August 2020 – Page 3 – Irish Bill's Sports

Countdown to Original Kickoff – Navarre Raiders – 5 days

August 16, 2020 by irishbillsports

5 days to the original kickoff of the 2020 HS Football season as Navarre would have been traveling to Gulf Breeze on 21 Aug 20. The season originally was scheduled to start on 27 Jul 20 (practice); but has now been delayed until 24 Aug 20.

5 games ago – Niceville 20, Navarre 7 (2019)

Box Score

Niceville…0 13 0 7 – 20

Navarre….0 7 0 0 – 7

The last season the Raiders (3-3, 0-2) lost three games in a row was in 2009. 2009 was also the last year that Navarre scored less than 10 points in back to back games.

After a scoreless first quarter, the Eagles got the board first when Will Koch scored on a 21 yard run at 10:56 of the second quarter. Koch would add touchdown number two on a 12-yard run at 6:18. Navarre’s only score of the night came on a 20-yard touchdown pass from Marlon Courtney III to Jaydin Antonio with 4:26 left in the half…Niceville 13-7 at the half.

Neither team could must any points in the third quarter as both teams defenses stood tall. Niceville would put the icing on the cake, when Koch connected with Dominic Annichiarico on a 30-yard score at 11:50 of the fourth quarter.

Courtney went 11-19 for 122 yards and a score and Tyler England hauled in six passes for 95 yards to lead Navarre’s offense. Antonio led the ground attack with 62 yards on 15 carries.

Koch finished the night 13-17 for 167 yards and a touchdown and added 56 yards on 13 carries and two touchdowns. Shawn Parker had 110 yards on 17 carries. Annichiarico was the leading receiver with four receptions for 52 yards and a touchdown.

Xayvion Thomas led the Raider defense with 10 tackles (8 solo/2 assists) and Jeffery Mattox added 8 tackles (3 solo/5 assists). Grady Kelly contributed three tackles for loss, a sack and two quarterback hurries.

Raiders who wore #5:

Tyler Manning – Class of 2000

Shermaine Jones – Class of 2004

Chris Haskins – Class of 2006

Lee Proctor – Class of 2008

Brad Leggett – Class of 2012 – played at Florida Tech

Brock Barberi – Class of 2014

Aaron Mitchell – Class of 2017

Dante Wright – Class of 2019 – playing at Colorado State University

Current Raider wearing #5:

Devin Wright – Class of 2022

5 – interceptions in a career – Lucas Thomas (2001-02)

5 – interceptions in a career – Michael Hagewood (2005-06)

5 – touchdown passes in a game – Austin Grimm (2006)

5 – interceptions in a season – Michael Hagewood (2006)

5 – interceptions in a career – Tre’von Allen (2007-09)

5 – caused fumbles in a career – Armani Williams (2007-09)

5 – fumble recoveries in a season – Chris Stapleton (2009) *

5 – blocked kicks in a career – Eugene Robinson (2009)

5 – blocked kicks in a season – Eugene Robinson (2009) *

5 – interceptions in a career – Johnny Robinson-Pettus (2010-12)

5 – rushing touchdowns in a game – Dwayne Carter II (2011)

5 – interceptions in a season – Nick Benton (2012)

5 – blocked kicks in a career – Joshua Carter (2015-18)

5 – wins against an opponent – West Florida (5-0)

Navarre is 3-2 in their last five games and leads the series against Niceville, 8-3.

News from the Rooftop

August 16, 2020August 15, 2020 by irishbillsports

Fall sports are set to begin on 24 Aug 2020 after the FHSAA Board of Directors voted in favor of Option 1 by a vote of 11-5. Schools have until 18 Sep 2020 to opt out of the State series.

The FHSAA Board of Director’s recommendation is only the beginning. Now the schools, administrators & coaches have to work out schedules. But bottom line everyone’s safety should still be the biggest concern.

