July 2023 – Irish Bill's Twist on Sports

25 Days to Kickoff – Navarre Raiders

July 31, 2023 by irishbillsports

25 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.

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

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

The Raiders only completed seven passes on the night but four of them went for touchdowns, Jason Deal (4-8, 71 yards, TD) and Zach Marquis (3-6, 62 yards, 3 TDs). Trent Hall hauled in four receptions for 88 yards and two TDs, Jebari Mitchell added a 24-yard TD reception and Jaden Rivera a 14-yard TD. Rivera had another solid performance running the ball (13 carries, 169 yards, TD) and Isaiah Miller and Tevin Peltier added touchdown runs as well.

Deuce Nedd and Grady Kelly led the defense with seven tackles each. Kelly also produced two sacks and Chris Decorte had one.

25th win in school history – Navarre 23, Bay 20 (2003)

They met on the gridiron each year between 2001 and 2004 but have not played each other since. Series is tied at 2-2.

Raiders that have worn #25:
DB Terry Lee – Class of 2006
RB Kwamane Howard – Class of 2009
LB Gerry Dilworth – Class of 2011
RB/LB Jay Warren – Class of 2013 – played at Florida Atlantic
DB Dylan Main – Class of 2015 – played at Birmingham Southern
LB Xavier Fernandez – Class of 2017 – serving in U.S. Air Force
DB Gabe Davis – Class of 2020
DB Marvin Sacdalan – Class of 2022
LB Andre Spence – Class of 2025

Statistics that involve #25:
25 – total touchdowns in a career – Jay Warren (2010-12) – 5th all-time
25 – assisted tackles in a season – Will Robinson-Pettus (2013)
25 – solo tackles in a season – Anthony Miller (2015)
25 – tackles for loss in a career – Xavier Fernandez (2014-16)
25 – rushing touchdowns in a career – Dante Wright (2016-18) – 3rd all-time
25 – assisted tackles in a season – Nolan Garrett (2017)

Navarre has scored 25 points in a game only once:
2005 – Navarre 25, West Florida Tech 6

Navarre is 16-9 in their last 25 games and leads the overall series against Choctaw, 9-7.

26 Days to Kickoff – Navarre Raiders

July 30, 2023 by irishbillsports

26 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.

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

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

The hard-nosed running of Jaden Rivera got it done again as he rushed 124 yards and three touchdowns on 24 carries. Tevin Peltier tallied the other rushing TD on the night. Trenton Hall led the receiving corps with three receptions for 64 yards and a score.

Grady Kelly led the Navarre defense with nine tackles and Connor Eastwood and Nate Hering produced eight tackles each. Jebari Mitchell had the one take away (interception).

26th win in school history – Navarre 34, West Florida 7 (2004)

Navarre got the season started with a non-district win at home.

Raiders that have worn #26:
LB/RB Marcus Jones – Class of 2016
DB Cameron Thomas – Class of 2019
DB Mekhi Domino – Class of 2021
DB Ian Sones – Class of 2022
DB Cooper Black – Class of 2025

Statistics that involve #26:
26 – completions in a game – Dusty Jones (2011)
26 – assisted tackles in a season – Will Robinson-Pettus (2012)
26 – assisted tackles in a season – Anthony Miller (2015)
26 – solo tackles in a season – Aaron Mitchell (2015)
26 – assisted tackles in a season – Aaron Mitchell (2015)
26 – solo tackles in a season – Michael Sandle (2015)
26 – assisted tackles in a season – Nolan Garrett (2016)
26 – assisted tackles in a season – Jordan Jefferson (2017)
26 – solo tackles in a season – Cameron Thomas (2018)
26 – solo tackles in a season – Xayvion Thomas (2018)
26 – assisted tackles in a season – Xayvion Thomas (2018)
26 – solo tackles in a season – Mekhi Domino (2020)
26 – assisted tackles in a season – Mekhi Domino (2020)
26 – sacks in a career – Grady Kelly (2018-20) – Navarre Record
26 – points scored in a season – Chase Richardson (2021)
26 – solo tackles in a season – Landon Mentzler (2022)
26 – assisted tackles in a season – Dwayne Clark Jr (2022)

Navarre is 17-9 in their last 26 games and leads the overall series against Gulf Breeze, 15-9.

27 Days to Kickoff – Navarre Raiders

July 29, 2023 by irishbillsports

27 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.

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

Navarre…3 7 7 0 – 17
Pace…0 7 0 0 – 7

The start of the 2020 season was delayed due to COVID-19. Navarre and Pace didn’t get on the gridiron until September 25th. The Raiders were supposed to play Milton in their first game the previous week, but it was cancelled due to a tropical storm.

The Raiders couldn’t get their passing game going under first-year starter Zach Marquis, but senior Jaden Rivera stepped up with 145 yards rushing on 24 carries and both Navarre touchdowns.

