Uncategorized – Page 32 – Irish Bill's Sports

4 Days to Kickoff – Navarre Raiders

August 21, 2023 by irishbillsports

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

4 games ago – Navarre 23, Pace 21 (2022)

Pace…7 7 0 7 – 21
Navarre…7 9 7 0 – 23

With the win the Raiders (7-1, 3-0) set up a match-up against Gulf Breeze next week for all the marbles in District 4S-1. Connor Mathews got the nod over the injured Eddie Love Jr at running back and what a performance it was as he rushed for 198 yards on 22 carries. Anthony Gassaway added 72 yards on 18 carries and Navarre’s only rushing touchdown on the night.

Hunter Pfeister found Jadon Reese on both of his TD passes and Terence Marshall contributed six receptions for 44 yards. Connor Black led the defense with 11 tackles and an interception while Andre Spence added eight tackles. Taylor Gardner connected on 37-yard field goal in the win.

4th win in program history – Navarre 34, Sneads 27 (1998)

This was the only time that these two teams have met on the gridiron. The Raiders finished their first varsity season in school history at 4-5. This would be Kenny Hughes only season at the helm.

Raiders that have worn #4:
Darren Ayers – Class of 2002
RB/DB Chris Hartke – Class of 2005
PK Adam Brummett – Class of 2006
DB Josh Nicdao – Class of 2008
WR/DB Billy Mitchell – Class of 2009 – played at Marshall University
DB Giovanni Flowers – Class of 2011
DB Demetrius Brown – Class of 2012 – played at Huntingdon College
QB Matthew Webb – Class of 2015 – played at Huntingdon College
DL/LB/RB Joshua Carter – Class of 2019 – played at USA & currently playing at Eastern Kentucky
RB Jaydin Antonio – Class of 2020
QB Zach Marquis – Class of 2021 – currently playing at North Carolina Wesleyan
DB Curran Oberg – Class of 2024
DB Dante Core – Class of 2025 – transferred to Fort Walton Beach

Statistics that involve #4:
4 – caused fumbles in a career – Frank Willis (1999-2001)
4 – caused fumbles in a career – Connor Bryan (2002-04)
4 – fumble recoveries in a season – Brandon Williams (2003)
4 – interceptions in a season – Michael Hagewood (2006)
4 – interceptions in a season – Billy Mitchell (2008)
4 – fumble recoveries in a season – Walter Hill (2008)
4 – caused fumbles in a season – Armani Williams (2009) – Navarre Record
4 – interceptions in a season – Johnny Robinson-Pettus (2010)
4 – blocked kicks in a season – Nick Benton (2012)
4 – interceptions in a season – Michael Sandle (2013)
4 – blocked kicks in a career – Michael Sandle (2013-15)
4 – touchdown passes in a game – Matthew Webb (2014)
4 – caused fumbles in a career – Anthony Miller (2014-15)
4 – blocked kicks in a career – Xavier Fernandez (2015-17)
4 – rushing touchdowns in a game – Michael Carter (twice, 2016)
4 – caused fumbles in a season – Joshua Carter (twice, 2016 & 18) – Navarre Record
4 – touchdown passes in a game – Sage Chambers (2017)
4 – interceptions in a season – Dante Wright (2017 & 2018)
4 – rushing touchdowns in a game – Dante Wright (2018)
4 – touchdown receptions in a game – Tyler England (2019) – Navarre Record
4.5 – sacks in a season – Kiohne Moso (2022)
4 – caused fumbles in a season – Dwayne Clark Jr (2022)

Navarre is 2-2 in their last 4 games and leads the overall series against Pace, 14-7.

5 Days to Kickoff – Navarre Raiders

August 20, 2023 by irishbillsports

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

5 games ago – Navarre 34, Milton 27 (2022)

Milton…7 6 7 7 – 27
Navarre…12 0 15 7 – 34

The Raiders moved to 2-0 in District play as they held on against their Santa Rosa foe. Hunter Pfeister led the way as he completed 12 of 19 passes for 175 yards and two touchdowns and contributed 66 yards on four carries.

Eddie Love Jr added 149 yards on 10 carries and a TD and Anthony Gassaway produced the other rushing touchdown. Jadon Reese continued his stellar senior season as he hauled in seven receptions for 68 yards and both of Pfeister’s TD passes.

