irishbillsports – Page 41 – Irish Bill's Sports

14 Seasons as a Navarre Raider Broadcaster

July 6, 2023 by irishbillsports

As I get ready to enter my 15th season broadcasting Navarre football in 2023, I look back to what has happened in the previous 14 seasons for me and the Raiders. Here goes…

Head Coaches

Chad Lashley – 3 seasons (19-14) – Raiders first two playoff wins, first trip to a Region Final and Navarre’s first 11-win season in 2010. Record against teams from Santa Rosa County (5-3); vs Gulf Breeze (3-0), vs Milton (1-1), vs Pace (1-2).

Jay Walls – 11 seasons (95-29) – Raiders first 12-win seasons and two trips to the State Semifinals (2012 & 2016) and eleven playoff wins overall (11-9). Record against teams from Santa Rosa County (32-3); vs Gulf Breeze (9-2), vs. Milton (10-1), vs Pace (13-0).

Two Navarre Alum have managed to work their way into the National Football League, both were drafted by the New York Jets. Jordan Leggett was selected with the sixth pick in the fifth round in 2017 out of Clemson and Michael Carter was selected with the second pick in the fourth round in 2021 out of North Carolina.

Leggett spent two years with the Jets, a season with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and on the practice team of the Denver Broncos in 2020 and compiled 114 yards on 14 receptions and a TD in his career. While Carter is getting ready to enter his third season with the Jets, in his first two seasons, he has compiled 402 rushing yards with three touchdowns and 288 receiving yards.

I can’t guarantee it, but in my humble opinion, these two will not be the last two Navarre Alum that will make it to the big stage!

Michael Sandle is currently working his way through the Houston Astros organization as he was drafted by the Astros in the 10th Round of the 2021 Major League Baseball Draft and is currently playing for the Asheville Tourists of the South Atlantic League (Advanced A).

Navarre Alum that are currently playing or are getting ready to play at the collegiate level:

Jordan Jefferson – LSU
Dante Wright – Temple
Mitchell Hunt – Harding University
Tyler England – Huntingdon College
Joshua Carter – Eastern Kentucky
Elijah Melendez – McNeese State
Zachary Marquis – North Carolina Wesleyan
Bailey Houston – Huntingdon College
Sebastian Melendez – Millsaps College
Devin Wright – University of West Florida
Grady Kelly – Colorado State University
Caden Howard – Huntingdon College
Kyle Chambers – Faulkner University
Derek Percivalle – Webber International
Trent Hall – Webber International
Davion Hardy – Warner University
Dwayne Clark Jr – Huntingdon College
Isaac Cole – Birmingham Southern
Ethan Newman – Kennesaw State University

Who will be the next Navarre Raider to make it to the big stage?

This is why I look forward to every season, to bring you Navarre Raider football on IrishBillSports.com. Once again, Bob Grant will join me in the booth for another exciting year of Raider football.

50 Days to Kickoff – Navarre Raiders

July 6, 2023 by irishbillsports

50 days to kickoff of the 2023 Florida High School football season as the Navarre Raiders will host the Catholic Crusaders on 25 Aug 2023 at the comfy confines of Bennett C. Russell Stadium.

50 games ago – Navarre 35, Catholic 7 (2018)

Navarre…0 14 14 7 – 35
Catholic…0 7 0 0 – 7

Marlon Courtney III accounted for three touchdowns (2 passing/1 rushing) in his first start for the Raiders. Chris Williams led the rushing attack with 19 carries for 113 yards and a score.

Dante Wright added four receptions for 87 yards and two TDs, Tyler England contributed 87 yards on seven receptions and Quinn Caballero hauled in a 33-yard touchdown.

Nathan Crews led the defense with seven tackles and Joshua Carter added six in the win. Kevin Taich was a perfect 5-5 on XPs.

50th win in school history – Navarre 49, Walton 27 (2009)

Navarre…14 7 21 7 – 49
Walton…0 21 6 0 – 27

On a blustery night in Defuniak Springs, the Raiders managed to find their first victory of the season after five straight losses to start the 2009 campaign.

Sophomore RB Dwayne Carter did most of the damage on the ground (180+ yards).