Countdown to Original Kickoff – Navarre Raiders – 6 days

August 15, 2020 by irishbillsports

6 days to the original kickoff of the 2020 HS Football season as Navarre would have been traveling to Gulf Breeze on 21 Aug 20. The season originally was scheduled to start on 27 Jul 20 (practice); but has now been delayed until 24 Aug 20.

6 games ago – Pine Forest 24, Navarre 6 (2019)

Box Score

Navarre………0 3 3 0 – 6

Pine Forest…0 10 14 0 – 24

The last time the Raiders (3-2, 0-1) were held to no touchdowns in a game was in 2013 against Niceville (72 games ago). In this game, both teams combined to have 29 penalties in the game, Pine Forest with 18 and Navarre with 11.

After a scoreless first quarter, the Eagles got on the board first on a 4-yard run by Zy McWiliams at 11:52 of the second quarter. Pine Forest would then add a 36-yard field goal by Dakota Weaver with 3:51 left to take a 10-0 lead. Raider kicker Preston Penton would finally get the Raiders on the board with four seconds left in the half as he connected from 38 yards…10-3 Eagles at the half.

Eagles would stretch the lead to 17-3 after a one-yard run by McWilliams (his second on the night) at 10:08 of the third quarter. Penton then hit from 38 yards again to cut the lead to 17-6. But that would be as close as they would get as the Eagles Ladarius Clardy would close out the scoring at 1:21 with a 34-yard touchdown run.

The Raider offense struggled on the night as Marlon Courtney III hit only 10 of 23 passes for 144 yards and the rushing attack could only muster 54 yards on 23 carries.

Navarre’s defense had a trio of defenders that had 12 tackles; Jaden Rivera (8 solo/4 assists), Tyler England (8 solo/4 assists) and Bailey Huston (7 solo/5 assists/TFL). The Raiders also totaled seven tackles for loss, four sacks and nine quarterback hurries in the game.

Raiders who wore #6:

TE Jordan Leggett – Class of 2013 – National Champion at Clemson & was drafted by the NY Jets

WR Blake Malter – Class of 2014 – played at Huntingdon College (AL)

WR Jordan Ewing – Class of 2016

WR Jordan Williams – Class of 2017

QB Garon Finley – Class of 2019

Raider currently wearing #6:

WR A J Arno – Class of 2021

6 – fumble recoveries in a career – Walter Hill (2007-08)

6 – blocked kicks in a career – Johnny Robinson-Pettus (2010-12)

6 – fumble recoveries in a career – Nick Benton (2010-12)

6 – caused fumbles in a career – Nick Benton (2010-12)

6 – rushing touchdowns in a game – Dwayne Carter (2011) *

6 – interceptions in a season – Michael Sandle (2015) *

6 – rushing touchdowns in a game – Michael Carter (2016) *

6 – touchdown passes in a game – Marlon Courtney III (2019) *

* Navarre Record

Navarre is 3-3 in their last six games and is tied in the series against Pine Forest, 4-4.

Countdown to Original Kickoff – Navarre Raiders – 7 days

August 14, 2020 by irishbillsports

7 days to the original kickoff of the 2020 HS Football season as Navarre would have been traveling to Gulf Breeze on 21 Aug 20. The season originally was scheduled to start on 27 Jul 20 (practice); but has now been delayed until 24 Aug 20.

7 games ago – Lincoln 35, Navarre 20 (2019)

Box Score

Navarre…7 7 0 6 – 20

Lincoln…..7 14 7 7 – 35

The Raiders (3-1, 0-1) had not faced an opponent from Tallahassee since the heartbreaking 34-33 triple overtime loss to Lincoln in the 2010 Region Finals. On this Thursday night, they found themselves up against the Trojans once again.

Navarre scored first as Marlon Courtney III connected with Xayvion Thomas on a 39-yard scoring play at 7:32 of the first quarter. Lincoln would answer at the 6:28 mark when Marko Skarica hauled in a 56-yard catch from Chris Beard…7-7 after one.

Courtney put the Raiders back on top when he scampered in from the three at 8:59 of the second. Lincoln would respond two touchdo6wn passes, Beard to Sage Ennis (Clemson commit) for 27 yards and Perry Fisher to Ennis for 64 yards…Trojans 21-14 at the half.

