July 2020 – Page 2 – Irish Bill's Twist on Sports

Countdown to Kickoff – Navarre Raider – 31 days

July 21, 2020 by irishbillsports

31 days to kickoff of the 2020 High School Football season as Navarre travels to Gulf Breeze in the Publix Beach Bowl Cup on 21 Aug 2020.

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

Box Score

Navarre….7 7 7 6 – 27

Pine Forest…0 7 7 0 – 14

The Raiders (4-0) won their fourth straight game to start the season. Navarre got on the board on their first play from scrimmage as Sage Chambers connected with Dante Wright on a 65-yard touchdown. Chambers went 9-19 for 184 yards and three touchdown (all to Wright). Dante finished the night with seven receptions for 166 yards. Chris Williams added 92 yards on 20 carries.

Navarre never trailed in the game. Josh Carter led the way with 8 tackles (7 solo/assist) and Cade Taylor added 7 (3 solo/4 assists/2 sacks/2 TFL). The Raiders defense had seven sacks on the evening. Kevin Taich was 3-4 on extra points.

Raiders who wore #31:

DB Jason Graves – Class of 2004

LB Brandon Lawson – Class of 2006 – currently an assistant coach at Navarre

LB Stefan Tipton – Class of 2007

LB/DB Colton McDonald – Class of 2011

DB Jacob Fitchett – Class of 2013

LB Will Kane – Class of 2016

K Zach Gonzalez – Class of 2017

Current Raider wearing #31:

LB Sebastian Melendez – Class of 2022

31 – assisted tackles in a career – Chris Wells (1999-2001)

31 – points scored in a game – Catholic (Week 2 – 2003)

31 – assisted tackles in a career – Michael Arnold (2009-10)

31 – points scored in a game – Pace (Week 8 – 2010)

31 – solo tackles in a season – Monte Thompson (2013)

31 – points scored in a game – Catholic (Week 1 – 2014)

31 – solo tackles in a season – Caleb Dale (2016)

31 – points scored in a game – Chiles (Week 8 – 2019)

31 – points scored in a game – Leon (Week 9 – 2019)

Navarre is 23-8 in their last 31 games and series with Pine Forest is tied at 4-4.

Countdown to Kickoff – Navarre Raiders – 32 days

July 20, 2020 by irishbillsports

32 days to kickoff of the 2020 High School Football season as Navarre travels to Gulf Breeze in the Publix Beach Bowl Cup on 21 Aug 2020.

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

Box Score

Choctaw…0 17 0 7 – 24

Navarre….7 7 14 13 – 41

The Raiders (3-0) jumped out to a 7-0 lead after one; then the Indians rallied in the second, to take 17-14 to the half. But, it was all Navarre in the second half as they outscored Choctaw 27-7 to win their third straight to open up the season.

Sage Chambers completed 10-17 for 174 yards and three touchdowns. Two of those went to Dante Wright (4 receptions, 87 yards) and the other one went to Bryson Brewer. Omari Green had another solid performance on the ground (17 carries, 151 yards, TD).

James Segrest led the defense with 10 tackles (5 solo/5 assists/2 sacks) and Cade Taylor finished with 8 (4 solo/4 assists). Nolan Garrett had a blocked punt and two of the Raiders eight sacks on the night. Kevin Taich went 5-6 on extra points.

Raiders who wore #32:

FB/LB Spencer Clark – Class of 2004

LB Joey Torres – Class of 2008 – Track & Field at University of South Alabama

LB Shane McMaster – Class of 2011

LB Nathan McMaster – Class of 2016

LB Michael Moffo – Class of 2018

LB Brennen Payton – Class of 2020

32 – points scored in a game – Bay (Week 6 – 2001)

32 – points scored in a game – Florida High (Week 8 – 2008)

32 – points scored in a game – Gulf Breeze (Week 10 – 2011)

32 – passing TDs in a career – Matthew Webb (2012-14) – 2nd all-time

32 – solo tackles in a season – Everette Alford (2014)

32 – tackles for loss in a career – Anthony “The Unit” Miller (2014-15) – 3rd all-time

32 – assisted tackles in a season – Ryan Struck (2016)

32 – points scored in a season – Marlon Courtney III (2018)

32 – solo tackles in a season – Jeffery Mattox (2019)

32 – assisted tackles in a season – Bailey Huston (2019)

Navarre is 24-8 in their last 32 games and leads the series against Choctaw, 8-7.