Navarre had three defenders with double digit tackles: Andre Spence with 15, Dwayne Clark Jr and Connor Black adding 10 each. Terence Marshall returned a kick for a touchdown for the second straight game, this time from 74 yards out in the win.

5th win in program history – Navarre 39, Port St Joe 20 (1999)

The Raiders started their first season where they had a Senior Class and the first year for Coach Danny Williams. Coach Williams would go on to lead the Raider program for three seasons (12-18).

The coaching staff for that season consisted of Danny Williams, Chris Martello, Larry Olson, Andy O’Daniel, Jason Weeks, Greg Taylor, Joshua Magroo and Bill Jernigan.

Raiders that have worn #5:
Tyler Manning – Class of 2000
DL Shermaine Jones – Class of 2004
DB Chris Haskins – Class of 2006
DB Lee Proctor – Class of 2008
WR Brad Leggett – Class of 2012 – played at Florida Tech
DB Brock Barberi – Class of 2014
LB/RB Aaron Mitchell – Class of 2017
DB/WR Dante Wright – Class of 2019 – played at Colorado State; currently playing at Temple
TE/LB Devin Wright – Class of 2022 – playing at University of West Florida
WR/DB Tyrell Marshall – Class of 2024 – committed to Memphis (TN)

Statistics that involve #5:
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) – Navarre Record
5 – blocked kicks in a career – Eugene Robinson (2009)
5 – blocked kicks in a season – Eugene Robinson (2009) – Navarre Record
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 – touchdown receptions in a season – Terence Marshall (2022)

Navarre is 3-2 in their last 5 games and leads the overall series against Milton, 13-9.

6 Days to Kickoff – Navarre Raiders

August 19, 2023 by irishbillsports

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

6 games ago – Navarre 38, Mosley 35 (2022)

Navarre…7 14 7 10 – 38
Mosley…13 7 7 8 – 35

Had the privilege of broadcasting this game with my son Brady and what a game it was. The Raiders fell behind 35-28 with less than six minutes to go in the game but pulled even with even when Hunter Pfeister found Eddie Love Jr on a 24-yard scoring play on fourth down at the 5:40 mark. The defense held the Dolphins on their next series and worked into Taylor Gardner’s range and he connected with four seconds left to give Navarre the hard-fought victory.

Pfeister didn’t end up with a high efficiency passing game (12-26, 224 yards, 2 TDs, 2 ints) but did step up to the plate when needed. Love had quite a night as he finished with 200 yards rushing on 32 carries and a rushing touchdown and Jadon Reese pitched in with six receptions for 113 yards.

Dante Core led the defense with eight tackles, while Andre Spence chipped in with seven and a huge pick 6. Mack Smith added two sacks and three quarterback hurries and Terence Marshall returned a kickoff 90-yards for a score. Gardner was 3-4 on extra points and the game winning kick.

6th win in program history – Navarre 38, Straughn AL 8 (1999)

Straughn (AL) was Navarre’s very opponent in the program history in 1998. Straughn HS located near Andalusia was founded in 1886 and was known as the Haygood School.

Raiders that have worn #6:
QB Christopher Murray – Class of 2003
TE Jordan Leggett – Class of 2013 – National Champion at Clemson & was drafted by the NY Jets (5th Round)
WR Blake Malter – Class of 2014 – played at Huntingdon (AL)
WR Jordan Ewing – Class of 2016
WR Jordan Williams – Class of 2017
QB Garon Finley – Class of 2019
WR AJ Arno – Class of 2021
DB Austin Wright – Class of 2022
TE Ricky Riley – Class of 2023
WR Devin McNicholas – Class of 2024

Statistics that involve #6:
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) – Record
6 – rushing touchdowns in a game – Michael Carter (2016) – Navarre Record
6 – touchdown passes in a game – Marlon Courtney III (2019) – Navarre Record
6 – wins against an opponent – vs. Washington (6-0)
6 – points scored against an opponent – 4 times (1998-2022)
6 – tackles for loss in a season – Mack Smith (2022)

Navarre is 4-2 in their last 6 games and is tied in the overall series against Mosley, 3-3.