The lone touchdown in the third quarter came when Beard threw his third touchdown of the night, 22 yards to Dominic Larry…28-14 Lincoln.

The Trojans stretched that lead out to 21 when Ennis ran one in from four yards out. Navarre would get on the board one more time, as Jaydin Antonio found the end zone from 6-yards out…Lincoln 35-20.

Courtney finished the night 13-21 for 228 yards and a touchdown. Tyler England had four receptions for 111 yards and Xayvion Thomas hauled in four for 77 yards and a score. Navarre was limited to 42 yards on 31 carries on the night.

The Raiders held the Trojans to 31 yards on 32 carries, but Lincoln passed for 333 yards on the night. It was a record breaking performance for Navarre’s defensive end Grady Kelly as led the defense with 11 tackles (8 TFL/7 sacks/8 QBH). The seven sacks in a game is a Navarre record.

Raiders who wore #7:

Trey Rose – Class of 2001

Colton Kane – Class of 2011 – played at Florida Atlantic & Mississippi Gulf Coast CC

Jordan Jones – Class of 2012

Mikul Smith – Class of 2013 – serving in U.S. Marine Corps

Will Robinson-Pettus – Class of 2014

Michael Carter – Class of 2017 – currently playing at University of North Carolina

Current Raider wearing #7:

Tyler Martinez – Class of 2021

7 – receiving touchdowns in a season – Stephen Crabtree (1999)

7 – receiving touchdowns in a season – Chris Weaver (2007)

7 – receiving touchdowns in a season – Brad Leggett (2010)

7 – sacks in a season – Chris Anderson (2010)

7 – sacks in a season – Virgilio Hunter (2010)

7 – blocked kicks in a career – Nick Benton (2010-12) *

7 – interceptions in a career – Elijah Appel – (2011-12)

7 – receiving touchdowns in a season – Jordan Leggett (2012)

7 – receiving touchdowns in a season – Quentin Randolph (2013)

7 – touchdowns in a game – Michael Carter (2016) *

7 – sacks in a game – Grady Kelly (2019) *

7 – playoff appearances – Jay Walls (2012-present) *

* Navarre Record

Navarre is 3-4 in their last seven games and trails in the series against Lincoln, 2-0.

Countdown to Original Kickoff – Navarre Raiders – 8 days

August 14, 2020 by irishbillsports

8 days to the original kickoff of the 2020 HS Football season as Navarre would have been traveling to Gulf Breeze on 21 Aug 20. The season originally was scheduled to start on 27 Jul 20 (practice); but has now been delayed until 24 Aug 20.

8 games ago – Navarre 21, Milton 13 (2019)

Box Score

Navarre…7 14 0 0 – 21

Milton …..0 7 0 6 – 13

The Raiders (3-0) went on the road for the first time in 2019 and brought home the win. Navarre’s defense got on the scoreboard first with a 2-yard fumble return by Brennen Payton at 4:16…that would be the only scoring of the first quarter.

Marlon Courtney III would find Trent Hall on a 21-yard touchdown pass at 8:09 of the second to the Raiders up 14-0. On the Panthers next drive, they would finally get on the board as Noah Wingate scored from the one. But Navarre would answer back at 3:41 as Courtney found a wide open Tyler England across the middle, who then outran the Milton defense for a 82-yard touchdown.

The only scoring of the second half came in the fourth quarter with 7:30 left as Wingate hooked up with freshman sensation Raymond Cottrell on a 11-yard scoring play.

Courtney finished the night 10-15 for 170 yards and two touchdowns, but also threw two interceptions. Tyler England hauled in five receptions for 112 yards and a touchdown.

The defense was led by Devin Wright’s 14 tackles (7 solo/7 assists) and Kobe Johnson’s 9 tackles (7 solo/2 assists). Grady Kelly pitched in two tackles for loss and a sack. Preston Penton went 3-3 on extra points.