Countdown to Kickoff – Navarre Raiders – 33 days

July 19, 2020 by irishbillsports

33 days until kickoff of the 2020 High School Football season as Navarre travels to Gulf Breeze in the Publix Beach Bowl Cup on 21 Aug 2020.

33 games ago – Navarre 27, Washington 12 (2017)

Box Score

Navarre….3 0 10 14 – 27

Washiington…0 6 0 6 – 12

The Raiders (2-0) only produced 269 yards of offense against the Wildcats, but it was enough to go home with the win. After trailing at the half, 6-3, Navarre went on to outscore Washington in second half, 24-6.

Omari Green finished the night with 29 carries for 114 yards and two touchdowns and Sage Chambers passed for 120 yards. Dante Wright hauled in a 30-yard touchdown reception.

Raider defense held the Wildcats offense to 160 total yards (115 passing/45 rushing). Cade Taylor contributed 8 tackles (4 solo/4 assists/TFL) and Josh Carter added 7 tackles (6 solo/assist/2 sacks) and Alex Gilchrist had two sacks. Kevin Taich went 3-3 on extra points and 2-3 on field goals.

Raiders who wore #33:

RB Charlie Slack – Class of 2004

RB Tyler Tiwary – Class of 2006

DB Antonio Neris – Class of 2009

WR Trey Chandler – Class of 2011

K David Docarmo – Class of 2012

DB/RB Marcus Mays – Class of 2014

33 – points scored in a game – Holmes County (Week 5 – 2005)

33 – points scored in a game – Lincoln (Playoffs – 2010)

33 – points scored in a game – Washington (Week 1 – 2012)

33 – carries in a game – Hasaan Williams (2015)

33 – solo tackles in a season – Bo Hering (2015)

33 – solo tackles in a season – Xavier Fernandez (2015)

33 – tackles for loss in a career – Jordan Jefferson (2016-18)

Navarre is 25-8 in their last 33 games and leads the series against Washington, 6-0.

Countdown to Kickoff – Navarre Raiders – 34 days

July 18, 2020 by irishbillsports

34 days until kickoff of the 2020 High School Football season as Navarre travels to Gulf Breeze in the Publix Beach Bowl Cup on 21 Aug 2020.

34 games ago – Navarre 56, Catholic 35 (2017)

Box Score

Catholic….7 7 21 0 – 35

Navarre….14 14 21 7 – 56

The Raiders (1-0) started the 2017 season out on the right foot with a big night from the running game. Dante Wright led the way with five carries for 154 yards and three touchdowns, Omari Green added three touchdowns as well on 16 carries and 121 yards and Chris Williams pitched in 90 yards on 15 carries and two touchdowns. Navarre finished with 405 yards on 42 carries and eight touchdowns.

Catholic’s Abram Smiley had an excellent start to the season as well as he rushed for 211 yards on 21 carries and three touchdowns.

Cade Taylor led the way on defense with 12 tackles (4 solo/8 assists) and Gabe Davis (5 solo/2 assists) and Cameron Thomas (4 solo/3 assists/TF) added seven each. Mitchell Hunt had two of the Raiders 7.5 sacks on the night. Kevin Taich went 8-8 on extra points.

Raiders that wore #34:

RB Frank Willis – Class of 2002 – played football and boxed at U.S. Air Force Academy; transferred to Savannah State and played golf before being commissioned in the U.S. Navy.