Devin Wright led the defense with 10 tackles and Jebari Mitchell and Grady Kelly added six tackles each. Three turnovers were forced, two interceptions by Jaden Jones and a forced fumble by Kelly that was recovered by Mitchell. Preston Penton was 2-2 on extra points and 1-2 on field goals (29 yards).

27th win in school history – Navarre 14, Catholic 10 (2004)

In a season which was limited to eight games due to Hurricane Ivan, Navarre started 2-0.

Raiders that have worn #27:
DB Lavonte Geisser – Class of 2015
DB Tyson Brown – Class of 2017
DB Avery Biesel – Class of 2018
LB Matthew Poynter – Class of 2020
DB Connor Baird – Class of 2023

Statistics that involve #27:
27 – solo tackles in a season – Ryan Diamco (2015)
27 – tackles (solo/assists) in a season – Lee Jones (2015)
27 – solo tackles in a season – Bryson Brewer (2017)
27 – solo tackles in a season – Grady Kelly (2019)
27 – points scored in a season – Preston Penton (2020)
27 – solo tackles in a season – Chase Marsh (2022)

Navarre has scored 27 points in a game on eight different occasions:
1998 – Navarre 27, Freeport 6
1999 – Chipley 34. Navarre 27
2003 – Navarre 27, Arlington Country Day 8
2005 – Crestview 37, Navarre 27
2017 – Navarre 27, Washington 12
2017 – Escambia 35, Navarre 27
2018 – Escambia 37, Navarre 27
2018 – Crestview 49, Navarre 27 (Region Finals)

Navarre is 18-9 in their last 27 games and leads the overall series against Pace, 14-7.

28 Days to Kickoff – Navarre Raiders

July 28, 2023 by irishbillsports

28 days (4 weeks) 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.

28 games ago – Navarre 52, Crestview 14 (2019)

Crestview…14 0 0 0 – 14
Navarre…21 24 7 0 – 52

This was the first game since 2010 that I didn’t broadcast as I was out of town to watch my son play (Miles College at Central State) in Wilberforce, Ohio. Bob Grant and Heath Childs (The Goat) called the game. The Raiders had an outside chance to make the playoffs, but even with the lopsided victory, the 2019 season came to an end.

Playing in their last game, seniors Marlon Courtney III and Tyler England would go on and break a couple of school records. Courtney completed 9 of 13 passes for 221 yards and a school record six touchdown passes. England hauled in five receptions for 129 yards and a school record four touchdown receptions, he also tied a school record with three interceptions on defense. Xayvion Thomas and AJ Arno contributed TD receptions as well.

Navarre’s defense forced five turnovers (4 interceptions/fumble) and blocked a field goal. Jeffery Mattox led the team in tackles with ten and Mekhi Domino had seven. Preston Penton had another double-digit scoring night as he was 7-7 on extra points and hit his only field goal attempt from 39 yards out.

28th win in school history – Navarre 26, Milton 23 (2004)

After losing their first four games in the series vs. Milton, the Raiders finally brought home their first win against their Santa Rosa County foe.

Raiders that have worn #28:
RB/DB Will Sutter – Class of 2014
LB Jay Klosinski – Class of 2016
DB Matthew Downey – Class of 2019
LS Jackson Rainwater – Class of 2021
RB Jesus Caballero – Class of 2022
RB Connor Mathews – Class of 2025

Statistics that involve #28:
28 – touchdown passes in a career – Austin Grimm (2006-07)
28 – touchdown passes in a career – Sage Chambers (2015-17)
28 – carries in a game – Michael Carter (2x) – (2016)
28 – solo tackles in a season – Nolan Garrett (2016)
28 – solo tackles in a season – James Segrest (2017)
28 – receptions in a season – Quinn Caballero (2017)
28 – solo tackles in a season – Jaden Rivera (2019)
28 – solo tackles in a season – Trey Bragg (2022)

Navarre is 19-9 in their last 28 games and leads the overall series against Crestview, 12-7.

29 Days to Kickoff – Navarre Raiders

July 27, 2023 by irishbillsports

29 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.

29 games ago – Navarre 31, Leon 28 (2019)

Navarre…3 3 15 10 – 31
Leon…14 0 0 14 – 28

On a game moved to Monday night because of the weather, it didn’t slow down either offense, as they both functioned in high gear, Leon with 460 total yards and Navarre with 444. The Raiders had big nights in the rushing department from Jaden Rivera (19 carries, 212 yards, 2 TDs) and Jaydin Antonio (20 carries, 153 yards, TD) in the win. Xayvion Thomas was the leading receiver with three catches for 66 yards.

