College). Basketball: Tyrese Harvey (Pfeiffer); Dominic Riddle (Mobile). Cross Country: Austin Epstein (Embry Riddle).


THURSDAY, AUGUST 24, 2017

NAVARRE PRESS / 3B

Sports Calendar

Basketball

Thursday, Aug. 24 Football – at Pensacola Catholic, JV, 6 p.m. Golf – at Tiger Point vs. Gulf Breeze and Milton, 3:30 p.m. Volleyball – at Gulf Breeze, 9th, 5 p.m. Volleyball – at Gulf Breeze, JV, 6 p.m. Volleyball – at Gulf Breeze, 7 p.m.

Fogg thrilled about opportunity to coach girls hoops at Navarre By Brian Lester brian@navarrepress.com Abby Fogg is excited about the opportunity in front of her as the new head coach of Navarre’s girls basketball team. She said the position is one she has been hoping for since getting into coaching three years ago as a junior varsity head coach and a varsity assistant at Central School in Milton. “It was hard to leave Central because I built a lot of special relationships there, but the girls understand and they are proud of me for getting this opportunity,” Fogg said. The head coach she was working under at Central encouraged her to apply at Navarre. After two interviews, Fogg landed the job. She hopes to build a program that makes winning the norm rather than the exception. “I want to generate excitement and have the girls see that basketball is fun, and I want them to feel like they can be a part of something special here,” Fogg said.“We want to generate positivity and consistency. I also want them to know that I am here for as long as the school will let me be here.” Her job won’t be easy. Navarre went from district champions to district doormat, winning only five games last season. Three of those wins came over the final six games of the regular season. The Raiders were inexperienced, with only two seniors on the roster, and their struggles were fueled in part by instability when Jackie Coyne stepped down a couple of weeks into the season. Fogg intends to put in the time to help this program get back on its feet. She has experience doing it. During her three years at the helm of the JV program at Central, her team went from three wins her first year to 12 wins by her third season. “We’re in a rebuilding situation and this team needs someone who cares and will invest the time in them,” Fogg said.“I came from a similar situation at Central and saw a lot of growth. I’m hoping for the same growth and success here.” Fogg has been actively recruiting players within the school, including talking with the coaches of the volleyball and girls weightlifting teams about students who may be interested in playing basketball this winter. At the initial sign-up, 40 girls showed up. “I’ve been a car salesman in the hallway,” Fogg said. “The turnout was really good for the sign-up. It’s really encouraging to see that many show up.” Fogg plans to hold open gyms in the fall. The tryout date for the team is Oct. 23. “The goal is to find the right girls, the kids who want to be here and want to work hard,” Fogg said.“We want players who want to help us put Navarre on the map.” Fogg said she is big on teaching fundamentals and is dedicated to building a strong program that can eventually be a contender in the district. As far as expectations are concerned, improvement is the goal. Of course, that isn’t preventing Fogg from dreaming big. “I’m a big optimist and the state playoffs are on the brain. If they aren’t, you shouldn’t be coaching,” Fogg said. “I know where I came from and what kind of coach I am and this team can only get better.”

Friday, Aug. 25 Football – vs. Pensacola Catholic, 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 26 Cross Country – at Niceville Relays, 7:30 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 29 Cross Country – at Gulf Breeze, 4:30 p.m. Swimming – vs. Washington, 4 p.m. Volleyball – vs. Pine Forest, 9th, 4:30 p.m. Volleyball – vs. Pine Forest, JV, 5:30 p.m. Volleyball – vs. Pine Forest, 6:30 p.m.

Sports Briefs Hrehoriak returning to the Ice Flyers Stephen Hrehoriak will return for another season with the Pensacola Ice Flyers. Hrehoriak joined Pensacola late last season after playing college hockey at Mercyhurst. He appeared in five games in the regular season and was with the team in the postseason as well. The native of Canada scored three goals in the regular season and punched in a pair of game-winners in the postseason. “We’re excited to have Stephen come back to the Ice Flyers this season after he finished last season with the team,” new head coach Jeff Bes said. “He had a solid four-year college career, enjoyed some success late last season and scored some big goals in the playoffs.” Hrehoriak is excited about the opportunity to return to a team that has established itself as one of the best in the SPHL. “It’s exciting to have the opportunity to return to the Ice Flyers,” Hrehoriak said. “Pensacola is a great place to play and a great community with unbelievable fans. I’m looking forward to getting started in October.”