Raiders who wore #8:

Maurice Allen – Class of 2001

Brandon Williams – Class of 2004

Jett Bryan – Class of 2008 – serving in U.S. Air Force

Tre’von Allen – Class of 2010

Andrew Rieves – Class of 2013

Gatlin Casey – Class of 2014 – played at Lehigh University (PA) & Middle Tennessee State (TN)

Nate Taylor – Class of 2016

Lee Jones – Class of 2017

Nathan Crews – Class of 2019

Logen Lee – Class of 2020

8 – fumble recoveries in a career – Brandon Williams (2001-03) *

8 – fumble recoveries in a career – Chris Stapleton (2009-10) *

8 – receptions in a game – Brad Leggett (2011)

8 – sacks in a season – Christian Gill (2013)

8 – receiving touchdowns in a season – Gatlin Casey (2013)

8 – receptions in a game – Cameron Mayweather (2014)

8 – sacks in a season – Kyle Arrasmith (2014)

8 – sacks in a season – Xavier Fernandez (2015 & 2016)

8 – receiving touchdowns in a season – Dante Wright (2018)

8 – receptions in a game – Tyler England (twice, 2019)

* Navarre Record

Navarre is 4-4 in their last eight games and leads the series against Milton, 12-8.

Countdown to Original Kickoff – Navarre Raiders – 9 days

August 12, 2020 by irishbillsports

9 days to the original kickoff of the 2020 HS Football season as Navarre would have been traveling to Gulf Breeze on 21 Aug 20. The season originally was scheduled to start on 27 Jul 20 (practice); but has now been delayed until 24 Aug 20.

9 games ago – Navarre 34, Pace 0 (2019)

Box Score

Pace……0 0 0 0 – 0

Navarre…13 14 7 0 – 34

The Raiders (2-0) got the scoring started at 6:35 of the first quarter when Jaydin Antonio found the end zone on a 26-yard run. Then, Marlon Courtney III connected with Gabe Davis on a 44-yard scoring strike…13-0 after one.

At 9:07 of the second quarter, Isaiah Miller scored his first Raider touchdown on a 6-yard run. With seven seconds left in the half, Trent Hall hauled in a 29-yard touchdown pass from Courtney to complete the first half scoring…27-0 Navarre.

On the Raiders first possession of the second half, Antonio scored his second rushing touchdown of the night, this one from 24 yards out to end the scoring on the night.

Courtney went 13-20 for 189 yards and two touchdowns. Tyler England led the receiving core with nine receptions for 75 yards and Antonio led the ground attack with 92 yards on 11 carries and two touchdowns.

Navarre’s defense stepped up and held Pace to 175 yards of total offense, to include only 65 yards on 48 carries (1.4 yards per carry). Devin Wright and Nate Hering led the defense with 10 tackles each (5 solo/5 assists/2 TFL) and the Raiders had 18 tackles for loss in the game led by Paul Schultz with four. Grady Kelly registered three of Navarre’s seven sacks.

Raiders who wore #9:

Tim Seay – Class of 2002

Matt Jahil – Class of 2006

Michael Pettus – Class of 2010

Dusty Jones – Class of 2012 – played baseball at LBW (AL)

Matt Privette – Class of 2013

Cameron Mayweather – Class of 2015 – played at Moorpark College (CA)

Robert Waltman – Class of 2016

Josh Doxey- Class of 2017

Devon Stotts – Class of 2018

Gabe Apongan – Class of 2020

9 – receiving touchdowns in a career – Chris Weaver (2005-07)

9 – receiving touchdowns in a season – Brad Leggett (2011)

9 – receptions in a game – Brad Leggett (twice in 2011)

9 – receptions in a game – Quentin Randolph (2014)

9 – interceptions in a career – Dante Wright (2016-18)

9 – receptions in a game – Tyler England (2019)

Navarre is 5-4 in their last nine games and leads the series against Pace, 11-7.