7 Days to Kickoff – Navarre Raiders

August 18, 2023 by irishbillsports

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

7 games ago – Navarre 38, Leon 7 (2022)

Leon…0 7 0 0 – 7
Navarre…14 7 10 7 – 38

The Raiders won their third straight against the Lions as Hunter Pfeister went 7-12 for 85 yards and two scores, Jadon Reese and Eddie Love Jr were on the receiving end of those TD passes.

On the ground, Love had another solid night (16 carries, 181 yards, TD) and Reese and Connor Mathews added rushing touchdowns as well.

Dwayne Clark Jr led the Navarre defense with 10 tackles and two tackles for loss and Kiohne Moss contributed two of the Raiders six sacks on the night. Taylor Gardner had a perfect night as he went 5-5 on extra points and made his only field goal attempt from 28 yards.

7th win in program history – Navarre 20, Holmes County 14 (1999)

First of three meetings against Holmes County…the Raiders have won all three games and have outscored the Blue Devils, 102-33.

Raiders that have worn #7:
Trey Rose – Class of 2001
QB Colton Kane – Class of 2011 – played at Florida Atlantic & Mississippi Gulf Coast CC
DB Jordan Jones – Class of 2012
DB Mikul Smith – Class of 2013 – serving in U.S. Marine Corps
DB Will Robinson-Pettus – Class of 2014
RB Michael Carter – Class of 2017 – played at UNC & currently playing with NY Jets
RB/LB Jaden Rivera – Class of 2021
QB Kyle Chambers – Class of 2022
LB Dwayne Clark Jr – Class of 2023
WR Nate Hanson – Class of 2024

Statistics that involve #7:
7 – wins against an opponent – Escambia (2009-21)
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) – Navarre Record
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) – Navarre Record
7 – sacks in a game – Grady Kelly (2019) – Navarre Record

Navarre is 5-2 in their last 7 games and leads the overall series against Leon, 3-0.

8 Days to Kickoff – Navarre Raiders

August 17, 2023 by irishbillsports

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

8 games ago – Navarre 38, Tate 20 (2022)

Navarre…7 0 28 3 – 38
Tate…0 8 6 6 – 20

The Raiders controlled the majority of the first half, but the Aggies scored late to take an 8-7 halftime lead. The best thing that could of happened for Navarre was halftime as they re-grouped and came out firing on all cylinders in the second half.

Eddie Love Jr returned the second half kickoff 87-yards for a score, then 1:12 later he scored on a 77-yard run. On the Raiders next possession, it didn’t take long for Love to score his third touchdown of the quarter, 65-yards out at 7:11. Navarre would tack on one more as Hunter Pfeister found Terence Marshall on a 56-yard TD reception at the 5:42 mark. All in all, the Raiders scored 28 points in the first 6:18 of the third quarter.

Love finished the night with 197 yards on 13 carries and three total TDs. Pfeister completed 8-15 passes for 140 yards and a score. Gardner added the final three when he connected on a 40-yard attempt.

Dwayne Clark Jr led the defense with 10 tackles and a tackle for loss and Joshua Wilson. Landon Mentzler, Chase Marsh and Kiohne Moso finished the night with nine tackles each.

8th win in program history – Navarre 35, Northview 13 (1999)

Navarre is 2-2 all-time against Northview. The last time these two teams met was in 2002. The Chiefs won in 1998 (40-0) & 2000 (34-20); the Raiders won in 1999 (35-13) & 2002 (36-8).

Raiders that have worn #8:
Maurice Allen – Class of 2001
LB Brandon Williams – Class of 2004
DB/QB Jett Bryan – Class of 2008 – serving in U.S. Air Force
RB Tre’von Allen – Class of 2010
QB Andrew Rieves – Class of 2013
WR/DB Gatlin Casey – Class of 2014 – played at Lehigh University & Middle Tennessee State University
QB/WR Nate Taylor – Class of 2016
DB Lee Jones – Class of 2017 – Offensive Coord at Lighthouse PCA
DB Nathan Crews – Class of 2019
DB Logen Lee – Class of 2020
WR Mattew Pereja – Class of 2021
WR Jadon Reese – Class of 2023
WR/DB Darius Cunningham – Class of 2024

Statistics that involve #8:
8 – fumble recoveries in a career – Brandon Williams (2001-03) – Navarre Record
8 – fumble recoveries in a career – Chris Stapleton (2009-10) – Navarre Record
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)
8 – touchdowns in a season – Terence Marshall (2022)
8 – receptions in a game – Terence Marshall (2022)
8 – field goals in a season – Taylor Gardner (2022)

Navarre is 6-2 in their last 8 games and leads the overall series against Tate, 5-2.

