Month: August 2026

12 Days Until Friday Night Lights Return – Navarre Raiders

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12 Days Until Friday Night Lights Return – Navarre Raiders
 
What was built before us still stands.
What we build today will outlive those that walk the path.
What we leave behind will guide those who follow.
 
Let’s continue to chart where the journey has already taken us…
 
12 games ago – Pace 35, Navarre 7 (2024)
 
This was the sixth time in 2024 that the Raiders scored seven or fewer points in a game and also the first time in 15 meetings that the Patriots won.
 
Pace…21 7 7 0 – 35
Navarre…0 0 0 7 – 7
 
Stars of the Game
Offense – Andre Spence (7 carries, 49 yards; 5-yard TD reception)
Defense – Bryce Wheeler (8 tackles, TFL); Zeke Burgess (7 tackles)
 
12th win in school history – Navarre 21, Pensacola Catholic 9 (2001)
 
The Raiders get their first win of the 2001 season. Navarre leads the all-time series against Catholic, 13-11.
 
Raiders that have worn #12
Seth Clark – Class of 2004
Derek Nelson – Class of 2007
Noel Cook – Class of 2010
Nick Benton – Class of 2013 – Jacksonville University (FL)
Michael Sandle – Class of 2016 – baseball at South Alabama – Houston Astros 10th Round draft pick – Windy City Thunderbolts
Sam Register – Class of 2018
Evan Gourley – Class of 2019
Connor Eastwood – Class of 2021
Brandon Estrada – Class of 2025
Tyler Pich – Class of 2027
 
Statistics that involve #12
12 – total games won by a coach – Danny Williams (1999-2001)
12 – wins against an opponent – Crestview (2001-24)
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)
12 – touchdown receptions in a season – Jadon Reese (2022)
12 – assisted tackles in a season – Chase Marsh (2022)
12 – solo tackles in a season – Dom Cunningham (2022)
12 – tackles for loss in a season – EZ Gaska (2024)
 
The Raiders have scored 12 points in a game on only one occasion:
2001 – Gulf Breeze 35, Navarre 12
 
Navarre is 1-11 in their last 12 games.

13 Days Until Friday Night Lights Return – Navarre Raiders

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13 Days Until Friday Night Lights Return – Navarre Raiders
 
Tradition built in silence.
Toughness proven through sacrifice.
The next chapter is ours to write.
 
Let’s continue to chart where the journey has already taken us…
 
13 games ago – Navarre 48, Gulf Breeze 20 (2024)
 
Navarre…14 7 6 21 – 48
Gulf Breeze…8 0 6 6 – 20
 
Stars of the Game
Offense – Keagen Gilbert (14 carries, 213 yards, 2 TDs); Roman Marshall (10-12, 166 yards, 2 TDs); Brandon Estrada (2 receptions, 52 yards, 2 TDs)
Defense – Braxton Barr (8 tackles, sack, 3 TFL, 3 QBH); Vinny Villanova (7 tackles, sack, TFL, QBH); Bryce Wheeler (7 tackles, sack, TFL, 2 QBH)
Special Teams – Jack Beyer (6-6 XPs); Jacob Bishop (2 punts, 45.5 yard average)
 
13th win in school 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
Tommy Correa – Class of 2016
Brandon Marquis – Class of 2018
Devin Grotke – Class of 2022
Tyler Daniell – Class of 2025 – U.S. Army
Jack Beyer – Class of 2027
 
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 season – Michael Pettus (2007)
13 – touchdown passes in a season/career – Andrew Rieves (2012)
13 – receiving touchdowns in a career – Gatlin Casey (2012-13) – 4th 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 – wins against an opponent – Pensacola Catholic (1998 – 2025)
13 – playoff wins (Coach Lashley – 2 & Coach Walls – 11)
13 – touchdowns in a season – Eddie Love Jr (2022)
13 – touchdowns in a season – Jadon Reese (2022)
13 – assisted tackles in a season – Roan Strom (2025)
13 – solo tackles in a season – Paul Whilden (2025)
 
Navarre is 2-11 in their last 13 games.

14 Days Until Friday Night Lights Return – Navarre Raiders

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14 Days Until Friday Night Lights Return – Navarre Raiders
 
Stand together as one.
Brotherhood reaches farther than the final score.
Raider Legacy endures long after the scoreboard winds down to zero.
 
