August 2022 – Page 2 – Irish Bill's Twist on Sports

8 Days to Kickoff – Navarre Raiders

August 18, 2022 by irishbillsports

8 Days to Kickoff…

Navarre Raiders at FWB Vikings – 26 Aug 2022

8 games ago – Milton 18, Navarre 13 (2021)

Navarre…0 0 0 13 – 13
Milton…6 6 0 6 – 18

The Raiders were limited to 234 yards of total offense (71 passing/163 rushing) in the loss. Chris Decorte led the rushing attack with 69 yards on 14 carries.

Devin Wright produced 12 tackles and Christian Caballero added 11 to lead the Navarre defense.

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 Matthew Pereja – Class of 2021
WR Jadon Reese – Class of 2023

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 – wins against an opponent – Niceville (2010-2021)

Navarre is 4-4 in their last eight games and leads the overall series against Milton, 12-9.

9 Days to Kickoff – Navarre Raiders

August 17, 2022 by irishbillsports

9 Days to Kickoff…

Navarre Raiders at FWB Vikings – 26 Aug 2022

9 games ago – Navarre 28, Fort Walton Beach 6 (2021)

Ft Walton…0 6 0 0 – 6
Navarre…0 7 14 7 – 28

The Raiders were led on offense by Chris Decorte’s 104 yards rushing and Derek Percivalle’s 84 yards receiving. Devin Wright paced Navarre’s defense with13 tackles, while Christian Caballero pitched in ten.

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 – enrolled at Niceville
QB James Clark – Class of 2024

Statistics that involve #9:
9 – touchdown receptions in a career – Chris Weaver (2005-07)
9 – touchdown receptions in a season – Brad Leggett (2011) – 2nd 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 – Fort Walton Beach (2003-21)
9 – wins against an opponent – Choctaw (2000-21)

Navarre has won five of their last nine games and leads the overall series against Fort Walton Beach, 9-6.

Remembering Ian Lockwood…

August 16, 2022 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 the offense 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 16, 2022 by irishbillsports

10 Days to Kickoff…

Navarre Raiders at FWB Vikings – 26 Aug 22

10 games ago – Buchholz 35, Navarre 21 (Playoffs – 2020)

Buchholz…14 14 7 0 – 35
Navarre…0 7 7 7 – 21

Zach Marquis passed for 122 yards and a TD and was the leading ground carrier with 68 yards and a score; but was picked off three times in the loss. Trent Hall and Jebari Mitchell each contributed a touchdown reception.

Mekhi Domino led the Raider defense with 12 tackles and Sebastian Melendez added ten. Navarre had 13 tackles for loss and two sacks. But when they weren’t getting to Creed Whittemore, he completed 15 of 27 passes for 277 yards and four touchdowns (all to Quan Lee), who was unstoppable on the night, with 7 receptions for 220 yards.

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 has won five of their last ten games and have lost the only meeting against Buchholz.

11 Days to Kickoff – Navarre Raiders

August 15, 2022 by irishbillsports

11 Days to Kickoff…

Navarre Raiders at FWB Vikings – 26 Aug 22

11 games ago – Navarre 30, Crestview 13 (2020)

Navarre…14 7 6 3 – 30
Crestview…0 7 0 6 – 13

Zach Marquis passed for 116 yards and a TD; Jaden Rivera rushed for 128 yards and two scores and Jebari Mitchell hauled in four receptions for 86 yards to pace the Raider offense.

Devin Wright’s ten tackles and Grady Kelly’s four sacks and two quarterback hurries led Navarre’s defense. Preston Penton contributed a 42-yard FG and went 3-3 on extra points.

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

The Raiders have won six of their last eleven games and lead the all-time series against Crestview, 12-7.

12 Days to Kickoff – Navarre Raiders

August 14, 2022August 14, 2022 by irishbillsports

12 Days to Kickoff…

Navarre Raiders at FWB Vikings – 26 Aug 22

12 games ago – Navarre 42, Enterprise AL 28 (2020)

Enterprise…7 7 0 14 – 28
Navarre…14 7 6 15 – 42

Zach Marquis passed for 106 yards and a score and also contributed a rushing touchdown in the game. Jaden Rivera had another performance as he rushed for 151 yards and two TDs.