Bailey Huston led the defense with nine tackles and Kobe Johnson, Devin Wright and Jeffery Mattox added seven tackles each. Grady Kelly and Connor Eastwood both contributed two sacks on the night. Preston Penton produced 11 points, going 2-2 on extra points and 3-4 on field goals with a long of 42 yards.

29th win in Raiders History – Navarre 25, West Florida 6 (2005)

Navarre…0 6 12 7 – 25
West Florida…6 0 0 0 – 6

Navarre has won all five games (2004-08) against West Florida. In those five games the Raiders have outscored the Jaguars, 175-30.

Raiders that have worn #29:
DB Nolan LeMaitre – Class of 2011 – serving in U.S. Army
LB Jessie Holmes – Class of 2013
DB Alex Cork – Class of 2015 – serving in U.S. Air Force
RB Omari Green – Class of 2018 – played at Lake Erie College (OH)
K Preston Penton – Class of 2021
DB Juan Guerra – Class of 2022
RB Eric Crane – Class of 2025

Navarre statistics that involve #29:
29 – touchdowns in a career – Patrick Hess (2002-03)
29 – solo tackles in a season – Michael Sandle (2013 & 2014)
29 – total tackles (solo/assists) in a season – Kyle Arrasmith (2013)
29 – receptions in a season – Tyrell Courtney (2014)
29 – assisted tackles in a season – Everette Alford (2014)
29 – assisted tackles in a season – Anthony Miller (2014)
29 – assisted tackles in a season – Ryan Diamco (2015)
29 – receiving touchdowns in a career – Dante Wright (2016-18) – School Record
29 – carries in a games – Omari Green (2017)
29 – solo tackles in a career – Connor Eastwood (2019-20)
29 – assisted tackles in a season – Devin Wright (2019)
29 – solo tackles in a season – Xayvion Thomas (2019)

Navarre is 20-9 in their last 29 games and leads the overall series against Leon, 3-0.

30 Days to Kickoff – Navarre Raiders

July 30, 2023July 26, 2023 by irishbillsports

30 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.

30 games ago – Chiles 49, Navarre 31 (2019)

Chiles…14 7 14 14 – 49
Navarre…7 10 7 7 – 31

The Raiders took their only lead with 6:33 to go in the second quarter, but it was short-lived as the Timberwolves took over on a 52-yard run by QB Garrett Greene to put them up at the half, 21-17. Navarre had a chance to cut to four in the fourth, but Chiles intercepted a Marlon Courtney III pass at the goal line and returned 100 yards for a score.

Courtney finished the night 15-25 for 192 yards, two total touchdowns (passing/rushing) and Jaden Rivera produced 170 yards rushing on 20 carries and a TD. Rivera also had a 30-yard touchdown reception, while Tyler England added 73 yards receiving on eight receptions.

England produced 12 tackles on the defensive of the ball as well and Preston Penton had a perfect night in the kicking game, 4-4 on extra points and 1-1 on field goals (29 yards).

30th win in school history – Navarre 15, University Christian 6 (2005)

These two teams have only met twice on the gridiron with Navarre winning both games.

Raiders that have worn #30:
Bobby Rogers – Class of 2000
Adam Buchanan – Class of 2002
DE Blake Miller – Class of 2003
LB John Blatz – Class of 2007
LB Chris Stapleton – Class of 2011 – played at Florida Tech – leading tackler in Panther history.
LB/FB Scott Mealer – Class of 2012
DB Matthew Feldner – Class of 2021
RB Aiden Finch – Class of 2025

Navarre statistics that involve #30:
30 – wins as a head coach at Navarre – Larry Olson (2002-07)
30 – solo tackles in a season – Alex Todd (2013)
30 – receptions in a season – Cameron Mayweather (2014)
30 – total tackles (solo/assists) in a season – Thomas Leggett (2015)
30 – assisted tackles in a season – Xavier Fernandez (2015 & 2016)
30 – solo tackles in a season – Xavier Fernandez (2016)
30 – solo tackles in a season – Cade Taylor (2016)
30 – carries in a game – Michael Carter (2016)
30 – carries in a game – Chris Williams (2018)
30 – total tackles (solo/assists) in a season – Dante Wright (2018)
30 – points scored in a season – Marlon Courtney III (2019)
30 – tackles in a game – vs Pace – Christian Caballero – School Record

Navarre is 21-9 in their last 30 games and is 0-1 against Chiles.

31 Days to Kickoff – Navarre Raiders

July 25, 2023 by irishbillsports

31 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.

31 games ago – Navarre 10, Tate 0 (2019)

Navarre…7 0 3 0 – 10
Tate…0 0 0 0 – 0

Marlon Courtney III completed 14 of 24 passes for 186 yards and carried the ball 15 times for 62 yards and the Raiders only touchdown on the night. Jaydin Antonio led the rushing attack with 82 yards on 18 carries and Tyler England hauled in eight receptions for 69 yards in the win.

