High School Football Playoff Roundup: Region Quarterfinals and Semifinals
As the high school football playoffs heated up on Friday, November 15, 2024, six teams from Escambia and Santa Rosa counties took to the field in pursuit of glory. The stakes were high in the Region Quarterfinals (Classes 1A-7A) and Region Semifinals (Rural), with each game showcasing the grit and determination of local athletes. Here’s a detailed look at the thrilling matchups that unfolded.
Region 1-6A: Tate Falls to No. 1 Nease
The Tate Aggies faced a formidable challenge in the form of the state’s top-ranked team, Nease. Despite a valiant effort, Tate was unable to convert key opportunities in the red zone, ultimately succumbing to a 42-14 defeat on the road.
Quarterback Taite Davis was instrumental for Tate, throwing a 12-yard touchdown pass to Elijah West and later rushing for a touchdown himself. However, the Aggies found themselves in a precarious position at halftime, trailing 21-7 after failing to score from the 3-yard line on two separate occasions. Head coach Rhett Summerford lamented the missed opportunities, stating, "When you get down into the red zone and can’t put points on the board, it ruins the momentum for your team."
Despite the loss, Tate concluded the season with a commendable 7-4 record, marking their first winning season since 2017. Coach Summerford emphasized the importance of this season for the program’s future, noting, "They took the next step. That’s what the challenge was at the beginning of the year. How can they take the program to the next level?"
Region 1-4A: Pine Forest Stumbles Against Ed White
In Jacksonville, the Pine Forest Eagles faced off against Ed White, but ultimately fell short in a 26-13 defeat. The Eagles initially surged ahead with touchdowns from Zion Legree and KT Randle, but Ed White responded with four unanswered touchdowns, showcasing their resilience.
Head coach Tony Carter acknowledged the youthful mistakes that plagued his team, stating, "We came out pretty hot and playing tough. … Then some of our youth showed and made a couple mistakes." Despite the loss, Carter expressed pride in his team’s growth throughout the season, highlighting their potential for the future. "The sky’s the limit. They need to understand their own potential," he said, emphasizing the importance of commitment to excellence.
Pine Forest finished the season with a 5-6 record, but the experience gained by the younger players bodes well for the program’s future.
Region 1-2A: Walton Upsets Pensacola Catholic
In a thrilling upset, the Walton Braves stunned Pensacola Catholic with a 28-24 victory, avenging previous losses from the 2023 playoffs and the 2024 regular season. The game was a rollercoaster of momentum shifts, with both teams exchanging leads throughout.
Pensacola Catholic initially took control with a strong rushing attack, but Walton responded with a series of impressive plays, including a pivotal interception and a successful wildcat formation that led to touchdowns by Cameron Blackburn. The Braves regained the lead in the second half and managed to maintain their advantage despite a late surge from the Crusaders.
As the clock wound down, Walton executed a masterful final drive, allowing them to run out the clock and secure the upset victory. Pensacola Catholic concluded their season with an 8-2 record, while Walton celebrated a hard-fought win that showcased their resilience and determination.
Rural Region: Jay’s Season Ends Against Fort White
In the Rural region semifinals, the Jay Royals faced a tough opponent in Fort White, ultimately falling 23-2. Head coach Brian Watson noted that his team struggled to execute offensively, crediting Fort White’s defensive game plan for their success.
Despite the loss, the Royals had a standout season, finishing with nine wins— their best record in over two decades. Watson expressed pride in his seniors who had persevered through challenging times, stating, "I’m just proud of those guys. They could’ve walked away, and nobody would’ve questioned why they did that. They stuck with me."
Looking ahead, Watson is optimistic about the future of the program, particularly with a young roster that includes several sophomores. He emphasized the importance of hard work and commitment to improvement as they aim to build on this season’s success.
Conclusion
The playoff games on November 15, 2024, showcased the heart and determination of high school football teams from Escambia and Santa Rosa counties. Each team faced unique challenges, but the spirit of competition and the drive for excellence were evident on every field. As the playoffs continue, these athletes will carry the lessons learned this season into their future endeavors, both on and off the field.