Countdown to Original Kickoff – Navarre Raiders – 10 days

August 11, 2020 by irishbillsports

10 days to the original kickoff of the 2020 HS Football season as Navarre would have been traveling to Gulf Breeze on 21 Aug 20. The season originally was scheduled to start on 27 Jul 20 (practice); but has now been delayed until 24 Aug 20.

10 games ago – Navarre 28. Gulf Breeze 21 (2019)

Box Score
Gulf Breeze…7 7 0 7 – 21
Navarre…..14 7 7 0 – 28

The Raiders (1-0) knocked off their Santa Rosa county foe for the 12th time in 13 tries, after dropping 7 of the first 8 games played in the series. On Navarre’s first drive of the season, Marlon Courtney III capped it off with a 20-yard pass to Jaydin Antonio. The Dolphins tied things with 3:38 to go in the quarter on a 2-yard run by Ryland McCurdy. The Raiders would answer right back as Courtney’s legs would get him in the end zone on a 16-yard scamper….14-7 after one.

Both teams would add rushing touchdowns in the second quarter. Courtney with his second rushing touchdown of the night and the Dolphins via Derek Nelsen’s 14-yard run. Navarre went on to score the only touchdown of the third quarter as Courtney connected with Tyler England on a 21-yard pass…28-14 Raiders.

McCurdy would add his second touchdown of the night on a 4-yard run at 8:30 of the fourth, but that would be as close as the Dolphins would get.

Courtney went 9-14 for 132 yards and two scores. Tyler England hauled in three receptions for 74 yards and Antonio pitched in two receptions for 56 yards. Antonio led the way on the ground with 70 yards on 15 carries.

The defense was led by Jeffery Mattox with 12 tackles (5 solo/7 assists), Mekhi Domino with 10 tackles (7 solo/3 assists/TFL) and Grady Kelly with 10 tackles (7 solo/3 assists/TFL). Jaden Rivera and Nate Hering had a sack each and Trent Hall had an interception and a fumble recovery.

Raiders who wore #10:
QB Zack Cook – Class of 2002
QB Austin Grimm – Class of 2008
QB Andrew Velasquez – Class of 2010
WR Ian Lockwood – Class of 2011

The #10 was retired in 2011 to honor Ian after his passing on 28 Jan 2011. “Live for the day, fight for tomorrow, Live Strong”.

10 – sacks in a career – Eugene Robinson (2007-09)
10 – sacks in a season – Victor Byers (2010)
10 – sacks in a career – Victor Byers (2009-10)
10 – sacks in a career – Bo Hering (2014-16)
10 – wins over an opponent – Crestview
10 – points scored in a game – 4 times (1998-present)

Navarre is 6-4 in their last 10 games and leads the series against Gulf Breeze, 13-8.

Countdown to Original Kickoff – Navarre Raiders – 11 days

August 15, 2020August 10, 2020 by irishbillsports

11 days to the original kickoff of the 2020 HS Football season as Navarre would have been traveling to Gulf Breeze on 21 Aug 20. The season originally was scheduled to start on 27 Jul 20 (practice); but has now been delayed until 24 Aug 20.

11 games ago – Crestview 49, Navarre 27 (2018) – Playoffs

Box Score

Crestview…7 0 14 28 – 49

Navarre…..13 0 14 0 – 27

The Raiders (11-2) last encounter in 2018 with the Bulldogs was an instant classic as they came back from a 28-0 deficit at the half to win in overtime. Things were looking favorable for Navarre on this night as well; that was until ole Uncle Mo reared his ugly head in the fourth quarter and Crestview ran off 28 straight points for the win and the Region 1 Title.

Marlon Courtney III got the scoring underway with a 3-yard run at 7:32 of the first. Then one series later, Chris Williams went in from 23 yards out to make it 13-0. The Bulldogs would get on the board at 1:36 as John Gillis connected with Jaden Voisin on a 35-yard scoring play…13-7 after one.