9 Days to Kickoff – Navarre Raiders

August 16, 2023 by irishbillsports

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

9 games ago – Navarre 37, Rickards 6 (2022)

Navarre…7 24 6 0 – 37
Rickards…0 0 6 0 – 6

The rain started about 20 minutes before kickoff and never stopped until the fourth quarter. This didn’t bother the Raiders as they had the game in complete control from the onset in the first meeting between these two teams.

Hunter Pfeister only completed eight passes, but he made the most of them by going 8-14, for 139 yards and three touchdowns. Eddie Love Jr led the rushing attack (22 carries, 96 yards, TD) and Jadon Reese added two receptions for 92 yards and two scores. Terence Marshall tallied the other touchdown.

Navarre was led on defense by Joshua Wilson (six tackles) and Dwayne Clark Jr scored on a fumble return right before the first half ended. Taylor Gardner had a perfect night, 4-4 on extra points and connected on his only field goal attempt from 35 yards out.

9th win in program history – Navarre 20, Port St Joe 14 (2000)

This would be the last time that these two teams would meet on the gridiron. Navarre won both games and outscored Port St Joe, 59-34.

Raiders that have worn #9:
Tim Seay – Class of 2002
RB Dylan Seay – Class of 2005
DB Matt Jalil – Class of 2006
RB/QB Michael Pettus – Class of 2010
QB Dusty Jones – Class of 2012 – played baseball at LBW (AL)
WR Matt Privette – Class of 2013
WR Cameron Mayweather – Class of 2015 – played at Moorpark College (CA)
DL Robert Waltman – Class of 2016
DL Josh Doxey – Class of 2017 – played at College of Sequoia’s (CA)
WR Devon Stotts – Class of 2018
WR Gabe Apongan – Class of 2020
LB/RB Christian Caballero – Class of 2023
– transferred to Niceville for Senior season
– playing at Villanova (PA)
QB Roman Marshall – Class of 2026

Statistics that involve #9:
9 – touchdown receptions in a career – Chris Weaver (2005-07)
9 – touchdown receptions in a season – Brad Leggett (2011) – 3rd All-Time
9 – receptions in a game (twice) – Brad Leggett (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)
9 – wins against an opponent – Choctaw (2000-21)
9 – games against an opponent – Pine Forest (2003-22)

Navarre is 7-2 in their last 9 games and leads the overall series against Rickards, 1-0.

Remembering Ian Lockwood – 10 Days to Kickoff

August 15, 2023 by irishbillsports

Every year when we get within 10 days to kickoff, I share my story on Ian Lockwood.

The 2010 Navarre Raider season started off with a shutout win over Fort Walton Beach, 14-0.

In week two, the Raiders found themselves down to the Walton Braves at home at the half, 29-13. The defense stepped up and held the Braves to a single TD, and outscored Walton, 29-7 in the second half, for a 42-36 come from behind win. They held the ground attack of Walton to minus 34 yards rushing on 19 carries…Navarre, 2-0!

In Game 3, the Raiders hit the road and suffered a 42-21 loss to the Catholic Crusaders. This loss would eventually count as a “W” due to a forfeit by Catholic for playing an ineligible player.

The next week, Navarre would go on the road, the second of a 3-game road trip, this one against Louchiez Purifoy and the mighty Pine Forest Eagles. The home team would prevail, 33-13 and Navarre fell to 3-1. Little did they know that this would be their last regular season loss.

Navarre ended their 3-game road trip with a 42-0 win over Crestview and improved to 4-1.

Back home to the friendly confines of Bennett C. Russell Stadium in Week 6. The wheels were starting to turn for this Raider program…a 49-20 win over Milton. Raiders raised their record to 5-1.

But that was not the story of this contest…a young man from Navarre was fighting for his life (brain tumor). The Doctors told him that he would never take the field again to play for the Raiders. Do you think that this prognosis stopped Ian Lockwood from playing his final game as a Raider…you are right, it did not!