Raiders that have worn #50:
OL John Simmons – Class of 2003 – played at Delta State University (MS)
DL/OL Mark Gallrein – Class of 2006
LB Brian Baswell – Class of 2009 – serving in U.S. Army
DL/OL Mitch Posey – Class of 2013
OL Sean Dunlap – Class of 2015
OL Matthew McLeod – Class of 2016
LB Connor Brasell – Class of 2019
DL/OL Braxton Barr – Class of 2025

Statistics that involve #50:
50 – assisted tackles in a career – Frank Willis (1999-2001)
50 – assisted tackles in a career – Johnny Robinson-Pettus (2010-12)
50 – points scored in a season – Michael Carter (2013)
50 – solo tackles in a season – Xavier Fernandez (2014)
50 – points scored in a season – Quentin Randolph (2014)
50 – assisted tackles in a career – Jay Klosinski (2014-15)
50 – total tackles (solo/assists) in a season – Royce Thomas (2016)
50 – points scored in a game – vs. Escambia (Playoffs – 2018)
50 – total tackles (solo/assists) in a season – Matthew Downey (2018)
50 – total tackles (solo/assists) in a season – Tyler England (2019)
50 – points scored in a game – vs. Choctaw (2020)
50 – points scored in a season – Terence Marshall (2021)

The first time that the Raiders scored at least 50 points in a game was against Gulf Shores (AL) in 2000, 54-0. The first time Navarre allowed at least 50 points was against Walton in 1999, 62-29.

Navarre is 36-14 in their last 50 games and leads the overall series against Catholic, 13-8.

52 Days to Kickoff – Navarre Raiders

July 4, 2023 by irishbillsports

***HAPPY 4TH OF JULY***

52 days to kickoff of the 2023 Florida High School football season as the Navarre Raiders will host the Catholic Crusader on 25 Aug 2023 at the comfy confines of Bennett C. Russell Stadium.

52 games ago – Navarre 49, Niceville 47 (Playoffs – 2017)

Niceville…14 3 21 9 – 47
Navarre…14 7 21 7 – 49

The Raiders hosted the Eagles for the second straight week, this one with a lot more at stake in the first week of the State Playoffs.

Sage Chambers finished the night 19-24 for 380 yards, 4 TDs and a rushing TD. Dante Wright hauled in four receptions for 144 yards and four touchdowns (3 receiving/1 rushing). while Quinn Caballero contributed seven receptions for 107 yards. The 380 yards passing by Chambers is the second most yards passing in a single game in Navarre history (only behind Matthew Webb’s, 382).

Cade Taylor led the Navarre defense with nine tackles and Josh Carter added seven in the win.

1st Quarter
9:56 – 75-yard pass, Dante Wright from Sage Chambers, Kevin Taich kick (Navarre)
6:48 – 2-yard run, TJ Pope, Alex Connor kick (Niceville)
4:15 – 15-yard run, Wright, Taich kick (Navarre)
2:47 – 32-yard run, Jack White, Connor kick (Niceville)

2nd Quarter
9:58 – 25-yard FG, Connor (Niceville)
0:09 – 50-yard pass, Wright from Chambers, Taich kick (Navarre)

3rd Quarter
9:27 – 2-yard run, White, Connor kick (Niceville)
6:40 – 2-yard run, Josh Carter, Taich kick (Navarre)
5:41 – 6-yard run, Brooks Alexander, Connor kick (Niceville)
2:42 – 1-yard run, Chambers, Taich kick (Navarre)
2:27 – 78-yard pass, Ryan Romair from White, Connor kick (Niceville)
1:55 – 55-yard pass, Garren Harper from Chambers, Taich kick (Navarre)

4th Quarter
8:53 – 12-yard pass, Wright from Chambers, Taich kick (Navarre)
5:41 – 23-yard FG, Connor (Niceville)
1:20 – 35-yard pass, Jacob Edelman from White, 2-pt conv no good (Niceville)

52nd win in school history – Navarre 42, Gulf Breeze 12 (2009)

After starting the season with five straight losses, the Raiders won three of their last five games to finish up the 2009 campaign at 3-7.