After a scoreless second quarter, Crestview would take their first lead on a 2-yard run by Jay Stanton, the first of his five touchdowns on the night at the 10:38 mark of the third. The Raiders bounced back as Courtney found Tyler England on a 33-yard pass play and went back on top 19-14. Stanton would score his second, this one on a 3-yard run at 6:26. Navarre would get the last touchdown of the third when Courtney hit Quinn Caballero on a 5-yard touchdown…Raiders up 27-21.

Three more touchdown runs by Stanton (6, 1, 26) and Jaden Voisin’s second touchdown reception (14) of the night sealed the victory for Crestview and sent them to the Class 7A State Semifinals.

Courtney completed 9-18 for 185 yards, and a touchdown. England had four receptions for 71 yards, Dante Wright had two for 63 yards and Caballero with five receptions for 61 yards. Chris Williams finished the night with 81 yards on 18 carries and a score.

Josh Carter finished his career as Navarre’s all-time leading tackler (334 tackle points) with 17 tackles (11 solo/6 assists) and Isaiah Heyward added 7 tackles (6 solo/assist).

Raiders who wore #11:

WR Lucas Willoughby – Class of 2003

QB Jeff VanCamp – Class of 2006 – played at Florida Atlantic

DB Steve Williams – Class of 2008

WR Will Posey – Class of 2011

QB Randal Spain – Class of 2012

WR Alex Eastwood – Class of 2013

DE/TE Kyle Arrasmith – Class of 2015 – played at Kennesaw State

K Brady Hammel – Class of 2016 – played at Shorter University and Miles College

WR Collin Gilmore – Class of 2017

WR Ben Hamilton – Class of 2018

Current Raider wearing #11:

WR Tim Brewer – Class of 2021

11 – tackles for loss in a career – Justin Guilmette (2003-04)

11 – tackles for loss in a career – T.J. Williams (2004-05)

11 – tackles for loss in a career – Eugene Robinson (2007-09)

11 – sacks in a career – Chris Anderson (2008-10)

11 – interceptions in a career – Nick Benton (2010-12) – Navarre Record

11 – sacks in a career – Kyle Arrasmith (2013-14)

11 – receptions in a game – Quentin Randolph (2014) – 2nd all-time

11 – interceptions in a career – Michael Sandle (2013-15) – Navarre Record

11 – sacks in a season – Josh Carter (2016)

11 – caused fumbles in a career – Josh Carter (2015-18) – Navarre Record

11 – tackles for loss in a season – Jordan Jefferson (2019)

11 – tackles for loss in a season – Grady Kelly (2019)

11 – playoff wins – Jay Walls (2012-present)

Navarre Raider Class of 2019:

3 – Chris Williams – RB

4 – Joshua Carter – LB/RB

5 – Dante Wright – WR/DB

7 – Garon Finley – QB

8 – Nathan Crews – DB

12 – Evan Gourley – DB

14 – Quinn Caballero – WR/DB

15 – Zach Simpson – WR

16 – Kevin Taich – K

17 – Anthony Brockum – WR

26 – Cameron Thomas – DB

28 – Matthew Downey – DB

41 – Peyton Law – LB

48 – Isaiah Heyward – LB

50 – Conner Brasell – LB

64 – Bryson Garner – OL

66 – Trey Campbell – OL/DL

75 – Cota Taylor – OL

79 – Klayton Dillard – OL

82 – Cody Thompson – WR

83 – Shane Grotke – WR

84 – Noah Melendez – WR

85 – Zack Taylor – WR

87 – Erik Anderson – TE

95 – Alex Gilchrist – DL

96 – Jacobi Smith – DL/P

97 – Mitchell Hunt – DL

99 – Jordan Jefferson – DL

Navarre is 6-5 in their last 11 games and leads the series against Crestivew, 10-7.

Navarre Raider History – 2001

August 9, 2020 by irishbillsports

Navarre faced a new opponent to start out the 2001 season, Charles Henderson High School out of Troy, Alabama, falling 28-13. Coach Danny Williams would lead the Raiders to their first five win season and .500 record.

