June 2023 – Irish Bill's Twist on Sports

56 Days to Kickoff – Navarre Raiders

June 30, 2023 by irishbillsports

56 days (8 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.

56 games ago – Escambia 35, Navarre 27 (2017)

Escambia…0 6 7 22 – 35
Navarre…21 6 0 0 – 27

The Raiders jumped out to a 27-6 lead at the half, but were held scoreless in the second half as the Gators ran off 29 straight points for the come from behind victory and handed Navarre their only loss of the regular season.

Navarre was held to 205 total yards of offense (146 passing/59 rushing). Sage Chambers completed 10-20 passes for 146 yards and a score and Dante Wright added four receptions for 96 yards and a TD.

The Raiders defense tallied two touchdowns. Dante Wright returned an interception 99 yards (school record) and Joshua Carter returned another interception 46 yards for another score. Carter led the team with 20 tackles, Bryson Brewer contributed 12 tackles and Wright added 10.

56th win in school history – Navarre 42, Crestview 0 (2010)

Navarre’s defense produced their second shutout of the season to improve to 4-1.

Raiders that have worn #56:
Justin Rogers – Class of 2002
Tyler Brown – Class of 2003
OL Michael Andrade – Class of 2008
OL Justin Bishop – Class of 2010
LB Bo Hering – Class of 2017 – played at Maryville College (TN)
LB/LS Mark Diaz – Class of 2019
LB Vinny Villanova – Class of 2025

Statistics that involve #56:
56 – solo tackles in a career – Victor Byers (2009-10)
56 – solo tackles in a career – Michael Arnold (2009-10)
56 – points scored against Niceville (Week 4 – 2011)
56 – assisted tackles in a season – Howie Walker (2013)
56.5 – tackle points in a season – Anthony “The Unit” Miller (2015)
56 – total tackles (solo/assists) in a season – Ryan Diamco (2015)
56 – points scored against Catholic (Week 1 – 2017)
56 – points scored in a season – Josh Carter (2018)
56 – tackle points in a career – Mekhi Domino (2019-20)
56 – solo tackles in a season – Hunter Crowder (2021)
56 – solo tackles in a season – Dante Core (2022)
56 – tackle points in a season – Joshua WIlson (2022)
56 – total tackles (solo/assists) in a season – Connor Black (2022)

Navarre is 41-15 in their last 56 games and leads the overall series against Escambia, 7-3.

57 Days to Kickoff – Navarre Raiders

June 29, 2023 by irishbillsports

57 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.

57 games ago – Navarre 49, Pace 35 (2017)

Pace…14 7 7 7 – 35
Navarre…7 28 7 7 – 49

Pace ran 80 plays (40 more plays than Navarre) on the night, but it was the Raiders that outgained the Patriots in total yardage (438 to 422).

Navarre had three individuals rush for over 100 yards…Omari Green (8 carries, 139 yards, 2 TDs), Dante Wright (5 carries, 132 yards, 2 TDs) and Chris Williams (13 carries, 125 yards, TD).

The Raiders had four players produce double digit tackles; Joshua Carter (16 tackles), Cade Taylor (14 tackles), Cameron Thomas (11 tackles) and Matthew Downey (10 tackles, interception). Kevin Taich was a perfect 7-7 on extra point attempts.

57th win in school history – Navarre 49, Milton 20 (2010)

Ian Lockwood was fighting for his life (brain tumor) and this would be the last game that he would ever play as a Raider. His Doctor stated that he shouldn’t play; but Ian wouldn’t have missed the game for anything. Ian would go out in style, as he scored his only two touchdowns in his High School career.

Raiders that have worn #57:
DE Danny Wilson – Class of 2004
DL Nick Jolly – Class of 2006
LB Tyler Dearing – Class of 2008
DL Justin Schipani – Class of 2010
DL Dyllan Rogers – Class of 2013
OL Daniel Bost – Class of 2018
LB Nate Hering – Class of 2021
OL/DL Elijah Manuel – Class of 2024

Statistics that involve #57:
57 – assisted tackles in a career – Armani Williams (2007-09)
57 – receptions in a career – Blake Malter (2012-13)
57 – points scored in a game – vs. Catholic (2015)
57 – tackle points in a season – Cade Taylor (2016)
57 – total tackles (solo/assists) in a season – Charlie Alevras (2016)
57 – made extra points in a season – Dante Wright (2016)

Navarre is 41-16 in their 57 games and leads the overall series against Pace, 14-7.