Raiders that have worn #52:
OL James Kempton – Class of 2003
LB Asa Dalphone – Class of 2007 – serving in U.S. Marine Corps
DL David Vincent Wills – Class of 2010
LB Michael Lauber – Class of 2011
LB Marc Collins – Class of 2017
DL Grady Kelly – Class of 2021 – currently playing at Colorado State University
LB Paddy Freeman – Class of 2023

Statistics that involve #52:
52 – solo tackles in a career – Rocky Brock (1999-2000)
52 – assisted tackles in a career – Kevin Moore (1999-2000)
52 – assisted tackles in a career – Adam Hamilton (2007-08)
52 – assisted tackles in a season – Damontell Thompson (2013)
52.5 – tackle points in a season – Alex Todd (2013)
52 – solo tackles in a season – Bo Hering (2014)
52 – tackle points in a season – Dylan Main (2014)
52 – points scored in a season – Brady Hammel (2015)
52 – total tackles (solo/assists) in a season – Aaron Mitchell (2015)
52.5 – tackles points in a season – Dante Wright (2017)
52 – total tackles (solo/assists) in a season – James Segrest (2017)
52 – total tackles (solo/assists) in a season – Xayvion Thomas (2018)
52 – points scored in a season – Preston Penton (2019)
52 – total tackles (solo/assists) in a season – Mekhi Domino (2020)

Navarre is 37-15 in their last 52 games and leads the overall series against Niceville, 8-5.

53 Days to Kickoff – Navarre Raiders

July 3, 2023 by irishbillsports

53 days to kickoff of the 2023 Florida High School football season as the Navarre Raiders will host the Catholic Crusaders on 25 Aug 2023 at the comfy confines of Bennett C. Russell Stadium.

53 games ago – Navarre 42, Niceville 20 (2017)

Niceville…0 7 13 0 – 20
Navarre…0 14 14 14 – 42

Kevon Washington found green pastures as he returned an interception 28 yards to get the scoring going for the Raiders and Dante Wright added a 66-yard interception return to put Navarre up at the half, 14-7.

Wright also scored on a 39-yard run and a six yard reception, while Joshua Carter pitched in two touchdowns (10-yard rushing/25-yard receiving).

Cade Taylor led the Raiders defense with 12 tackles and Carter added nine tackles. Kevin Taich went 6-6 on extra points.

53rd win in school history – Navarre 14, Fort Walton Beach 0 (2010)

Fort Walton…0 0 0 0 – 0
Navarre…0 0 7 7 – 14

The Raiders defense held the Vikings to 173 total yards (161 passing/12 rushing) in the opening game of the 2010 season.

Raiders that have worn #53:
DL Clifton Becker – Class of 2003
OL Austin Lewis – Class of 2005
OL Troy Fletcher – Class of 2011
LB Luke Hines – Class of 2022
LB Hedwin Garcia – Class of 2024

Statistics that involve #53:
53 – assisted tackles in a career – Troy Rivera (2000-02)
53 – tackle points in a season – Dylan Main (2014)
53.5 – tackle points in a season – Everette Alford (2014)
53.5 – tackle points in a season – Tyson Brown (2016)
53 – solo tackles in a career – Tyson Brown (2015-16)
53.5 – tackle points in a season – James Segrest (2017)
53.5 – tackle points in a career – Alex Gilchrist (2017-18)
53.5 – tackle points in a season – Jordan Jefferson (2018)
53 – points scored against Washington (2018)
53 – points scored against Choctaw (2018)
53 – points scored in a season – Kevin Taich (2018)
53 – tackle points in a season – Xayvion Thomas (2018)
53.5 – tackle points in a season – Jordan Jefferson (2018)
53 – carries in a season – Jaden Rivera (2019)
53 – solo tackles in a career – Bailey Huston (2019-20)
53 – tackle points in a season – Devin Wright (2020)

Navarre is 48-15 in their last 53 games and leads the overall series against Niceville, 8-5.

54 Days to Kickoff – Navarre Raiders

July 2, 2023 by irishbillsports

54 days to kickoff of the 2023 Florida High School football season as the Navarre Raiders will host the Catholic Crusader on 25 Aug 2023 at the comfy confines of Bennett C. Russell Stadium.

54 games ago – Navarre 29, Gulf Breeze 23 (2017)

Navarre…0 21 0 8 – 29
Gulf Breeze…7 7 9 0 – 23

It was a blustery Publix Beach Bowl Cup, but the Raiders managed to score enough in both quarters that they had the wind at their back. Dante Wright sealed the Dolphins fate as he intercepted a Dylon Kelley pass late in the fourth quarter.

