May 2023 – Irish Bill's Twist on Sports

86 Days to Kickoff – Navarre Raiders

May 31, 2023 by irishbillsports

86 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.

86 games ago – Navarre 43, Dothan (AL) 22 (2015)

Navarre…7 10 13 13 – 43
Dothan…0 12 3 7 – 22

This was the first and only trip that the Raiders have taken to Dothan to take on the Wolves. A lightning storm delayed the start of the game, but eventually the game would get underway.

You couldn’t tell that this was the opening game for Navarre’s rushing attack, as they carried the ball 53 times for 481 yards, led by Michael Carter’s 231 yards on 24 carries and 3 TDs. Hasaan Williams added 99 yards on eight carries and a 71-yard TD jaunt. Octavien Moyer and Aaron Mitchell would find the end zone on this night as well.

Mitchell led the Raiders defense with eight solo tackles and Michael Sandle and Ryan Diamco each hauled in an interception in the win.

86th win in school history – Navarre 34, Gulf Breeze 24 (2013)

Raiders defense forced three interceptions and beat Gulf Breeze for the seventh straight time.

Raiders who have worn #86:
Jason Johnston – Class of 2000
K Aaron Brummett – Class of 2007
WR Carter Brasell – Class of 2022
WR Alex Dahlgren – Class of 2024

Statistics that involve #86:
86 – points scored in a season – Patrick Hess (2003)
86 – points scored in a career – Adam Hamilton (2007-08)

Navarre is 67-19 in their last 86 games and leads the overall series against Dothan, 2-0.

87 Days to Kickoff – Navarre Raiders

May 30, 2023May 30, 2023 by irishbillsports

87 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.

87 games ago – Choctaw 35, Navarre 14 (Playoffs – 2014)

Navarre…14 0 0 0 – 14
Choctaw…7 12 0 16 – 35

The night looked promising as the Raiders jumped out to a 14 point lead and lead by seven at the end of the first quarter. But the script that had been written on this night was not to be in their favor.

Choctaw would go on to score the last 35 points in the contest and defeated Navarre for the second time on the season. The Raiders turned the ball over five times on the night (4 interceptions/fumble), which eventually led to their demise.

Navarre was led on defense by Thomas Leggett (19 tackles), Xavier Fernandez (18 tackles), Bo Hering (16 tackles) and Anthony Miller (11 tackles). Dylan Main scored on a blocked punt as well.

87th win in school history – Navarre 24, Milton 17 (Playoffs – 2013)

Navarre…10 7 7 0 – 24
Milton…0 7 7 3 – 17

Raiders that have worn #87:
DB Allen Leonard – Class of 2003
WR Austin Tilghman – Class of 2006
WR Allen Spangler – Class of 2008
WR Tommy Burman – Class of 2009
TE Derek Aloy – Class of 2011
TE Erik Anderson – Class of 2019
TE Braydon Brown – Class of 2024

Statistics that involve #87:
87 – total tackles (solo/assists) in a career – Michael Arnold (2009-10)
87 – assisted tackles in a career – Damontell Thompson (2011-13)
87 – total tackles in a career – Elijah Appel (2011-12)
87 – total tackle points in a season – Christian Gill (2013)

Navarre is 68-19 in their last 87 games and lead the overall series against Choctaw, 9-7.

88 Days to Kickoff – Navarre Raiders

May 29, 2023 by irishbillsports

88 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.

88 games ago – Navarre 44, Escambia 30 (Playoffs – 2014)

Navarre…7 0 14 23 – 44
Escambia…14 3 7 6 – 30

The Raiders struggled on the offensive side of the ball in the first half and found themself down by 10 at the half. Not really sure what Coach Walls told them at the intermission, but the offense came out functioning on all cylinders in the second half.

Senior QB Matthew Webb didn’t want this to be his last game in a Raider uniform, as he accounted for five touchdowns (2 passing/3 rushing). Quentin Randolph hauled in both of Webb’s TD passes (43 & 20). On the ground, Webb went for 132 yards on 13 carries and his TD runs were from 1, 55 & 52. Hasaan Williams added a 50-yard TD run as well.

The defense did their part as well, led by Xavier Fernandez (16 tackles, 2 TFL), Thomas Leggett (14 tackles), Anthony Miller (12 tackles, TFL) and Bo Hering (11 tackles, TFL, sack). Kyle Arrasmith added 2 sacks and Luke Morton went 4-4 on XPs.