58 Days to Kickoff – Navarre Raiders

June 28, 2023 by irishbillsports

58 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.

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

Navarre…7 7 7 6 – 27
Pine Forest…0 7 7 0 – 14

Sage Chambers passed for 184 yards and three touchdowns and added a rushing score as well. Dante Wright hauled in seven receptions for 166 yards and three touchdowns and Chris Williams pitched in 92 yards on 20 carries as Navarre improved to 4-0 on the season.

Joshua Carter led the defense with eight tackles and Cade Taylor contributed seven tackles, two sacks and two tackles for loss. The Raiders had seven sacks and 10 tackles for loss on the night.

58th win in school history – Navarre 51, Escambia 7 (2010)

Navarre won for the third straight week and improved to 6-1 on the season.

Raiders that have worn #58:
DL Taylor Greene – Class of 2004
LB Brendan Greene – Class of 2007
OL James Coakley – Class of 2011
OL Dontray Noel – Class of 2015
LB Mark Letavish – Class of 2018
LB Mason Mallory – Class of 2021
OL/DL Parker Mays – Class of 2025

Statistics that involve #58:
58 – solo tackles in a season – Robert Roux (2007)
58 – total tackles (solo/assists) in a season – Marcus Mays (2013)
58 – points scored in a season – Luke Morton (2013)
58 – assisted tackles in a season – Bo Hering (2016)
58 – total tackles (solo/assists) in a season – Cameron Thomas (2017)
58 – points scored in a season – Kevin Taich (2017)
58.5 – tackle points in a season – Jeffery Mattox (2019)
58 – total solo tackles in a career – Grady Kelly (2018-20)
58 – tackle points in a career – Connor Eastwood (2019-20)
58 – tackle points in a season – Andre Spence (2022)

Navarre is 42-16 in their last 58 games and trails in the overall series against Pine Forest, 5-4.

59 Days to Kickoff – Navarre Raiders

June 27, 2023June 27, 2023 by irishbillsports

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

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

Choctaw…0 17 0 7 – 24
Navarre…7 7 14 13 – 41

Sage Chambers completed 10-17 passes for 174 yards and three touchdowns. Dante Wright hauled in two of those touchdowns (4 receptions, 87 yards) and Bryson Brewer caught the other.

Omari Green added 17 carries for 151 yards and a TD and Joshua Carter contributed two special teams touchdowns in the win.

James Segrest led the Raiders defense with 10 tackles and two sacks and Nolan Garrett pitched in with two sacks of his own as Navarre recorded eight sacks on the night.

59th win in school history – Navarre 31, Pace 21 (2010)

Navarre ventured into Pace looking for their first win in seven tries against the Patriots. While donning their Live Strong jerseys, they walked away with just that; their first victory ever against Pace.

Raiders that have worn #59:
OL Phillip Pybus – Class of 2008
DL Andrew Garcia – Class of 2011
OL Chris Hering – Class of 2015 – played at Huntingdon College (AL)
LB Jared Burnham – Class of 2017

Statistics that involve #59:
59 – tackle points in a season – Damontell Thompson (2013)
59 – solo tackles in a season – Bo Hering (2013)
59 – solo tackles in a season – Thomas Leggett (2014)
59 – tackle points in a season – Caleb Dale (2016)
59 – total touchdowns in a career – Dante Wright (2016-18) – 2nd All-Time
59 – carries in a season – Joshua Carter (2018)
59 – tackle points in a season – Dante Core (2022)

Navarre is 43-16 in their last 59 games and lead the overall series against Choctaw, 9-7.

2023 Schedule – Escambia Gators

June 26, 2023 by irishbillsports

Escambia Gators
Head Coach: Mike Bennett

24 Aug 2023 – vs. West Florida Tech
1 Sep 2023 – vs. Pensacola Catholic
8 Sep 2023 – at Gulf Breeze
15 Sep 2023 – at Fort Walton Beach *
22 Sep 2023 – at Milton
29 Sep 2023 – vs. Booker T. Washington *
6 Oct 2023 – Open Week
13 Oct 2023 – at Choctaw *
20 Oct 2023 – at Pine Forest *
27 Oct 2023 – vs. Tate
3 Nov 2023 – vs. Pensacola

* Denotes District Game

Helmet design is courtesy of FloridaHSFootball.com.

Navarre’s Marshall Commits to Memphis

June 26, 2023 by irishbillsports

Navarre DB Tyrell Marshall (Class of 2024) has committed to further his education and play football for the University of Memphis Tigers.