Game Results

Charles Henderson (AL) 28, Navarre 13

Navarre 21, Catholic 9

Navarre 38, Walton 13

Woodham 26, Navarre 13

Pace 41, Navarre 21

Navarre 32, Bay 20

Milton 41, Navarre 34

Navarre 28, Crestview 21

Gulf Breeze 35, Navarre 12

Navarre 41, Gulf Shores (AL) 7

This would be the first season that the Raiders outscored their opponents, 253-241.

Navarre Raider Class of 2002:

4 – Darren Ayers

9 – Tim Seay

10 – Zack Cook

15 – Zach Silvey

30 – Adam Buchanan

34 – Frank Willis

38 – Chris Wells

56 – Justin Rogers

60 – Marco Garcia

63 – Mark Hemaseth

73 – John Eichling

83 – Raymond Acosta *

* Raymond later passed away in an auto accident in 2003.

Countdown to Original Kickoff – Navarre Raiders – 12 days

August 9, 2020August 9, 2020 by irishbillsports

12 days to the original kickoff of the 2020 HS Football season as Navarre would have been traveling to Gulf Breeze on 21 Aug 20. The season originally was scheduled to start on 27 Jul 20 (practice); but has now been delayed until 24 Aug 20.

12 games ago – Navarre 50, Escambia 22 (2018) – Playoffs

Box Score

Escambia…0 7 15 0 – 22

Navarre…..14 6 23 7 – 50

The Raiders (11-1) avenged their only loss of the regular season against the Gators. Marlon Courtney III scored on Navarre’s first possession at 10:10 with a 15-yard run; then he found Fernando Gomez for a 19-yard score…14-0 after one.

Escambia cut the lead to seven early in the second when Av Smith hit Chris Hale on a 75-yard strike. Kevin Taich would stretch the lead to 13 in the second quarter as he connected on two 37-yard FGs…Raiders up 20-7.

The scoring was early and often in the third quarter and Chris Williams got it going with a 38-yard run and Navarre had their biggest lead of the game. On the ensuing kickoff, Escambia’s Patrick Sanders broke free and returned the kick 92 yards for a score to cut the lead to 27-14. Raiders would score the next 10 on a 6-yard run from Joshua Carter and Taich’s third FG of the night. Gators Frank Pesant found the end zone from three yards out to get Escambia within 15 at 1:38; but Navarre would answer right back on Dante Wright’s 63-yard run…43-22 Raiders.

Jaydin Antonio would put the final touches on Navarre’s win with a one yard run at 6:14. Taich finished the night, 5-6 on extra points and went 3-3 on FGs; his best night as a Raider.

After throwing for over 300 yards in the first meeting, Navarre didn’t have to rely on their passing game as much, as Courtney completed 9-18 for 116 yards and a TD. Raiders turned to the running game and Williams led the way with 145 yards on 16 carries and Wright added 93 yards on three carries. Navarre finished the night with 343 yards on 46 carries.

On defense, Carter led the way again with 11 tackles (7 solo/4 assists) and Isaiah Heyward pitched in with 9 tackles (4 solo/5 assists/sack). The Raiders defense forced three turnovers on the night (interception/2 fumble recoveries) and also recorded a blocked FG.

Raiders who wore #12:

QB Seth Clark – Class of 2004

RB Derek Nelson – Class of 2007 – serving in U.S. Marine Corps

DB Noel Cook – Class of 2010

DB Nick Benton – Class of 2013 – played at Jacksonville University

DB/WR Michael Sandle – Class of 2016 – playing baseball at South Alabama

WR Sam Register – Class of 2018

DB/RB Evan Gourley – Class of 2019

Current Raider wearing #12:

LB Connor Eastwood – Class of 2021

12 – sacks in a season – Andrew Garcia (2010) – 2nd all-time

12 – tackles for loss in a career – Johnny Robinson-Pettus (2010-12)

12 – receiving touchdowns in a career – Jordan Leggett (2010-12)

12 – tackles for loss in a season – Bo Hering (2016)

12 – receiving touchdowns in a career – Tyler England (2018-19)

Navarre is 7-5 in their last 12 games and leads the series against Escambia, 7-3.