Bailey Houston led Navarre’s defense with eight tackles and Jeffery Mattox added six tackles and a tackle for loss. Sabine Melendez and Grady Kelly each pitched in a sack as the Raiders broke a three game losing streak.

31st win in school history – Navarre 21, Catholic 7 (2005)

Navarre won for the third straight week to start the season, outscoring their opponents 61-19.

Raiders that have worn #31:
DB Michael Porter – Class of 2001
DB Jason Graves – Class of 2004
LB Brandon Lawson – Class of 2006 – 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
LB Sebastian Melendez – Class of 2022 – playing at Millsaps College (MS)
WR/DB Brandon Estrada – Class of 2025

Navarre statistics that involve #31:
31 – assisted tackles in a career – Chris Wells (1999-2001)
31 – assisted tackles in a career – Michael Arnold (2009-10)
31 – solo tackles in a season – Damontell Thompson (2013)
31 – tackle points in a season – Jay Klosinski (2014 & 2015)
31 – assisted tackles in a career – Lee Jones (2015-16)
31 – tackles for loss in a season – Joshua Carter (2016) – School Record
31 – solo tackles in a season – Caleb Dale (2016)
31 – tackle points in a season – Alex Gilchrist (2017)
31 – assisted tackles in a career – Cameron Thomas (2017-18)
31 – assisted tackles in a season – Devin Wright (2020)
31 – tackles (solo/assists) in a season – Dom Cunningham (2022)

Navarre is 21-10 in their last 31 games and leads the overall series against Tate, 5-2.

32 Days to Kickoff – Navarre Raiders

July 24, 2023 by irishbillsports

32 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.

32 games ago – Niceville 20, Navarre 7 (2019)

Niceville…0 13 0 7 – 20
Navarre…0 7 0 0 – 7

The Raiders found themselves in unfamiliar territory, as they lost their third straight game. The last time this occurred was during the 2009 season.

Marlon Courtney III completed 11-19 for 122 yards and a TD, but in general the offense struggled against another stingy defense.

Tyler England hauled in six receptions for 95 yards and Jaydin Antonio had 81 total yards of offense to include a 19-yard touchdown reception.

Xayvion Thomas led the defense with ten tackles and Jeffery Mattox pitched in with eight tackles. Grady Kelly added three tackles for loss and a sack in the defeat.

32nd win in school history – Navarre 33, Holmes County 12 (2005)

The Raiders improved to 4-1, which tied their best start up to that point in school history. Unfortunately, this would be the last win of the season as they dropped their last five games.

Raiders that have worn #32:
Bobby Nelson – Class of 2000 – first graduating class
FB/LB Spencer Clark – Class of 2004
LB Joey Torres – Class of 2008 – track 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
DB/K Tyler Daniell – Class of 2025

Navarre statistics that involve #32:
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 Miller (2014-15) – 3rd All-Time
32 – solo tackles in a career – Jay Klosinski (2014-15)
32 – tackle points in a season – Tyler Morton (2015)
32 – assisted tackles in a season – Marc Struck (2016)
32.5 – tackle points in a season – Cameron Thomas (2018)
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)
32 – assisted tackles in a career – Mekhi Domino (2019-20)

Navarre is 22-10 in their last 32 games and leads the overall series against Niceville, 8-5.

2023 Schedule – Gadsden County Jaguars

July 23, 2023 by irishbillsports

2023 Schedule – Gadsden County Jaguars
Head Coach – Russell Ellington

18 Aug 23 – vs. University Christian (Kickoff Classic)
25 Aug 23 – at Lowndes (GA)
1 Sep 23 – at Rickards
8 Sep 23 – vs. Bay
15 Sep 23 – vs. Florida High *
22 Sep 23 – at Tift County (GA)
29 Sep 23 – Open Week
6 Oct 23 – vs. Jefferson County
13 Oct 23 – at Marianna *
20 Oct 23 – at Walton
27 Oct 23 – at Godby *
3 Nov 23 – at Gateway

* Denotes District Game

Helmet is courtesy of FloridaHSFootball.com.

2023 Schedule – West Florida Jaguars

July 23, 2023 by irishbillsports

2023 Schedule – West Florida Jaguars
Head Coach – Harry Lees

18 Aug 23 – at Navarre (Kickoff Classic)
24 Aug 23 – at Escambia
1 Sep 23 – vs. B.T. Washington
8 Sep 23 – vs. Pace
15 Sep 23 – Open Week
22 Sep 23 – vs. Pine Forest
29 Sep 23 – vs. Walton *
6 Oct 23 – at Tate
13 Oct 23 – at Pensacola *
20 Oct 23 – Open Week
27 Oct 23 – at Pensacola Catholic *
3 Nov 23 – vs. Gulf Breeze

* Denotes District Game

Helmet is courtesy of FloridaHSFootball.com.