Let’s continue to chart where the journey has already taken us…
 
14 games ago – Crestview 27, Navarre 7 (2024)
 
Crestview…7 7 7 6 – 27
Navarre…0 0 7 0 – 7
 
Stars of the Game
Offense – Andre Spence (5 carries, 59 yards, TD)
Defense – Bryce Wheeler (13 tackles, 2 TFL, 4 QBH); Vinny Villanova (11 tackles, sack, 2 TFL); EZ Gaska (10 tackles, 3 QBH)
 
14th win in school 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 the last for Head Coach Danny Williams, who finished with a 12-18 record.
 
Raiders that have worn #14
Hasaan Williams – Class of 2016 – U.S. Air Force
Quinn Caballero – Class of 2019 – Charleston Southern (SC) & East Tennessee State (TN)
Trent Hall – Class of 2022
Liam Darden – Class of 2027
 
Statistics that involve #14
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)
14 – touchdowns in a career – Eddie Love Jr (2021-22)
14 – points scored in a season – Zavier Hamilton (2022)
14 – big hits in a season – EZ Gaska (2023)
14 – solo tackles in a season – Zeke Burgess (2024)
14 – assisted tackles in a season – Matthew Lee (2024)
 
Navarre is 2-14 in their last 14 games.

15 Days Until Friday Night Lights Return – Navarre Raiders

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15 Days Until Friday Night Lights Return – Navarre Raiders
 
The lights shine a little brighter.
The voyage grows a little shorter.
Land is drawing ever so near.
 
Let’s continue to chart where the journey has already taken us…
 
15 games ago – Escambia 28, Navarre 18 (2025)
 
Raiders got off to a quick start, then the offense sputtered over the last three quarters on a damp Friday night.
 
Navarre…10 0 8 0 – 18
Escambia…0 14 7 7 – 28
 
Stars of the Game
Offense – Andre Spence (13 carries, 124 yards, 2 TDs, 2-pt conv)
Defense – Bryce Wheeler (14 tackles, 6 QBH); Joshua Wilson (11 tackles); Vinny Villanova (10 tackles, 2 sacks, 2 TFL, QBH); Andre Spence (10 tackles, interception)
 
15th win in school history – Navarre 28, Crestview 21 (2001)
 
This was the first time the Raiders played against the Bulldogs, Navarre leads the overall series, 12-9.
 
Raiders that have worn #15
Chris Watson – Class of 2001
Zach Silvey – Class of 2002
Nick Feilner – Class of 2004
Donte’ Rome – Class of 2007 – University of South Alabama
Steven Householder – Class of 2011
Marquis Hagewood – Class of 2012
Dwayne Walls – Class of 2013
Sage Chambers – Class of 2018
Zach Simpson – Class of 2019
Mason Hinson – Class of 2028
 
Statistics that involve #15
15 – wins against an opponent – Pace (2000-24)
15 – wins against an opponent – Milton (2000-24)
15 – touchdown passes in a season – Zach Cook (2001)
15 – touchdown passes in a career – Colton Kane (2010)
15 – rushing touchdowns in a career – Hasaan Williams (2014-15)
15 – touchdown receptions in a season – Dante Wright (2017) – School 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)
15 – tackles in a game – Andre Spence (2022)
15 – tackles in a game – Vinny Villanova (2023)
15.5 – tackle points in a season – Cooper Black (2023)
15 – points scored in a season – Jack Beyer (2024)
15 – assisted tackles in a season – Jacari Thomas (2024)
 
Navarre is 2-13 in their last 15 games.

Irish Bill’s Preseason Super 7 Power Rankings & Players of the Year

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IRISH BILL’S SUPER 7 PRESEASON POWER RANKINGS
 
The countdown is over.
 
After months of studying, returning talent, coaching changes, schedules and program momentum, it’s time to unveil Irish Bill’s Super 7 for the 2026 high school football season.
 
These are not predictions of who will finish with the best record.
 
They’re the teams I’d pick today if they lined up on a neutral field.
 
Every ranking is earned–and every team will be looking to prove me wrong.
 