Sage Chamber completed five of nine passes for 116 yards and two touchdowns, and added a rushing touchdown as well. Joshua Carter led the Navarre rushing attack with 108 yards on eight carries.

Carter and Cade Taylor paced the Raider defense with 16 tackles each and Nolan Garrett added 10 tackles.

54th win in school history – Navarre 42, Walton 36 (2010)

Walton…3 26 7 0 – 36
Navarre…7 6 9 20 – 42

Navarre found themself down to Walton 29-13 at the half after the Braves put up a 26-spot on the Raiders in the second quarter. Walton still led at the end of the third, 36-22, but it would be all Navarre in the fourth as they rallied for the victory.

Liam Miller (28-51, 422 yards, 4 TDs) and Corliss Stone (10 receptions, 219 yards, 2 TDs) led the Braves offense, but their inability to put a running game together was their downfall in the end.

Raiders that have worn #54:
LB Lloyd Heflin – Class of 2001
OL/DL Connor Bryan – Class of 2005
LB Ronnie Wesson – Class of 2009
LB Michael Venegas – Class of 2011
LB Aubrey Wesson – Class of 2015
OL Tim Elenz – Class of 2018
DL Roger Adams – Class of 2020
LB Fuller Judkins – Class of 2024

Statistics that involve #54:
54 – points scored against Gulf Shores (Week 9 – 2000)
54 – solo tackles in a career – Kris Metcalf (2000-02)
54 – points scored in a season – Luke Morton (2014)
54 – points scored in a season – Michael Carter (2015)
54 – points scored in a season – Michael Sandle (2015)
54 – total tackles (solo/assists) in a season – Marc Struck (2016)
54 – total tackles (solo/assists) in a season – Nolan Garrett (2016)
54 – solo tackles in a career – Nolan Garrett (2016-17)
54 – points scored in a season – Omari Green (2017)
54 – solo tackles in a season – Isaiah Heyward (2018)
54 – total points in a season – Taylor Gardner (2022)

Navarre is 39-15 in their last 54 games and leads the overall series against Gulf Breeze, 15-9.

55 Days to Kickoff – Navarre Raiders

July 1, 2023 by irishbillsports

55 days to kickoff of the 2023 Florida High School football season as the Navarre Raiders will host the Catholic Crusaders on 25 Aug 2023 at the comfy confines of Bennett C. Russell Stadium.

55 games ago – Navarre 28, Milton 7 (2017)

Navarre…0 14 14 0 – 28
Milton…0 7 0 0 – 7

Sage Chambers got the Raiders back on the winning track as he completed 13 of 19 passes for 217 yards and two TDs. His favorite target on the night was Dante Wright as he had five receptions for 133 yards and two touchdowns. Wright added a 37-yard TD run as well.

Joshua Carter led the defense with 10 tackles and Cade Taylor added nine. Jordan Jefferson had two of Navarre’s seven sacks in the game.

55th win in school history – Catholic 42, Navarre 21 (2010)

Navarre lost the game on the field of play, but eventually was awarded a win when a Catholic player who had played in the game was deemed ineligible.

Raiders that have worn #55:
Joe Williams – Class of 2000 – first graduating class
OL Patrick Burch – Class of 2004 – walked on at Alabama as a TE
DL/LS James Segrest – Class of 2019 – playing at University of Louisiana
DL TJ Pemberton – Class of 2021
DL Kiohne Moso – Class of 2023

Statistics that involve #55:
55 – receptions in a season – Brad Leggett (2011)
55 – receptions in a season – Jordan Leggett (2012)
55 – tackle points in a career – Dylan Main (2013-14)
55 – points scored against FWB (Week 5 – 2015)
55 – assisted tackles in a career – Anthony “The Unit” Miller (2014-15)
55.5 – tackle points in a season – Jordan Jefferson (2018)
55 – solo tackles in a career – Xayvion Thomas (2018-19)
55 – assisted tackles in a career – Jeffery Mattox (2018-19)

Navarre is 40-15 in their last 55 games and leads the overall series against Milton, 13-9.

56 Days to Kickoff – Navarre Raiders

June 30, 2023 by irishbillsports

56 days (8 weeks) to kickoff of the 2023 Florida High School football season as the Navarre Raiders will host the Catholic Crusaders on 25 Aug 2023 at the comfy confines of Bennett C. Russell Stadium.