88th win in school history – Navarre 31, Catholic 21 (2014)

Navarre…0 14 7 10 – 31
Catholic…0 7 7 7 – 21

Raiders who have worn #88:
Earl Alexander – Class of 2000 – currently serving – Lt Col – USAF
WR Ben Munday – Class of 2004
TE/WR Eric Van Buren – Class of 2006
DE Brian Commissiong – Class of 2008
TE Grant Golombeski – Class of 2011
DL Mason Schiewe – Class of 2025

Statistics that involve #88:
88 – total tackles (solo/assists) in a career – Rocky Brock (1999-2000)
88 – assisted tackles in a career – Jay Warren (2009-12)
88 – total tackles (solo/assists) in a career – Jay Klosinski (2014-15)
88.5 – total tackle points in a career – Nolan Garrett (2016-17)
88 – total tackles (solo/assists) in a career – Dante Wright (2016-18)
88 – solo tackles in a season – Josh Carter (2018)
88 – total tackle points in a career – Xayvion Thomas (2018-19)

Navarre is 68-20 in their last 88 games and leads the overall series against Escambia, 7-3.

89 Days to Kickoff – Navarre Raiders

May 28, 2023 by irishbillsports

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

89 games ago – Navarre 35, Gulf Breeze 0 (2014)

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

Matthew Webb completed 24 of 33 passes for 309 yards and 2 TDs and Michael Carter led the rushing attack with six carries for 85 yards and two scores. Tyrell Courtney added 4 receptions for 108 yards and a TD and Quentin Randolph had 7 receptions and a TD.

Everette Alford and Dylan Main led the defense with 6 tackles each and the Raiders registered five sacks and their second shutout on the season.

89th win in school history – Navarre 42, Wakulla 41 (OT) (2014)

Wakulla – 14 6 7 8 6 – 41
Navarre – 0 9 13 13 7 – 42

Matthew Webb threw for 365 yards and 4 TDs. Octavien Moyer and Caine Adamson also threw a TD pass. Quentin Randolph hauled in 6 receptions for 154 yards and a score and Michael Carter had 6 receptions for 148 yards and 2 TDs.

Raiders that have worn #89:
WR Connor Cordero – Class of 2018

Statistics that involve #89:
89 – total tackles (solo/assists) in a career – Kris Metcalf (2000-02)
89 – solo tackles in a career – T. J. Williams (2003-05)
89 – total tackle points in a career – J. R. Milioti (2004-05)
89.5 – total tackle points in a career – Lee Jones (2015-16)

Navarre is 69-20 in their last 89 games and leads the overall series against Gulf Breeze, 15-9.

90 Days to Kickoff – Navarre Raiders

May 27, 2023 by irishbillsports

90 days until 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.

90 games ago – Navarre 49, Dothan (AL) 24 (2014)

Dothan…7 3 0 14 – 24
Navarre…14 7 21 7 – 49

After dropping two in a row, the Raiders looked to rebound against the Wolves at home and that they did. Matthew Webb had an efficient night going 13-18 for 143 yards and a TD while connecting with seven different receivers. Michael Carter led the way on the ground with eight carries for 81 yards and 3 TDs. Navarre also received rushing TDs from Hasaan Williams and Derrick Smith.

Sensational sophomores Xavier Fernandez and Bo Hering led the defense with 12 tackles each and a tackle for loss. The Raiders sacked the Wolves QB six times on night, Kyle Arrasmith led the way with three sacks.

Navarre moved to 7-2 on the season.

90th win in school history – Navarre 49, Pace 21 (2014)

Navarre…21 28 0 0 – 49
Pace……14 0 7 0 -21

Matthew Webb passed for 107 yards and 2 TDs and Michael Carter pitched in 112 yards and 2 TDs. Anthony Miller recorded 12 solo tackles, while Tommy Leggett added 12 tackles (6 solo/6 assists).