2022 Statistics
21 tackle points
16 solo tackles
10 assisted tackles
4 big hits
18 extra bones
4 receptions, 33 yards

2021 Statistics
5.5 tackle points
5 solo tackles
1 assisted tackle
1 big hit
11 extra bones

60 Days to Kickoff – Navarre Raiders

June 26, 2023 by irishbillsports

60 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.

60 games ago – Navarre 27, B. T. Washington 12 (2017)

Navarre…3 0 10 14 – 27
B.T. Washington…0 6 0 6 – 12

1st Qtr
7:27 – 26-yard FG, Kevin Taich (Nav)
2nd Qtr
2:45 – 1-yard run, Julian Robinson, kick no good (Wash)
3rd Qtr
7:44 – 35-yard FG, Taich (Nav)
2:24 – 30-yard run, Dante Wright, Taich kick (Nav)
4th Qtr
11:53 – 3-yard run, Omari Green, Taich kick (Nav)
1:44 – 4-yard run, Green, Taich kick (Nav)
0:00 – 35-yard pass, Joe Slattery to Mystikal McGhee, no kick attempted (Wash)

Omari Green rushed for 114 yards on 29 carries and 2 TDs and Cade Taylor led the defense with eight tackles and a tackle for loss.

60th win in school history – Navarre 41, Tate 6 (2010)

Navarre went on the road and found their fifth straight win and first-ever win against the Tate Aggies. They finished up District 1-4A play at 4-1 and qualified for their third playoff appearance.

Raiders that have worn #60:
OL Ben Daughtery – Class of 2001
OL Marco Garcia – Class of 2002
OL Zach Gillium – Class of 2007
DL Tim Coggins – Class of 2009
OL Michael Hill – Class of 2012 – played at Huntingdon College
OL Axel Silva – Class of 2017
OL Lukas Tilz – Class of 2019
DL Joaquin Ravenel – Class of 2020

Statistics that involve #60:
60 – solo tackles in a career – Lloyd Heflin (1999-2000)
60 – assisted tackles in a career – Ronnie Wesson (2006-08)
60 – total tackles (solo/assists) in a season – Xavier Fernandez (2014)
60 – points scored in a game – vs. Tate (Playoffs – 2016)
60 – solo tackles (solo/assists) in a career – Cameron Thomas (2017-18)

Navarre is 44-16 in their last 60 games and are undefeated in the series against Washington, 6-0.

61 Days to Kickoff – Navarre Raiders

June 25, 2023June 25, 2023 by irishbillsports

61 days to kickoff to 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.

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

Catholic…7 7 21 0 – 35
Navarre…14 14 21 7 – 56

The Raiders received eight rushing touchdowns amongst three different players on the night; Dante Wright (5 carries, 154 yards, 3 TDs), Omari Green (16 carries, 121 yards, 3 TDs) and Chris Williams (15 carries, 90 yards, 2 TDs). Navarre totaled 405 yards rushing on 42 carries.

Cade Taylor led the defense with 11 tackles and Gabirel Davis and Cameron Thomas pitched in seven each. Kevin Taich was a perfect 8-8 on extra point attempts.

61st win in school history – Navarre 34, Gulf Breeze 24 (2010)

Navarre brought home the Publix Beach Bowl Cup for the fourth straight time and in the process recorded their first nine win season in school history and entered the playoffs on a six game winning streak.

Raiders that have worn #61:
DL Rocky Brock – Class of 2001
OL Jonathan Cuthrell – Class of 2004
OL Ryan Molina – Class of 2006
DL Kevin Lopez – Class of 2010
DL Jacob Kendall – Class of 2014 – played at Millsaps College (MS)
OL Garrett Arceo – Class of 2021
OL Jaxson Spalla – Class of 2024

Statistics that involve #61:
61 – total tackles (solo/assists) in a season – Dylan Main (2014)
61 – solo tackles in a season – Xavier Fernandez (2014)
61 – solo tackles in a season – Bo Hering (2014)
61 – total tackles (solo/assists) in a career – Tyler Morton (2014-15)
61 – total tackles points in a season – Xavier Fernandez (2016)
61 – total tackles (solo/assists) in a season – Tyson Brown (2016)
61.5 – total tackle points in a season – Grady Kelly (2019)
61 – total tackles for loss (35) & sacks (26) for a career – Grady Kelly (2018-20) – 2nd All-Time

Navarre is 45-16 in their last 61 games and leads the overall series against Catholic, 13-8.

62 Days to Kickoff – Navarre Raiders

June 25, 2023June 24, 2023 by irishbillsports

62 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.