56 games ago – Escambia 35, Navarre 27 (2017)

Escambia…0 6 7 22 – 35
Navarre…21 6 0 0 – 27

The Raiders jumped out to a 27-6 lead at the half, but were held scoreless in the second half as the Gators ran off 29 straight points for the come from behind victory and handed Navarre their only loss of the regular season.

Navarre was held to 205 total yards of offense (146 passing/59 rushing). Sage Chambers completed 10-20 passes for 146 yards and a score and Dante Wright added four receptions for 96 yards and a TD.

The Raiders defense tallied two touchdowns. Dante Wright returned an interception 99 yards (school record) and Joshua Carter returned another interception 46 yards for another score. Carter led the team with 20 tackles, Bryson Brewer contributed 12 tackles and Wright added 10.

56th win in school history – Navarre 42, Crestview 0 (2010)

Navarre’s defense produced their second shutout of the season to improve to 4-1.

Raiders that have worn #56:
Justin Rogers – Class of 2002
Tyler Brown – Class of 2003
OL Michael Andrade – Class of 2008
OL Justin Bishop – Class of 2010
LB Bo Hering – Class of 2017 – played at Maryville College (TN)
LB/LS Mark Diaz – Class of 2019
LB Vinny Villanova – Class of 2025

Statistics that involve #56:
56 – solo tackles in a career – Victor Byers (2009-10)
56 – solo tackles in a career – Michael Arnold (2009-10)
56 – points scored against Niceville (Week 4 – 2011)
56 – assisted tackles in a season – Howie Walker (2013)
56.5 – tackle points in a season – Anthony “The Unit” Miller (2015)
56 – total tackles (solo/assists) in a season – Ryan Diamco (2015)
56 – points scored against Catholic (Week 1 – 2017)
56 – points scored in a season – Josh Carter (2018)
56 – tackle points in a career – Mekhi Domino (2019-20)
56 – solo tackles in a season – Hunter Crowder (2021)
56 – solo tackles in a season – Dante Core (2022)
56 – tackle points in a season – Joshua WIlson (2022)
56 – total tackles (solo/assists) in a season – Connor Black (2022)

Navarre is 41-15 in their last 56 games and leads the overall series against Escambia, 7-3.

57 Days to Kickoff – Navarre Raiders

June 29, 2023 by irishbillsports

57 days to kickoff of the 2023 Florida High School football season as the Navarre Raiders will host the Catholic Crusaders on 25 Aug 2023 at the comfy confines of Bennett C. Russell Stadium.

57 games ago – Navarre 49, Pace 35 (2017)

Pace…14 7 7 7 – 35
Navarre…7 28 7 7 – 49

Pace ran 80 plays (40 more plays than Navarre) on the night, but it was the Raiders that outgained the Patriots in total yardage (438 to 422).

Navarre had three individuals rush for over 100 yards…Omari Green (8 carries, 139 yards, 2 TDs), Dante Wright (5 carries, 132 yards, 2 TDs) and Chris Williams (13 carries, 125 yards, TD).

The Raiders had four players produce double digit tackles; Joshua Carter (16 tackles), Cade Taylor (14 tackles), Cameron Thomas (11 tackles) and Matthew Downey (10 tackles, interception). Kevin Taich was a perfect 7-7 on extra point attempts.

57th win in school history – Navarre 49, Milton 20 (2010)

Ian Lockwood was fighting for his life (brain tumor) and this would be the last game that he would ever play as a Raider. His Doctor stated that he shouldn’t play; but Ian wouldn’t have missed the game for anything. Ian would go out in style, as he scored his only two touchdowns in his High School career.

Raiders that have worn #57:
DE Danny Wilson – Class of 2004
DL Nick Jolly – Class of 2006
LB Tyler Dearing – Class of 2008
DL Justin Schipani – Class of 2010
DL Dyllan Rogers – Class of 2013
OL Daniel Bost – Class of 2018
LB Nate Hering – Class of 2021
OL/DL Elijah Manuel – Class of 2024

Statistics that involve #57:
57 – assisted tackles in a career – Armani Williams (2007-09)
57 – receptions in a career – Blake Malter (2012-13)
57 – points scored in a game – vs. Catholic (2015)
57 – tackle points in a season – Cade Taylor (2016)
57 – total tackles (solo/assists) in a season – Charlie Alevras (2016)
57 – made extra points in a season – Dante Wright (2016)

Navarre is 41-16 in their 57 games and leads the overall series against Pace, 14-7.