Raiders that have worn #90:
TE/DE David Maddox – Class of 2004
DL Reggie Stalker – Class of 2007
DL Brian Langston – Class of 2009
DL Zach Smith – Class of 2010
DL Zamir Jones – Class of 2016
P Kyle Hickman – Class of 2018 – played at Huntingdon College (AL)
DL TJ Pemberton – Class of 2021
DL Mack Smith – Class of 2024

Statistics that involve #90:
90 – solo tackles in a career – Devin Colonel (2009-12)
90 – points scored in a season – Chris Williams (2018)
90 – total tackles (solo/assists) in a career – Bailey Huston (2019-20)

Navarre is 70-20 in the their last 90 games and lead the overall series against Dothan, 2-0. They are 7-3 all-time vs. teams from Alabama.

111 Days to Kickoff – Navarre Raiders

May 26, 2023 by irishbillsports

111 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.

111 games ago – Gainesville 62, Navarre 26 (Playoffs – 2012)

Gainesville…13 15 13 21 – 62
Navarre…0 0 19 7 – 26

The Raiders were looking forward to their first State Final appearance, but unfortunately the Purple Hurricanes were in no mood to oblige. Navarre held Gainesville scoreless through the first 11 minutes of the game, but that’s where the Raiders miscues would give the Hurricanes momentum, and they took full advantage, going to the half up 28-0.

Navarre would cut the lead to 41-26 with a little over 11 minutes to play in the fourth quarter, behind Jay Warren’s 214 yards rushing and 3 TDs. But Gainesville went on to score the last 21 points of the game to end Navarre’s run to the title game.

Even though the outcome of the game was not to Navarre’s liking, they did finish the season at 12-2 (most wins in a season), an 11-game winning streak (school record) and posted their second district title (5-0). In the process, they gave notice to the Panhandle and to the rest of the State that the Raider program was to be reckoned with in the future.

Statistics that involve #111:
111 – total points scored in a career – Kevin Taich (2017-18)
111 – receiving yards in a game – Tyler England – Lincoln (2019)
111 – receiving yards in a game – Terence Marshall – Creekside (2022)

Navarre is 84-27 in their last 111 games and lost the only encounter against the Gainesville Purple Hurricanes.

Helmets are courtesy of FloridaHSFootball.com.

91 Days to Kickoff – Navarre Raiders

May 26, 2023 by irishbillsports

91 days (13 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.

91 games ago – Choctaw 25, Navarre 15 (2014)

Navarre…0 0 7 8 – 15
Choctaw…0 12 0 13 – 25

This would be the first of two losses against the Indians in 2014. Matthew Webb connected on 23 of 33 passes for 262 yards and a TD. Quentin Randolph produced 9 receptions for 83 yards and a score and Cameron Mayweather added 8 receptions for 81 yards. Derrick Smith led the ground attack with 112 yards on 16 carries.

The Raiders just couldn’t overcome four turnovers in the game (3 fumbles/interception). Sophomores Bo Hering and Xavier Fernandez led Navarre’s defense with 16 tackles. Tommy Leggett contributed 11 tackles as well. Fernandez had three tackles for loss and the Raiders got to the QB of four different occasions (Hering, Everette Alford, Tyler Morton & Teddy Harrell).

91st win in school history – Navarre 21, Crestview 0 (2014)

Navarre…7 14 0 x – 21
Crestview…0 0 0 x – 0

The game was shortened by a lightning storm in the third quarter. QB Matthew Webb threw for 172 yards and 2 TDs and Xavier Fernandez led the defense with nine tackles.

Raiders that have worn #91:
DL Malachi Sager – Class of 2020 – serving in U.S.M.C.
DL Blake Wangerin – Class of 2023

Statistics that involve #91:
91 – total tackles (solo/assists) in a career – Cameron Thomas (2017-18)
91 – total tackles (solo/assists) in a career – Xayvion Thomas (2018-19)

Navarre is 71-20 in the their last 91 games and lead the overall series against Choctaw, 9-7.

92 Days to Kickoff – Navarre Raiders

May 25, 2023 by irishbillsports

92 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.

92 games ago – Niceville 35, Navarre 21 (2014)

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

Matthew Webb had another solid night throwing the ball (17-28, 278 yards, 2 TDs), but it was not enough to take down the Eagles on their home turf. Webb’s favorite targets were Tyrell Courtney (4 rec, 116 yards) and Michael Carter (3 rec, 72 yards, 2 TDs).

Xavier Fernandez led the defense with 11 tackles, a TFL and a sack and Everette Alford pitched in 10 tackles, a TFL and a caused fumble.

The Raiders suffered their first loss of the season and fell to 6-1.