Ian would score the final two TDs of his lifetime, at home in front of the Raider Nation. See, Ian was a fighter and he would never go down without a fight. I broadcast his last game and it was hard for me to keep a dry eye.

Over the next four weeks, the Raiders would secure victories over Escambia at home 51-7; on the road at Pace, 31-21; at Tate, 41-6, and at home against Gulf Breeze, 34-24, to end the regular season at 9-1 and clinch the Raiders 3rd trip to State Playoffs.

All the while, Ian continued to grace the sidelines, despite the pain that he was suffering. His Mom, Denise stated, “he loved being on the sidelines where he coached and helped his teammates.”

This young man’s fight brought an entire community together and eventually the entire Emerald Coast came to know how special this young man was.

Navarre would venture into the playoffs and their first stop was a tough one, at Niceville. The Raiders would come out on top, 28-7 (their vey first playoff win in school history).

Week 2 of the Playoffs, they would travel to Pine Forest, a place that gave them their only loss of the regular season. The Raiders found themselves down late to the Eagles, 18-14, and the home team was driving to seal up the win. Louchiez Purifoy took over that last drive, but when he tried to fight for extra yardage, he fumbled the ball and the Raiders recovered at their own 10-yard line…setting up Navarre’s 90-yard game winning drive.

With just over two minutes to play, the Raiders were successful on two fourth down conversions to keep the drive alive. QB Colton Kane would then find WR Brad Leggett wide open across the middle of the field on a 30-yard scoring strike to give Navarre a 20-18 lead and the eventual victory.

Next up, Navarre’s first trip to the Region Finals against Lincoln. Unfortunately, the Raiders dream season would come to an end in a heartbreaking, 34-33 loss in triple overtime, ending Navarre’s season at 11-2.

During the Playoff run, one thing that was constant on the Raider sideline, Ian Lockwood was there to cheer on his teammates, the same young men that he grew up with during his NYSA Football days.

The battle for Ian was starting to get tougher every day. The trips to Gainesville with his family were starting to take a toll on him.

But during those trips, Urban Meyer and the Florida Gator football team befriended Ian and the Lockwood family. Ian even received the game ball in the Gators Bowl Game that year in Tampa.

This young man fought to the final bell, with no regrets. With his family and teammates by his side, Ian passed away on 28 January 2011.

I remember the day of his Memorial Service quite well…the rain would fall; but that would not dampen the spirits of a community brought together by one of their own, Ian Cole Lockwood. Both sides of Bennett C. Russell Stadium were filled with not only Raider faithful, but parts of the entire Panhandle Region.

Florida Gator Head Coach Urban Meyer, Bob Tebow and strong safety, Ahmad Black were in attendance as well.

On this day, his Raider teammates would march slowly onto the field carrying his jersey with the song Black and Yellow bellowing in the background. This was a fitting tribute to a young man who lived each day of his 18+ years to the fullest, despite his many medical setbacks.

Ian wore #10 and he would be the last Raider to wear this number. This number is the only one retired in Navarre history.

As we are only 10 days away from kickoff, take a moment and remember this special young man, who brought a community together.

“Live for Today, Fight for Tomorrow, Live Strong”

Class of 2011, RB/WR Ian Lockwood, #10.

10 Days to Kickoff – Navarre Raiders

August 15, 2023August 15, 2023 by irishbillsports

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

10 games ago – Pine Forest 39, Navarre 9 (2022)

Pine Forest…20 6 6 7 – 39
Navarre…6 3 0 0 – 9

The Raiders ran into a buzzsaw on this night and struggled to get the running game (28 carries, 93 yards) going against a very talented Eagles defense.

Hunter Pfeister and James Clark combined for 158 yards passing and three interceptions with Jadon Reese leading the receiving corps with three receptions for 54 yards. Eddie Love Jr registered 57 yards on 13 carries.

Chase Marsh led the Navarre defense with seven tackles and Kiohne Moso pitched in with six. The Raiders only touchdown on the night was an 80-yard kickoff return by Terence Marshall. Taylor Gardner added a 25-yard field goal in the loss.

10th win in program history – Navarre 49, Quincy Shanks 42 (2000)

This was the only meeting between these two teams. Quincy Shanks merged with Havana Northside High School to form East Gadsden High School in 2003. The building is now used as James A. Shanks Middle School.