62 games ago – Lake Gibson 35, Navarre 14 (Playoffs – 2016)

Lake Gibson…7 0 8 20 – 35
Navarre…0 7 0 7 – 14

The Raiders hosted the State Semifinals for the second time, but unfortunately they suffered the same outcome as their first visit to the Final Four.

Navarre tied it late in the second quarter on a 56-yard TD run by Michael Carter (22 carries, 110 yards/6 receptions, 65 yards). But the Braves ended up wearing down the Raiders in fourth quarter. Dante Wright would score the last touchdown of the season on a 82-yard kickoff return.

Bo Hering finished the night with 12 tackles and a tackle for loss and Xavier Fernandez pitched in with two sacks and a tackle for loss to lead Navarre’s defense. The Raiders completed their second 12-win season in the program’s history.

62nd win in school history – Navarre 28, Niceville 7 (Playoffs – 2010)

Navarre won their first playoff game in school history as they went on the road and knocked off Niceville in the Region Quarterfinals. This was the first match-up between these two teams and was Navarre’s first 10-win season.

Raiders that have worn #62:
OL/DL Paul Swartz – Class of 2001
OL Matt Crawford – Class of 2003
OL John Duke – Class of 2008
DL Daniel Watson – Class of 2010
DL Boston Morgan – Class of 2013
DL Tyler Morton – Class of 2017
OL Michael Waddell – Class of 2022
OL Ryley Vester – Class of 2023

Stats that involve #62:
62 – solo tackles in a career – Chris Wells (1999-2001)
62 – assisted tackles in a career – Conner Bryan (2002-04)
62 – solo tackles in a career – Walter Hill (2007-08)
62.5 – total tackle points in a season – Damontell Thompson (2012)
62 – assisted tackles in a career – Howie Walker (2012-13)
62 – receptions in a season – Quentin Randolph (2014) – 2nd All-Time
62 – receptions in a career – Quentin Randolph (2014)
62 – total tackle points in a career – Jay Klosinski (2014-15)
62 – total points scored in a season – Kyle Chambers (2021)
62 – total tackles (solo/assists) in a season – Dante Core (2022)

Navarre is 46-16 in their last 62 games and have lost the only game played against Lake Gibson.

63 Days to Kickoff – Navarre Raiders

June 23, 2023 by irishbillsports

63 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.

63 games ago – Navarre 28, St. Augustine 10 (Playoffs – 2016)

Navarre…0 14 7 7 – 28
St Augustine…0 7 0 3 – 10

This was the first trip for the Raiders and I to St. Augustine. As I was setting up in the booth in the St Augustine Press Box, I was chatting with the Yellow Jackets crew. As they saw Michael Carter warming up, they stated that he looked small. I told them to just watch him play and he will show you how really good he is.

Well, Michael didn’t disappoint, as he led the Raiders to their second Region Title as he rushed for 243 yards on 30 carries and all four Navarre touchdowns. The Big Bubba’s were stellar again, opening up huge holes for the Raider ground attack.

The defense did their part as well, holding a Yellow Jackets offense to 27 points below their season average. Joshua Carter led Navarre with nine tackles and four tackles for loss in the win.

63rd win in school history – Navarre 20, Pine Forest 18 (Playoffs – 2010)

Navarre travelled to Pine Forest in Week 2 of the State Playoffs, 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 away 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 (both to Posey) to keep their drive alive. Colton Kane found Brad Leggett wide open across the middle of the field on a 30-yard scoring strike to give Navarre a 20-18 lead and their eighth straight victory; as well as the programs first 11-win season.

Raiders that have worn #63:
OL Mark Hemaseth – Class of 2002
OL Tommy Wiser – Class of 2007
OL Ryan Barton – Class of 2009 – serving in the U.S. Air Force

Class of 2011 – played at Belhaven (MS)
OL Adrian Gonzales – Class of 2023

Stats that involve #63:
63 – assisted tackles in a career – Brandon Williams (2001-03)
63 – total tackles (solo/assists) in a season – Xavier Fernandez (2015)
63 – total tackle points in a career – Tyson Brown (2015-16)
63 – total tackles for loss & sacks for a career – Joshua Carter (2015-18) – School Record
63 – total tackles (solo/assists) in a season – Devin Wright (2019)
63 – total tackle points in a season – Bailey Huston (2019)
63 – total tackle points in a season – Dwayne Clark Jr. (2022)

Navarre is 46-17 in their last 63 games and is tied in the series with St. Augustine at 1-1.