LaValley cashing in on opportunities at the Double-A level By Brian Lester brian@navarrepress.com Gavin LaValley didn’t need much time to make his presence felt at the Double-A level. He joined a select group of players in his debut with the Pensacola Blue Wahoos in mid-June, becoming just the fifth player in franchise history to hit a home run in his initial appearance with the team. Sure, there have been some hitless nights since his promotion from High-A Daytona Beach, but LaValley is still no doubt one of the more productive players on the team. In a game against Mobile last week, LaValley came through with his first multi-hit night in the month of August as he helped the Blue Wahoos rally for a wild 9-7 victory over the BayBears. The 22-year-old first baseman finished with two hits, including a two-run double in the first that gave Pensacola an early 2-0 lead. He pushed his season total to 113, with 45 of those hits coming as a member of the Blue Wahoos. Fifteen of his hits have gone for extra bases. “I’ve been able to adjust to the pitching at this level and I feel good about the way I’ve been able to play,” LaValley said. “I’m just trying to get better every day.” The 2014 fourth-round pick of the Cincinnati Reds said his performance against Mobile Aug. 14 was simply a case of him getting back into a groove at the plate. “I’ve just been trying to get back to my old self,” LaValley said. “I just try to relax and hit the ball.” Hitting is something that seems to come nat-

Submitted photos Gavin LaValley has been a steady contributor at the plate for the Pensacola Blue Wahoos since his promotion to Double-A in June. LaValley, a first baseman, was the fourth-round pick of the Cincinnati Reds in 2014. urally for LaValley, who was drafted by the Reds out of high school and has put his power on display in his four seasons in the minors. His 18 homers through 109 games this year is the most in a season in his career. His key to success is simple. “It’s all about being disciplined at the plate and being a consistent everyday player,” LaValley said. “That is the most important thing.” LaValley is one of those players who can rise to the occasion at any given mo-

ment and his ability to be effective at the plate – he entered the second week of August hitting .244 – has helped Pensacola stay in contention for a second-half Southern League South Division championship. The Blue Wahoos are already assured of a playoff berth after winning the first-half title in June – the crown is their fourth consecutive going back to the second half of the 2015 season – but several players, including LaValley, weren’t around during the first half of this season.

It’s why he brings a mentality of feeling as if he has something to prove every night. Pensacola could have easily stumbled in that game against Mobile last week after watching a 4-0 lead turn into a 7-4 deficit. Instead, it found a way to battle back. “We have a great group of guys on this team and we never give up,” LaValley said. “Even though we clinched the first half, half of this team is new and this our first experience in Double-A. We want to go out and prove what we can do every night.”

Gavin LaValley File  Drafted in the fourth round by the Reds in the 2014 Major League Baseball Draft out of Carl Albert High School in Oklahoma  Prior to his promotion to Double-A, LaValley ranked second in the Florida State League in home runs (15) and RBIs (45) and earned a spot on the FSL All-Star Team  He split time between Dayton and Daytona Beach during the 2016 season, crushing 11 homers in 92 games in Daytona Beach  LaValley ranks 28th among prospects in the Cincinnati Reds organization


4B / NAVARRE PRESS

THURSDAY, AUGUST 24, 2017

Swimming

Photos by Brian Lester Killian Casey is a senior on the swim team this season and competed on two relay squads at the regional meet last season.

Navarre’s swim team looks to take advantage of experience By Brian Lester brian@navarrepress.com Navarre’s swim season is underway, with one meet in the books for the Raiders, who entered the 2017 season with high expectations. Veteran head coach Mary Moorer said she has a team with several swimmers capable of going all the way to state this year. It’s all a matter of putting in the work and having the right mentality. “We have some strong swimmers out here,” Moorer said. “If they have the correct mindset, they can take it pretty far.” Eight seniors are on the roster, including returning regional qualifiers Lauren Robbins, Killian Casey, Navi Nelson, Olivia Sczesny and Dylan Porter. The other seniors are Sadie Crump, Rob Crouse and Ste-