Class 3A, 4A & 5A
1. Choctaw (Week 1 at Mosley)
2. Pace (Week 1 vs. Fairhope AL)
3. Niceville (Week 1 vs. Prattville AL)
4. Mosley (Week 1 vs. Choctaw)
5. Tate (Week 1 vs. Marianna)
6. Milton (Week 1 at Pensacola Catholic)
7. Crestview (Week 1 vs. Lincoln)
 
Class 1A, 2A, Independent & SSAA
1. Pensacola Catholic (Week 1 vs. Milton)
2. Walton (Week 1 vs. West Florida)
3. Freeport (Week 1 at Arnold)
4. Blountstown (Week 1 at Ariton AL)
5. Baker (Week 1 vs. Jay)
6. Chipley (Week 1 at Liberty County)
7. Bozeman (Week 1 vs. Taylor County)
 
PRESEASON PLAYERS OF THE YEAR

Offensive Player of the Year
Makael Williams, RB – Pace (Senior)
 
Defensive Player of the Year
Bryce Wheeler, LB – Navarre (Senior)
 
Special Teams Player of the Year
Kyle Galkowski, K – Choctaw (Junior)
 
Respect All. Fear None. Earn Everything.
 
Now it’s football’s turn to answer the question.
 
Who’s too high? Who’s too low? Which team crashes the Super 7 before the season is over.
 
The debate starts now.

16 Days Until Friday Night Lights Return – Navarre Raiders

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16 Days Until Friday Night Lights Return – Navarre Raiders
 
Champions aren’t assembled overnight.
They’re built one rep, one practice, one decision at a time.
The foundation grows stronger with every rising sun.
 
Let’s continue to chart where the journey has already taken us…
 
16 games ago – Navarre 30, Tate 27 (2024)
 
Navarre…13 3 7 7 – 30
Tate…12 8 0 7 – 27
 
Stars of the Game
Offense – Roman Marshall (7-11, 85 yards, TD); Keagen Gilbert (10 carries, 56 yards); Andre Spence (3 rushing TDs)
Defense – Bryce Wheeler (15 tackles, QBH); Andre Spence (14 tackles); Vinny Villanova (12 tackles, TFL); Jayden Jones (11 tackles, blocked kick)
Special Teams – Cade Fugate (2-2 XPs, 1-1 FGs, 34 yards)
 
16th win in school 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. Gulf Shores is now a football power in the State of Alabama.
 
Raiders that have worn #16
Bryant Watson – Class of 2014
Ryan Diamco – Class of 2016 – U.S. Air Force
Jacob White – Class of 2017
Ben Scharron – Class of 2018
Kevin Taich – Class of 2019 – U.S. Navy
Jayln Wilson – Class of 2020
Michael Cook – Class of 2021
Bryce Moore – Class of 2025
Cole Flanigan – Class of 2028
 
Statistics that involve #16
16 – games played against an opponent – Fort Walton Beach (2003-22)
16 – assisted tackles in a season – Michael Sandle (2013)
16 – assisted tackles in a season – Grady Kelly (2020)
16 – solo tackles in a season – Marvin Sacdalan (2021)
16 – solo tackles in a season – Levron McKinnie (2021)
16 – assisted tackles in a season – Connor Black (2022)
16 – assisted tackles in a season – Landon Mentzler (2022)
16 – solo tackles in a season – Tyrell Marshall (2022)
16 – assisted tackles in a season – Dom Cunningham (2023)
16 – assisted tackles in a season – Tyrell Marshall (2023)
16 – tackles for loss in a a career – Vinny Villanova (2023-24)
16 – assisted tackles in a season – Bryce Moore (2024)
16 – assisted tackles in a season – Landon Johns (2025)
 
The Raiders have scored 16 points in a game on two occasions:
2015 – Navarre 16, Choctaw 14
2020 – Navarre 16, Andalusia (AL) 14
 
Navarre is 3-13 in their last 16 games.

17 Days Until Friday Night Lights Return – Navarre Raiders

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17 Days Until Friday Night Lights Return – Navarre Raiders
 
Shoulder to shoulder.
Generation beside generation.
Together, we move one step closer towards our destination.
 
Let’s continue to chart where the journey has already taken us…
 
17 games ago – Navarre 15, Milton 13 (2024)
 
The Raiders registered their first win in the 2024 season after the defense made a huge goal line stop late in the game.
 