WR/DB Tremain Barnes – Class of 2007

DE Christopher Anderson – Class of 2011

DL Charlie Alevras – Class of 2017 – serving in U.S. Air Force

Current Raider wearing #34:

WR Evan Makin – Class of 2021

34 – points scored in a game – Sneads (Week 9 – 1998)

34 – assisted tackles in a career – Justin Wilson (2002-04)

34 – points scored in a game – Pine Forest (Week 5 – 2003)

34 – points scored in a game – West Florida Tech (Week 1 -2004)

34 – assisted tackles in a career – Michael Hagewood (2005-06)

34 – points scored in a game – Gulf Breeze (Week 10 – 2010)

34 – assisted tackles in a season – Kody Kelly (2012)

34 – points scored in a game – Fort Walton Beach (Week 6 – 2013)

34 – points scored in a game – Gulf Breeze (Week 10 – 2013)

34 – points scored in a game – Choctaw (Week 3 – 2016)

34 – solo tackles in a season – Cameron Thomas (2017)

34 – points scored in a game – Pace (Week 2 – 2019)

34 – passing touchdowns in a career – Marlon Courtney III (2018-19) – Navarre record

34 – solo tackles in a season – Devin Wright (2019)

Navarre 26-8 in their last 34 games and leads the series against Catholic, 13-8.

Michael Carter – Record Setter

July 17, 2020 by irishbillsports

Michael Carter was one of the few players in the history of Navarre’s football program that started as a freshman. He was the first Navarre player to ever be selected as Player of the Year in the State of Florida.

Michael set the following records while playing at Navarre:

Rushing yards in a career – 4,540

Rushing yards in a season – 2,536

Rushing yards in a game – 333

Rushing attempts in a career – 567

Rushing attempts in a season – 296

Points scored in a career – 476

Points scored in a season – 270

Points scored in a game – 42

Total touchdowns in a career – 79
Total touchdowns in a season – 45

Total touchdowns in a game – 7

Total rushing touchdowns in a career – 69

Total rushing touchdowns in a season – 41

Total rushing touchdowns in a game – 6 (tied w/Dwayne Carter)

Longest kickoff return for a touchdown – 99

Michael rushed for over 1,000 yards in 2019 at the University of North Carolina and will be entering his senior year this Fall playing for Head Coach Mack Brown.

Countdown to Kickoff – Navarre Raiders – 35 days

July 17, 2020 by irishbillsports

35 days until kickoff of the 2020 High School Football season as Navarre travels to Gulf Breeze in the Publix Beach Bowl Cup on 21 Aug 2020.

35 games ago – Lake Gibson 35, Navarre 14 (2016) – State Semifinal

Box Score

Lake Gibson…7 0 8 20 – 35

Navarre………..0 7 0 7 – 14

The Raiders (12-2) were looking to get to their first State Championship game, but they had to get through a Braves team that was only giving up nine points.

Lake Gibson would get on the board first and led 7-0 after one. Navarre would tie it up right before halftime on a 52-yard touchdown run by Michael Carter. Lake Gibson would score in the third on a 5-yard run by Kevaris Thomas and converted the two-point conversion to take a 15-7 lead heading to the fourth. Travell Jones would take over in the fourth with three rushing touchdowns. The Raiders final score would be a 75-yard kickoff return from Dante Wright.

Carter finished the night with 110 yards on 22 carries and six receptions for 65 yards. Wright hauled in six receptions as well for 64 yards. Caine Adamson went 5-8 for 50 yards before he left the field in the second half with an injury. So, Dylon Kelley came in and went 8-12 for 81 yards.

Navarre’s defense held Lake Gibson to 103 total yards in the first half and 275 for the game. Bo Hering led the way with 12 tackles (6 solo/6 assists/sack/TFL) and Jace Kempner added 7 tackles (4 solo/3 assists). Xavier Fernandez had an interception and two of the Raiders five sacks on the night. Saturn Wagner went 2-2 on extra points.