Sophomore Harrison Dorsey qualified for the regional as an individual and was on two relay teams at the regional as well last year. ven Hauser. The other returning regional qualifiers are Harrison Dorsey, Cody Register, Cam Terrian and Carissa Spessard. Dorsey was one of two returnees to qualify as an individual to the regional, advancing in the 100 breaststroke and 200 freestyle. Sczesny made to

the regional in the 50 freestyle. Dorsey was on the 200 free and 200 medley relay teams that made it to the regional. Porter was on the 200 medley squad, and Terrian and Register both competed on the 200 free relay team. Sczesny was on all three relay teams (200 medley, 200 free

and 400 free) that advanced to the regional. Casey and Spessard were on the 200 medley and 200 free relay teams while Spessard, Robbins and Navi Nelson joined Sczesny on the 400 free relay. For the second consecutive year, the Raiders crammed their usual two-week tryout period into one day. “It’s tough,” Casey said. “I think it really opened a lot of eyes to how hard practices can be.” But the swimmers found a way to push through and are confident that if they can continue to improve, particularly during those early morning practices, their hard work will pay off in the end. “It gets rough as you get later into the season, but the grind is worth it,” said Porter, who added the competition is what keeps him driven. “I just think about the ex-

perience at the meets. That’s what keeps me going,” Porter said. “Your teammates are out there to motivate you and push you to go faster.”

Senior Olivia Sczesny went to the regional last year in the 50 freestyle and was part of three relay teams that made it to the regional as well.

Quick look at the Navarre Swim Team Head Coach: Mary Moorer Returning Swimmers: Boys: Baris Demibaris, Harrison Dorsey, Steven Hauser, Jeff Langley, Jacob Losquardo, Zach Ostermann, Dylan Porter, Cody Register, Daniel Sears, Cameron Terrian, Josh VanDrunen, Tyler VanDrunen. Girls: Killian Casey, Merete Conley, Sadie Crump, Navi Nelson, Lauren Robbins, Natalia Roberts, Olivia Sczesny, Carissa Spessard. Noteworthy: The Raiders return nine swimmers who competed at the regional last season. The Raiders have strong senior leadership for a team with tremendous chemistry. Many of the Navarre swimmers have spent the summer cross-training, doing work in the pool, on the track and in the weight room, and those efforts should pay off over the next two months for a team that has its sights set on going to state. Dorsey was 20th in the breaststroke at the regional, clocking in with a time of 1:07.15 and he took 24th in the 200, recording a time of 2:00.30. Sczesny finished 15th in the 50 at the regional with a time of 26.78. The boys (1:51) and girls (2:08.67) medley relay teams both finished in the top 15, taking 12th and 14th, respectively, and the girls 200 free relay team finished in the top 15 as well (1:55.87). The boys 200 free relay team finished 13th (1:38.42). The girls 400 relay team just missed a top 15 finish, taking 16th in a time of 4:20.55.

Raiders ready to embrace early-season challenge By Brian Lester brian@navarrepress.com Navarre’s volleyball team will be tested right out of the gate. The Raiders take on rival Gulf Breeze tonight in a District 1-8A showdown on the road. It will be challenging for sure. The Dolphins, after all, won 25 matches and a district championship a season ago. Raiders head coach Michelle Lee said her team is ready for the challenge of playing such a crucial game early in the year. “I wouldn’t want it any other way,” Lee said. “I want to see us put all of the hard work we’ve put in to the test. It will give us a good feel for where

fortable I’ve been going into a season since I’ve been here. The girls are excited about the season and I’m excited about it.” Navarre attended a camp at the University of Florida over the summer and that experience is something Lee believes will prove beneficial to her team as it navigates its way through the regular season. “It was our first time going and we were able to get a lot of feedback from college coaches. It was great Photos by Brian Lester to see where we stand as a team from another perLauren Robbins gets set to hit the ball during a practice earlier this month. spective,”Lee said.“We had we are as a team.” in part because of how suc- we’ve had, and even the a great time and it was a Lee enters her third sea- cessful the workouts over little bit of preseason we’ve great learning experience.” Navarre won only six son as the head coach and the summer went for the had, has been great,” Lee matches last season and is said this season feels much team. said. “I’m really pleased, different than the past two, “The summer training and this is the most com- hoping to take big step for-

ward in 2017. Closing the door in tight matches is the key to doing it. “We have to be a closing team, and that is something we’ve lacked in the past,” Lee said. “We have to go 110 percent from beginning to end.” Depth will be instrumental to the success of the Raiders as well. Lee believes her bench will be one of the team’s strengths. “We’re looking for great things from our bench,”Lee said.“We have players who are good in multiple roles and can play any position, and no one has shied away from the challenge of stepping up and doing that. It’s a great thing to roll into the season with.”