Raiders that have worn #10:
QB Zack Cook – Class of 2002
QB Chris Murray – Class of 2005
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 Lockwood after his passing on 28 Jan 2011.

Statistics that involve #10:
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 – tackles for loss in a season – Grady Kelly (2018)
10 – points scored in a game – 4 times (1998-present)

Navarre is 7-3 in their last 10 games and trail in the overall series against Pine Forest, 5-4.

11 Days to Kickoff – Navarre Raiders

August 14, 2023 by irishbillsports

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

11 games ago – Navarre 47, Fort Walton Beach 7 (2022)

Navarre…14 17 9 7 – 47
FWB…0 0 0 7 – 7

The Raiders started the 2022 campaign with a solid road victory against the Vikings. Hunter Pfeister completed 11-16 passes for 162 yards and three touchdowns. All three TDs went to Jadon Reese who hauled in six receptions for 104 yards. Sophomore RB Eddie Love Jr led the rushing attack with 130 yards on 19 carries and a score. James Clark had one electrifying run for a 72-yard touchdown and Zavier Hamilton added the other.

Joshua Wilson and Hamilton led the Navarre defense with seven tackles each while Taylor Gardner connected on both of his field goal attempts with a long of 46 yards in the win.

11th win in program history – Navarre 54, Gulf Shores (AL) 0 (2000)

After starting the season 2-0, Navarre went on their longest losing streak in school history (6 straight losses), That came to end against the Dolphins. The Raiders are 7-3 all-time vs. teams from Alabama.

Raiders that have worn #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 (GA)
K Brady Hammel – Class of 2016 – played at Shorter University (GA) & Miles College (AL)
WR Collin Gilmore – Class of 2017
WR Ben Hamilton – Class of 2018
WR Tim Brewer – Class of 2021
QB Hunter Pfeister – Class of 2024

Statistics that involve #11:
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 is 8-3 in their last 11 games and leads the overall series against Fort Walton Beach, 10-6.

12 Days to Kickoff – Navarre Raiders

August 13, 2023 by irishbillsports

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

12 games ago – Gulf Breeze 38, Navarre 26 (2021)

Gulf Breeze…0 21 0 17 – 38
Navarre…7 0 6 13 – 26

I thought I had seen pretty much everything in football, but there is a first for everything. On this night the Dolphins returned three Raider fumbles for scores. Gulf Breeze’s Andrew Thorn, Shamane Walker and Phillip Dillard were the recipients of these gifts. The Raiders turned the ball over five times in the loss.

Hunter Pfeister completed 25-35 passes for 292 yards and two touchdowns but was picked off twice. Chris DeCorte led the Raider rushing attack with 85 yards on 19 carries and a score. Derek Percivalle had 10 receptions for 104 yards and a TD and Terence Marshall hauled in five receptions for 91 yards and a touchdown. Marshall contributed a 94-yard kickoff return for a score as well.

Navarre’s defense was led by Devin Wright with 14 tackles while Hunter Crowder added 12 and Christian Caballero added 10. Lemuel Wilson had the loan sack on the night. The Raiders finished the 2021 season with a 5-4 record.

12th win in program history – Navarre 21, Pensacola Catholic 9 (2001)

The Raiders got their first win of the 2001 season.

Raiders that have worn #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 (FL)
DB/WR Michael Sandle – Class of 2016
– played baseball at University of South Alabama
– drafted in 10th Round of MLB Draft by Houston Astros (2021)
– playing Minor League Baseball for Houston Astros
WR Sam Register – Class of 2018
DB/RB Evan Gourley – Class of 2019
LB Connor Eastwood – Class of 2021
WR Brandon Estrada – Class of 2024

Statistics that involve #12:
12 – total games won by a coach – Danny Williams (1999-2001)
12 – points scored against an opponent vs. GB (2001)
12 – wins against an opponent – Crestview (2001-21)
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)
12 – touchdown receptions in a season – Jadon Reese (2022)
12 – assisted tackles in a season – Chase Marsh (2022)
12 – solo tackles in a season – Dom Cunningham (2022)

Navarre is 8-4 in their last 12 games and leads the overall series against Gulf Breeze, 15-9.