Raiders who wore #35:

RB/DE Andre Mahone – Class of 2003

DB Chris Sutter – Class of 2006

DL Ryan Stewart – Class of 2007

RB Dwayne Carter – Class of 2012 – played at Independence CC (KS) and Harding University (AR)

RB/WR T.J. Woodberry – Class of 2015

DB Chris Kelly – Class of 2016

TE Garren Harper – Class of 2018

Current Raider wearing #35:

DB Marcus Fedorkowicz – Class of 2021

Navarre Raiders Class of 2017:

1 – Royce Thomas – WR/DB

2 – Caine Adamson – QB

3 – Jace Kempner – LB

5 – Aaron Mitchell – LB/RB

6 – Jordan Williams – WR

7 – Michael Carter – selected as Florida Class 6A Player of the Year

8 – Lee Jones – DB

9 – Joshua Doxey – DL

11 – Collin Gilmore – WR

16 – Jacob White – WR

17 – Anthony Vega – WR

18 – Tyler Rebber – TE/RB

21 – Salamon Buss – DB

25 – Xavier Fernandez – LB

27 – Tyson Brown – DB/PR

31 – Zach Gonzelez – PK

34 – Charlie Alevras – DL

40 – Dylon Pittman – DB

43 – Ryan Daeges – TE

47 – Brandon Wilhelm – LB

49 – Marc Struck – DL

52 – Marq Collins – LB

56 – Bo Hering – LB

59 – Jared Burnham – LB

60 – Axel Silva – OL

62 – Tyler Morton – DL

67 – Ben Wangerin – DL

68 – Nick Brahms – OL

71 – Wesley Routh – OL

72 – A.J. Neal – OL

77 – Lemarcus Smith – OL

92 – Stephen Bates – DL

94 – Isaac McCoy – DL

Navarre is 27-8 in their last 35 games and trails in the series against Lake Gibson, 1-0.

Countdown to Kickoff – Navarre Raiders – 36 days

July 16, 2020 by irishbillsports

36 days until kickoff of the 2020 High School Football season as Navarre travels to Gulf Breeze in the Publix Beach Bowl Cup on 21 Aug 2020.

36 games ago – Navarre 28, St Augustine 10 (2016) – Region 1 Final

Box Score

Navarre….0 14 7 7 – 28

St Augustine…0 7 0 3 – 10

The Raiders (12-1) went on their furthest road trip in school history to face off with the Yellow Jackets for the Class 6A Region 1 title. After a scoreless first quarter, Navarre went to the half up by seven. The Raiders added a touchdown in the third and another in the fourth to secure a 18-point win and their second Region 1 title.

Caine Adamson went 9-15 for a modest 55 yards; but the Raiders didn’t require his arm on this night as Michael Carter went over 200 yards rushing for the fourth straight game as he gained 244 yards on 30 carries and four touchdowns. Over the last four games, Michael has rushed for 1,043 yards on 105 carries (9.9 yards per carry) and 15 rushing touchdowns.

The defense put the clamps down on the St Augustine offense and held them to a season low 10 points. Navarre forced three turnovers on the night; with the biggest take away of the night coming in the third quarter. With the Raiders up 14-7, Caleb Dale stepped in front of a Cole Northrup pass; this set up Navarre with a short field and eventually a 21-7 lead.

Josh Carter led the way on defense once against with 9 tackles (4 solo/5 assists/4 TFL) and Bo Hering, Xavier Fernandez and Charlie Alevras all pitched in 7 tackles each. Dante Wright went 4-4 on extra points.