58 Days to Kickoff – Navarre Raiders

June 28, 2023 by irishbillsports

58 days to kickoff of the 2023 Florida High School football season as the Navarre Raiders will host the Catholic Crusaders on 25 Aug 2023 at the comfy confines of Bennett C. Russell Stadium.

58 games ago – Navarre 27, Pine Forest 14 (2017)

Navarre…7 7 7 6 – 27
Pine Forest…0 7 7 0 – 14

Sage Chambers passed for 184 yards and three touchdowns and added a rushing score as well. Dante Wright hauled in seven receptions for 166 yards and three touchdowns and Chris Williams pitched in 92 yards on 20 carries as Navarre improved to 4-0 on the season.

Joshua Carter led the defense with eight tackles and Cade Taylor contributed seven tackles, two sacks and two tackles for loss. The Raiders had seven sacks and 10 tackles for loss on the night.

58th win in school history – Navarre 51, Escambia 7 (2010)

Navarre won for the third straight week and improved to 6-1 on the season.

Raiders that have worn #58:
DL Taylor Greene – Class of 2004
LB Brendan Greene – Class of 2007
OL James Coakley – Class of 2011
OL Dontray Noel – Class of 2015
LB Mark Letavish – Class of 2018
LB Mason Mallory – Class of 2021
OL/DL Parker Mays – Class of 2025

Statistics that involve #58:
58 – solo tackles in a season – Robert Roux (2007)
58 – total tackles (solo/assists) in a season – Marcus Mays (2013)
58 – points scored in a season – Luke Morton (2013)
58 – assisted tackles in a season – Bo Hering (2016)
58 – total tackles (solo/assists) in a season – Cameron Thomas (2017)
58 – points scored in a season – Kevin Taich (2017)
58.5 – tackle points in a season – Jeffery Mattox (2019)
58 – total solo tackles in a career – Grady Kelly (2018-20)
58 – tackle points in a career – Connor Eastwood (2019-20)
58 – tackle points in a season – Andre Spence (2022)

Navarre is 42-16 in their last 58 games and trails in the overall series against Pine Forest, 5-4.

59 Days to Kickoff – Navarre Raiders

June 27, 2023June 27, 2023 by irishbillsports

59 days to kickoff of the 2023 Florida High School football season as the Navarre Raiders will host the Catholic Crusader on 25 Aug 2023 at the comfy confines of Bennett C. Russell Stadium.

59 games ago – Navarre 41, Choctaw 24 (2017)

Choctaw…0 17 0 7 – 24
Navarre…7 7 14 13 – 41

Sage Chambers completed 10-17 passes for 174 yards and three touchdowns. Dante Wright hauled in two of those touchdowns (4 receptions, 87 yards) and Bryson Brewer caught the other.

Omari Green added 17 carries for 151 yards and a TD and Joshua Carter contributed two special teams touchdowns in the win.

James Segrest led the Raiders defense with 10 tackles and two sacks and Nolan Garrett pitched in with two sacks of his own as Navarre recorded eight sacks on the night.

59th win in school history – Navarre 31, Pace 21 (2010)

Navarre ventured into Pace looking for their first win in seven tries against the Patriots. While donning their Live Strong jerseys, they walked away with just that; their first victory ever against Pace.

Raiders that have worn #59:
OL Phillip Pybus – Class of 2008
DL Andrew Garcia – Class of 2011
OL Chris Hering – Class of 2015 – played at Huntingdon College (AL)
LB Jared Burnham – Class of 2017

Statistics that involve #59:
59 – tackle points in a season – Damontell Thompson (2013)
59 – solo tackles in a season – Bo Hering (2013)
59 – solo tackles in a season – Thomas Leggett (2014)
59 – tackle points in a season – Caleb Dale (2016)
59 – total touchdowns in a career – Dante Wright (2016-18) – 2nd All-Time
59 – carries in a season – Joshua Carter (2018)
59 – tackle points in a season – Dante Core (2022)

Navarre is 43-16 in their last 59 games and lead the overall series against Choctaw, 9-7.