Devin Wright had one of his best games as a Raider as he produced 18 tackles. Joshua Erlemann and Sebastian Melendez added ten tackles each in the win.

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

The Raiders got their first win of the 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
DB Jack Briley – 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. Gulf Breeze (2001)
12 – wins against an opponent – Crestview (2001-21)
12 – wins against an opponent – Milton (2000-21)
12 – games played against an opponent – Niceville (2010-21)
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)

Navarre has won 7 of their last 12 games and has won the only meeting against Enterprise (AL).

13 Days to Kickoff – Navarre Raiders

August 13, 2022 by irishbillsports

13 Days to Kickoff…

Navarre Raiders at FWB Vikings – 26 Aug 22

13 games ago – Navarre 16, Andalusia (AL) 14 (2020)

Andalusia…0 0 7 7 – 14
Navarre…7 3 0 6 – 16

The Raiders could only muster 163 yards of total offense (131 passing/32 rushing), but it was enough to beat the Bulldogs in the first-ever meeting.

Mekhi Domino and Devin Wright filled the stats sheet with 13 tackles each as Navarre moved to 4-0 on the season.

13th win in program history – Navarre 38, Walton 13 (2001)

The Raiders won their second straight game after dropping the season opener to Charles Henderson (AL), 28-13.

Raiders that have worn #13:
WR Tommy Correa – Class of 2016
WR/P Brandon Marquis – Class of 2018
WR Devin Grotke – Class of 2022
WR Nate Hanson – Class of 2024

Statistics that involve #13:
13 – rushing touchdowns in a season/career – Zack Cook (2001)
13 – receptions in a game – Chris Weaver (2007) – Navarre Record
13 – rushing touchdowns in a a season – Michael Pettus (2007)
13 – touchdown passes in a season/career – Andrew Rieves (2012)
13 – touchdowns in a career – Gatlin Casey (2012-13) – 3rd all-time
13 – tackles for loss in a season – Christian Gill (2013)
13 – tackles for loss in a season – Anthony Miller (2015)
13 – rushing touchdowns in a season – Hasaan Williams (2015)
13 – points scored in a game – 8 times (1998-2021)
13 – wins against an opponent – Pensacola Catholic (1998 – 2020)
13 – wins against an opponent – Pace (2000-21)
13 – playoff wins (Coach Lashley-2; Coach Walls-11)

Navarre has won 8 of their last 13 games and has won the only meeting against Andalusia.

14 Days to Kickoff – Navarre Raiders

August 12, 2022 by irishbillsports

14 Days to Kickoff…

Navarre Raiders at FWB Vikings – 26 Aug 2022

14 games ago – Navarre 50, Choctaw 21 (2020)

Choctaw…7 7 0 7 – 21
Navarre…14 22 7 7 – 50

Jaden Rivera (13 carries, 169 yards, TD rushing, TD reception) and Trenton Hall (4 rec, 88 yards, 2 TDs) led the Raiders on offense.

Grady Kelly and Maurice Nedd contributed seven tackles each on defense. Kelly also added two sacks, two tackles for loss and four quarterback hurries.

14th win in program history – Navarre 32, Bay 20 (2001)

The Raiders won the first meeting between these two teams. This was their second win of the season, which led to their first 5-win season in school history. The 2001 season was last for Head Coach Danny Williams, who finished with a 12-18 record.

Raiders that have worn #14:
RB Hasaan Williams – Class of 2016 – serving in U.S. Air Force
WR Quinn Caballero – Class of 2019
– played at Charleston Southern (SC)
– currently playing at East Tennessee State University (TN)
WR Trenton Hall – Class of 2022

Statistics that involve #14:
14 – wins against an opponent – Gulf Breeze (1999-2021)
14 – points scored in game (12 times) – (1998-2021)
14 – rushing touchdowns in a season – Frank Willis (1999)
14 – tackles for loss in a career – Brandon Williams (2001-02)
14 – sacks in a career – Andrew Garcia (2008-10)
14 – rushing touchdowns in a season – Chris Williams (2018)
14 – tackles for loss in a season – Grady Kelly (2020)

Navarre has won 9 of their last 14 games and leads the overall series against Choctaw, 9-7.