Raiders who wore #36:

LB Andrew Chepult – Class of 2015

RB Isaiah Mitchell – Class of 2018

36 – assisted tackles in a career – Rocky Brock (1999-2000)

36 – points scored in a game – Northview (Week 10 – 2002)

36 – assisted tackles in a career – Victor Byers (2009-10)

36 – receptions in a season – Brad Leggett (2010)

36 – receptions in a season – Gatlin Casey (2013)

36 – points scored in a season – Aaron Mitchell (2015)

36 – points scored in a game – Washington (Week 2 – 2016)

36 – points scored in a season – Jordan Williams (2016)

36 – points scored in a season – Tyler England (2018 & 19)

36 – points scored in a season – Jaydin Antonio (2018 & 19)

Navarre is 27-9 in their last 36 games and the series with St. Augustine is tied, 1-1.

Countdown to Kickoff – Navarre Raiders – 37 days

July 15, 2020 by irishbillsports

37 days until kickoff of the 2020 High School Football season as Navarre travels to Gulf Breeze in the Publix Beach Bowl Cup on 21 Aug 2020.

37 games ago – Navarre 60, Tate 28 (2016) – Class 6A Region 1 Semifinals

Box Score

Navarre…13 12 14 21 – 60

Tate………..7 14 0 7 – 28

The Raiders (11-1) 2015 season ended at the hands of the Aggies; but Navarre was not going to have their year ended by Tate two years in a row. Both offenses were rolling in the first half, with the Raiders leading 25-21 going to the break. Navarre went on to outscore Tate in the second half, 35-7, to secure a trip to the Region 1 Finals and a trip to St Augustine to face the Yellowjackets.

Michael Carter outdid his performance against American Heritage-Delray Beach by two yards (21 carries, 333 yards, 4 TDs) to set a new record for rushing yards in a game. Michael added a fifth touchdown on a 99-yard kickoff return. This was his third straight game over 200 yards.

He had a lot of help on this night as Caine Adamson went 5-8 with 102 yards passing and a TD. Dante Wright pitched in four carries for 96 yards and a score, as well as hauling in a 70-yard touchdown reception from Adamson. Navarre finished with 489 yards rushing on 40 carries and 591 total yards of offense.

Joshua Carter led the Raider defense with 13 tackles (9 solo/4 assists/3 TFL/sack/2 blocked FGs) and Bo Hering added 10 tackles (7 solo/3 assists). Wright was 4-5 on extra points and Saturn Wagner was 2-2.

Raider who wore #37:

DB Isaac Vega – Class of 2019

37 – pass attempts in a game – Dusty Jones (2011) – 2nd all-time

37 – assisted tackles in a season – Nick Gill (2013)

37 – assisted tackles in a season – Alex Todd (2013)

37 – pass attempts in a game – Matthew Webb (2014) – 2nd all-time

37 – receptions in a season – Michael Carter (2016)

37 – assisted tackles in a season – Josh Carter (2018)

37 – receptions in a season – Quinn Caballero (2018)

Navarre is 28-9 in their last 37 games and the series against Tate is tied, 2-2.

Trip down memory lane – John Simmons – Class of 2003

July 16, 2020July 14, 2020 by irishbillsports

There was a young man in an upstart program that was afforded an opportunity to start as a sophomore on the Raider offensive line. Once given the chance, he never looked back.

John Simmons started for three years, where he played for Danny Williams and Larry Olson. Navarre compiled a 12-18 record during that time frame as they went 3-7 in 2000; 5-5 in 2001 and 4-6 in 2002.

His offensive line coach his senior year was Bob Kellogg. This was Coach Kellogg’s first year at Navarre, where he also served as the offensive coordinator.

John did well enough that he went on to play Division II ball at Delta State in Cleveland, Mississippi. While there, he was a 3-Year Letterman at center and guard. He earned 2nd Team All-Conference and All-Region honors. The Statesmen made the Division II Playoffs in 2006 and 2007 and won the Gulf South Conference Championship in 2007.

He graduated Delta State University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Exercise Science. Furthermore, John has earned multiple certifications to include, CSCS – National Strength and Conditioning Association, USAW Level 1 Coach – USA Weightlifting, USATF Level 1 Coach – USA Track and Field and CPR/AED/First Aid Certifications from the American Red Cross.