92nd win in school history – Navarre 42, Milton 7 (2014)

Milton…7 0 0 0 – 7
Navarre…21 14 7 0 – 42

Matthew Webb went 10-16 for 152 yards and a TD. Xavier Fernandez led the defense with nine tackles.

Raiders who wore #92:
DL Stephen Bates (Class of 2017)
DL Brandon Wangerin (Class of 2020)
DL Skyler Newcomb (Class of 2021)
DL Dayton Anderson (Class of 2024)

Statistics that involve #92:
92 – total tackles (solo/assists) in a career – Andre Mahone (2000-02)
92 – solo tackles in a career – Armani Williams (2007-09)
92 – total tackles (solo/assists) in a career – Victor Byers (2009-10)
92 – receptions in a career – Tyler England (2018-19) – 4th All-Time

Navarre is 71-21 in their last 92 games and lead the overall series against Niceville, 8-5.

93 Days to Kickoff – Navarre Raiders

May 24, 2023 by irishbillsports

93 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.

93 games ago & 93rd win in school history – Navarre 49, Fort Walton Beach 13 (2014)

FWB…6 7 0 0 – 13
Navarre…15 14 20 0 – 49

Matthew Webb passed for 128 yards to lead the Raiders offense and five different Raiders found the endzone on the ground (Webb, Michael Carter, Derrick Smith, Tyrell Courtney & TJ Woodberry).

In addition, Bo Hering had nine tackles to lead the defense and Dylan Main returned an interception 60 yards for a score. Tevyn Stevenson added the other Raider touchdown on a 80-yard kickoff return.

Raiders that have wore #93:
Fashad Woodbury (Class of 2021)

Statistics that involve #93:
93 – total tackles (solo/assists) in a career – Chris Wells (1999-2001)
93 – total tackles (solo/assists) in a career – Josh Nicdao (2006-07)
93 – tackle points in a season – Xavier Fernandez (2014)

Navarre is 71-22 in their last 93 games and leads the overall series against Fort Walton Beach, 10-6.

94 Days to Kickoff – Navarre Raiders

May 23, 2023 by irishbillsports

94 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.

94 games ago – Navarre 42, Milton 7 (2014)

Milton…7 0 0 0 – 7
Navarre…21 14 7 0 – 42

Behind Matthew Webb’s 10-16 passing for 152 yards and a TD, Michael Carter’s 85 yards rushing and 2 TDs and Derick Smith’s two receptions for 72 yards, the Raiders were able to score early and often against their Santa Rosa County foe.

A running clock ensued in the third and the Navarre defense was able to stymy the Panthers offensive attack and caused five turnovers in the game. Xavier Fernandez produced nine tackles and a sack on the night and Luke Morton was 6-6 on XPs.

94th win in school history – Navarre 49, Dothan (AL) 24 (2014)

Dothan…7 3 0 14 – 24
Navarre..14 7 21 7 – 49

1st Qtr
11:33 – 59-yard run, Isaiah Long, Evan Hogan kick (Dothan)
7:27 – 7-yard run, Michael Carter, Luke Morton kick (Navarre)
1:26 – 1-yard run, Derrick Smith, Morton kick (Navarre)

2nd Qtr
8:04 – Hogan, 35 yard FG (Dothan)
3:25 – recovered block punt in end zone, Tevyn Stevenson, Morton kick (Navarre)

3rd Qtr
6:49 – 6-yard run, Carter, Morton kick (Navarre)
3:33 – 8-yard pass, Jordan Ewing from Matthew Webb, Morton kick (Navarre)
1:56 – 40-yard run, Carter, Morton kick (Navarre)

4th Qtr
4:45 – 2-yard run, Deion Dozier, Hogan kick (Dothan)
3:03 – 48-yard run, Hasaan Williams, Morton kick (Navarre)
:01.7 – 7-yard pass, Brandon Helms from Cooper Sellers, Hogan kick (Dothan)

Raiders that wore #94:
DL Isaac McCoy (Class of 2017)
DL Paul Schultz (Class of 2020)
DL Levron McKinnie (Class of 2023) – transferred after junior season

Statistics that involve #94:
94 – total tackles (solo/assists) in a season – Howie Walker (2013)

Navarre is 72-22 in their last 94 games and lead the all-time series against Milton, 13-9.