15 Days to Kickoff – Navarre Raiders

August 11, 2022 by irishbillsports

15 Days to Kickoff…

Navarre Raiders at FWB Vikings – 26 Aug 22

15 games ago – Navarre 35, Gulf Breeze 21 (2020)

Navarre…7 14 7 7 – 35
Gulf Breeze…7 7 7 0 – 21

Jaden Rivera rushed for 124 yards and three touchdown to lead the Raiders offense. Trent Hall added three receptions for 64 yards and a score.

Grady Kelly paced the defense with nine tackles and five quarterback hurries and Preston Penton made all five of his extra point attempts.

15th win in program history – Navarre 28, Crestview 21 (2001)

The Raiders win the first game between these two teams.

Raiders that have worn #15:
Zach Silvey – Class of 2002
DB Nick Feilner – Class of 2004
WR Donte’ Rome – Class of 2007
PK Steven Householder – Class of 2011
WR Marquis Hagewood – Class of 2012
RB/WR Dwayne Walls – Class of 2013
QB Sage Chambers – Class of 2018
WR Zach Simpson – Class of 2019
WR Philip Robas – Class of 2024

Statistics that involve #15:
15 – games against an opponent – Ft Walton Beach (2003-21)
15 – touchdown passes in a season – Zach Cook (2001)
15 – points scored in a game vs. Woodham (2002)
15 – points scored in a game vs. University Christian (2005)
15 – touchdown passes in a career – Colton Kane (2010)
15 – points scored in a game vs. Choctaw (2014)
15 – rushing touchdowns in a career – Hasaan Williams (2014-15)
15 – touchdown receptions in a season – Dante Wright – Navarre Record
15 – touchdown passes in a season – Marlon Courtney III (2019)
15 – receptions in a season – Chase Richardson (2021)
15 – solo tackles in a season – Jaden Moon (2021)

Navarre has won 9 of their last 15 games and leads the overall series against Gulf Breeze, 14-9.

16 Days to Kickoff – Navarre Raiders

August 10, 2022 by irishbillsports

16 Days to Kickoff…

Navarre Raiders at FWB Vikings – 26 Aug 22

16 games ago – Navarre 17, Pace 7 (2020)

The 2020 season was delayed due to COVID-19, then it was pushed back another week as Hurricane Sally threatened the Gulf Coast, eventually cancelling Navarre’s match-up with Milton.

Navarre…3 7 7 0 – 17
Pace…0 7 0 0 – 7

Jaden Rivera rushed for 145 yards and two scores and the Raider defense limited the Patriots to 172 yards of total offense (99 passing/73 rushing). Devin Wright led the way with ten tackles. Grady Kelly added five quarterback hurries as well. Unfortunately in the game though, Navarre lost OL Jeremiah Chavis-Mhoon to a season ending injury.

16th win in program history – Navarre 41, Gulf Shores (AL) 7 (2001)

This was the last meeting between these two teams, with Navarre winning both games by a combined score of 95-7.

Raiders that have worn #16:
WR Bryant Watson – Class of 2014
DB Ryan Diamco – Class of 2016 – serving in U.S. Air Force
WR Jacob White – Class of 2017
WR Ben Scharron – Class of 2018
PK Kevin Taich – Class of 2019
WR Jayln Wilson – Class of 2020
WR Michael Cook – Class of 2021
TE Ricky Riley – Class of 2023

Statistics that involve #16:
16 – games against an opponent – Choctaw (2000-21)
16 – assisted tackles in a season – Michael Sandle (2013)
16 – points scored in a game vs. Choctaw (2015)
16 – points scored in a game vs. Andalusia AL (2020)
16 – assisted tackles in a season – Grady Kelly (2020)

Navarre has won 10 of their last 16 games and lead the overall series against Pace, 13-7.