He went on to play one year of arena football in the Arena 2 Football League with the Tennessee Valley Vipers. John played center for the Vipers and was a part of the 2008 Arena Cup Championship team.

John has held many strength and conditioning positions over years, starting first as a volunteer intern with the University of Mississippi. From there, he moved onto the University of Memphis. While in Memphis, he also worked for Velocity Sports Performance.

In July of 2009, he found his way back to Oxford as a Strength and Conditioning Professional Intern. January of 2011, John took on the role of Assistant Strength Condition Coach for the Ole Miss Track and Field Team and Men’s Tennis and Men’s Golf.

In 2013, John was moved up to be the Assistant Coordinator of Strength and Conditioning for the Ole Miss Women’s Basketball and Men’s Golf team. He also assisted with Football and Men’s Basketball.

In 2016, he became the Head Speed and Strength Coach for D1 Memphis Sports Training in Collierville Tennessee.

In 2017, John became the Director of Strength and Conditioning at St. George’s Independent School, in Collierville, Tennessee, before moving onto his current position in February of 2020, in the Marion School District in Marion, Arkansas.

His accomplishments are many and he is living proof that if you work hard and establish goals and stick to them, the sky is the limit.

Hope that you have enjoyed another trip down memory lane…

“Greater To Be A Raider”

Class of 2003, John Simmons, CSCS, USAW, #50

Countdown to Kickoff – Navarre Raiders – 38 days

July 14, 2020 by irishbillsports

38 days until kickoff of the 2020 H.S. Football season as Navarre travels to Gulf Breeze in the Publix Beach Bowl Cup on 21 Aug 20.

38 games ago – Navarre 40, Escambia 35 (2016) – Playoffs

Box Score

Navarre……7 14 13 6 – 40

Escambia…0 7 21 7 – 35

In their first encounter with the Gators, Michael Carter was held to 118 yards on 28 carries. That would not be the case in this one as Carter went for 244 yards on 28 carries and four touchdowns. This was the second straight week that he rushed for over 200 yards.

Caine Adamson went 6-12 for 79 yards and two touchdowns. Dante Wright finished the night with three receptions for 54 yards and two scores. Navarre (10-1) jumped out to 21-7 lead at the half; but Escambia came fighting back and trailed 34-28 going into the fourth quarter. The Raiders defense stepped up big time in the waning moments of the game to send Navarre into the second round of the State Playoffs.

Aaron Mitchell led the Raiders defense with 12 tackles (9 solo/3 assists/TFL) and Caleb Dale added 10 (4 solo/6 assists). Xavier Fernandez contributed four tackles for loss. Wright went 4-5 on extra points.

Raiders who wore #38:

LB Rich Dalphone – Class of 2007

LB Will Bush – Class of 2010

LB Jonathon Shaw – Class of 2013

WR Jason Rangel – Class of 2015

WR Jared Elliott – Class of 2018

Current Raider wearing #38:

TE/RB Isaiah Miller – Class of 2021

38 – points scored in a game – Straughn (Week 2 – 1999)

38 – points scored in a game – Walton (Week 3 – 2001)

38 – assisted tackles in a career – J.R. Milioti (2004-05)

38 – points scored in a game – Catholic (Week 3 – 2007)

38 – assisted tackles in a career – Nick Benton (2010-12)

38 – solo tackles in a season – Howie Walker (2013)

38 – assisted tackles in a season – Christian Gill (2013)

38 – solo tackles in a career – Jay Klosinski (2014-15)

38 – assisted tackles in a season – Aaron Mitchell (2016)

38 – assisted tackles in a season – Cade Taylor (2017)

38 – points scored in a game – Niceville (Week 10 – 2018)

38 – points scored in a game – Pace (Playoffs – 2018)

Navarre is 29-9 in their last 38 games and leads the series against Escambia, 7-3.