Quick look at the Navarre Volleyball team Head Coach: Michelle Lee Returning Players: Madison Jones, Lauren Robbins, Shamya Booker and Caitlin Bethell Noteworthy: Navarre has seven seniors on its roster and the chemistry and talent on this team is perhaps as good as it has been in the three years Michelle Lee has been the head coach. Jones, Robbins, Booker and Bethell all played key roles on the team last season and will be counted on to lead the way this year as well. The Raiders spent a lot of time in the offseason working on all aspects of the game and even attended a camp at the University of Florida. Navarre lost several close matches last year and if it can turn those close calls into wins this season, it will have a chance to compete for a district title.


N AVA R R E P R E S S

OUTDOORS

THURSDAY, AUGUST 24, 2017

/ 5B

Local hunters reel in alligator nearly 13 feet in length

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Submitted photos The gator Nick Naylor and his friends caught on Blackwater Bay last week was 12-feet-7-inches in length. Naylor was joined on the hunt by Casey Shields, John Booker and Kenny Way. It’s the largest alligator any of the four have ever caught.

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Nick Naylor earned the right to hunt alligators this year and he maximized the opportunity, teaming up with three of his good friends to capture a pair of gators, including one that was nearly 13 feet long. Out on the Blackwater Bay near the Interstate-10 bridge, Naylor, Casey Shields, John Booker and Kenny Way – his friends have been alligator hunters for several years – reeled in their first gator the opening night of the season – it was 11 feet, 7 inches – and captured a 12-7 gator two nights later. “We knew the alligator was large by the way he was acting trying to get away from us,” Naylor said. “We didn’t realize his full size until he finally came up next to the boat. When he came up, and he was half the length of our

24-foot boat, we knew he was huge.” The group spent about two hours trying to bring in the nearly 13 foot gator Thursday after spending around three hours trying to reel in the nearly 12 foot gator on Tuesday. “It took us nearly four hours to finally hook him,” Naylor said. “And then we fought him for two hours.” There are four harvest periods set up for hunting alligators and the first period began last Tuesday and ran through Aug. 22. The second period runs Aug. 22-29 and the third period lasts from Aug. 29Sept. 5. The fourth period stretches from Sept. 5 until Nov. 1. Anyone who received a permit for any of the first three periods can also hunt for gators Sept. 12Nov. 1. Permits are given out via a lottery system and each permit allows a hunter to catch two alligators.

AREA TIDE REPORT

Alligator Hunting 101

Th 24 High

FWC has allowed the hunting of alligators since 1988 as a way to manage the population. It has been a success story and there are more than 1.3 million alligators living in Florida. While the window for applying for a permit is closed, here are a handful of frequently asked questions about alligator hunting.

Tides for Navarre Beach starting with August 24, 2017. Day High Tide Height Sunrise Moon Time % Moon /Low Time Feet Sunset Visible 11:57 AM 1.2 6:20 AM Rise 9:07 AM

24 Low

6:54 PM

1.3 7:19 PM

F 25 High

1:09 AM

1.1 6:20 AM Rise 10:04 AM

25 Low

6:50 AM

1.3 7:18 PM

25 High

1:09 PM

1.0

25 Low

5:46 PM

1.3

Sa 26 High

1:04 AM

1.2 6:21 AM Rise 11:00 AM

26 Low

9:12 AM

1.2 7:17 PM

Su 27 High

1:22 AM

1.4 6:22 AM Rise 11:54 AM

27 Low M 28 High 28 Low

11:18 AM 1.0 7:16 PM 1:54 AM

Set 9:26 PM 10

Set 10:02 PM

18

Set 10:37 PM 26

Set 11:14 PM

1.5 6:22 AM Rise 12:47 PM

12:49 PM 0.8 7:15 PM

5

35

Set 11:53 PM

Tu 29 High

2:38 AM

1.6 6:23 AM Rise 1:40 PM

29 Low

1:56 PM

0.7 7:14 PM

W 30 High

3:32 AM

1.6 6:23 AM

30 Low

2:51 PM

0.5 7:12 PM Rise 2:31 PM

Set 12:34 AM

45

54

Outdoor Briefs Light up safely with the Certified Pile Burners Course The Florida Forest Service and University of Florida Cooperative Extension Service will conduct a Certified Pile Burners Course Wednesday, Aug. 30, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Santa Rosa County Extension Office, 6263 Dogwood Dr. in Milton. Students will learn how to burn piles legally, safely and efficiently. During dry periods, certified pile burners receive priority for authorization to burn. Additionally, certified pile burners may burn up to two hours longer per day and obtain multiple-day authorizations. Topics covered include: fire weather, smoke management, open burn regulations, planning and implementation, safety and public relations. The course will conclude with an exam. Cost is $50 and lunch is provided. Registration is required and class size is limited. To register, contact Bethany Diamond at 850-675-6654 or bethanydiamond@ufl. edu. A Florida Forest Service customer number will be needed to register.

The recreational alligator harvest has been permitted by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission since 1988 and the hunt is part of the FWC’s overall effort to manage the alligator population. It’s been a success and nearly 1.3 million gators are living in Florida. Naylor and his team were able to land two gators within the first two days of the hunt, but as early as into the hunt as they were able to capture the gators, it’s not something that is easily done. Naylor said patience was the key for himself and his friends in their efforts to catch a gator. “The biggest challenge with hunting alligators is having patience,” Naylor said. “They don’t stay on top of the water for long, but they have to come up for air. So it’s a waiting game. The bigger they are, the smarter they are, and the longer they can

hold their breath. There’s times where you will sit on an alligator for an hour before he comes back to the surface.” Every part of the gator caught will be utilized by Naylor and his friends, with the meat being used to feed others. “The meat will be given to the less fortunate. (The gator) will go a long way to feeding hungry people,” Naylor said.“The skill, and the skull, will be mounted to share this memory forever. Let it be known we are not trophy hunters. This alligator is our trophy but it will be remembered and appreciated.” Naylor plans to be back out on the water soon to hunt again as a couple of his friends have tags for later in the season. “A couple of the guys I hunt with have tags for different phases of this season,” Naylor said. “Hopefully we will be able to get on another one.”

Can my friend or spouse ride along in the boat with me just to watch me hunt alligators? Or do they also need some kind of license or permit? If they are not going to participate in the hunt, they do not need any license or permit. However, if they are 16 years old or older and would like to help you hunt alligators, they need to have a $52 alligator trapping agent license. Youth ages 15 and younger do not need an agent license to assist in alligator hunting. What are the legal methods of take for alligators? Bows and crossbows, gigs, harpoons, spears and spear guns. All points used in any of the methods mentioned must be attached to a restraining line and should be capable of fully penetrating an alligator’s thick hide and won’t come out when you pull back against the alligator. Explosive or drug-injecting tips are not allowed. Can I use recorded or electronic game calls to hunt alligators? Yes. Because alligators are not classified as game animals, recorded game calls and sounds may be used when hunting alligators, and they actually work at drawing alligators to you. Are there any tips on how to locate and find a good-sized alligator? Alligators can be dangerous when approached, so use extreme caution. After harvesting an alligator, you should wash your hands thoroughly with soap or an anti-bacterial solution. In the unfortunate event that you are bitten by an alligator, seek medical attention right away because bites can result in serious infection.

Submitted photos Nick Naylor holds open the mouth of the alligator he and his friends caught during the first week of gator hunting season.

Source: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Florida Fish and Wildlife incidents Escambia County Officer Manning checked four individuals fishing in Escambia Bay. After a resource inspection, he found that they were in possession of more than 50 spotted seatrout. The fisherman claimed they were fishing commercially, but only one possessed the required license. Manning issued the three remaining individuals criminal notices to appear for the violations.

Santa Rosa County Officers continue to patrol shorebird nesting areas around the Navarre Causeway, educating the public on the importance of protecting our imperiled species by not disturbing the nesting areas. Officers Ramos and Lugg informed two individuals who were walking through the protected area.

Weekly Report Aug. 4 Escambia County Officer J. Rockwell attended the Crestview Youth Academy Graduation. This was a multi-agency event with participation by Crestview Fire Department, FWC and Crestview Police Department. There were 48 students that graduated from the academy. Rockwell brought a vessel and explained FWC’s core mission to students and parents in attendance.

Tell us about the one that didn’t get away! Contact the Navarre Press at 939-8040 or navarrepress.com


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