Milton…0 0 6 7 – 13
Navarre…6 6 3 0 – 15
 
Stars of the Game
Offense – Roman Marshall (14-21, 175 yards); Joshua Wilson (1 reception, 58 yards); Andre Spence (10 carries, 36 yards, TD); Keagen Gilbert (8 carries, 42 yards)
Defense – Andre Spence (20 tackles, 17 solo/3 assists, 2 TFL; Vinny Villanova (18 tackles, 16 solo/2 assists, 3 TFL, sack, QBH, interception)
Special Teams – Cade Fugate (1-1 FGs, 27 yards); Marquez White (87-yard kickoff return, TD)
 
17th win in school history – Arlington Country Day 22, Navarre 13 (2002)
 
Arlington…7 7 0 8 – 22
Navarre…0 0 0 13 – 13
 
The Apaches won the game on the scoreboard, but unfortunately, they played an ineligible player, and the Raiders were awarded the victory.
 
Raiders that have worn #17
Robby Miller – Class of 2013
John Graczyk – Class of 2014 – U.S. Air Force
Zack Hamm – Class of 2016
Anthony Vega – Class of 2017
Anthony Brockum – Class of 2019
Chris Bridges – Class of 2021
Esai Gonzales – Class of 2022
Taylor Gardner – Class of 2023
Easton Gross – Class of 2026
 
Statistics that involve #17
17 – touchdown passes in a season – Austin Grimm (2007)
17 – takeaways in a career (11 interceptions/6 fumble recoveries) – Nick Benton (2010-12) – Navarre Record
17 – touchdown passes in a season – Dusty Jones (2011)
17 – solo tackles in a season – Sebastian Melendez (2021)
17 – solo tackles in a season – Mack Smith (2021)
17 – solo tackles in a season – Kiohne Moso (2021)
17 – assisted tackles in a season – Trey Bragg (2022)
17 – solo tackles in a season – Zavier Hamilton (2022)
17 – receptions in a season – Nate Hanson (2023)
17 – quarterback hurries in a season – EZ Gaska (2024)
17 – total tackles (solo/assists) in a season – Paul Whilden (2025)
 
Navarre is 4-13 in their 17 games.

18 Days Until Friday Night Lights Return – Navarre Raiders

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18 Days Until Friday Night Lights Return – Navarre Raiders
 
Every jersey tells a story.
Every class strengthens the brotherhood.
One tradition. One Raider Family!
 
Let’s continue to chart where the journey has already taken us…
 
18 games ago – Mosley 36, Navarre 7 (2024)
 
The Raiders finally ended an eleven quarter scoreless drought as Roman Marshall found Brody Powers for a score in the fourth quarter.
 
Navarre…0 0 0 7 – 7
Mosley…8 15 0 13 – 36
 
Stars of the Game
Offense – Joshua Wilson (18 carries, 81 yards); Brody Powers (24-yard TD reception)
Defense – Bryce Wheeler (11 tackles, 9 solo/2 assists); Vinny Villanova (10 solo tackles)
 
18th win in school history – Navarre 38, Walton 15 (2002)
 
Navarre beat Walton for the second straight year and lead the overall series, 4-1. The only loss came against the Braves in 1999 (62-29).
 
Raiders that have worn #18
Jaquil Johnson – Class of 2014
Luke Morton – Class of 2015
Tyler Rebber – Class of 2017 – Baseball at Mobile University (AL)
Ryan Bavis – Class of 2023
Jacob Weaver – Class of 2024
Logan Pope – Class of 2026
 
Statistics that involve #18
18 – assisted tackles in a career – Josh Nicdao (2006-07)
18 – rushing touchdowns in a career – Michael Pettus (2007-09)
18 – points scored in a game – Jordan Leggett (2012)
18 – sacks in a career – Christian Gill (2011-13) – 3rd All-Time
18 – points scored in a game – Matthew Webb (2014)
18 – points scored in a game – Hasaan Williams (2015)
18 – points scored in a game – Michael Carter (3x – 2014-16)
18 – sacks in a career – Xavier Fernandez (2014-16) – 3rd All-Time
18 – points scored in a game – Dante Wright (2x – 2017)
18 – sacks in a season – Grady Kelly (2019) – Navarre Record
18 – assisted tackles in a season – Joshua Wilson (2022)
18 – solo tackles in a season – Isaac Cole (2022)
18 – points scored in a game – Jadon Reese (2022)
18 – points scored in a game – Terence Marshall (2023)
18 – points scored in a game – Connor Mathews (4x – 2023)
18 – points scored in a game – Andre Spence (2024)
 
The Raiders have scored 18 points in a game only on one occasion:
2008 – Navarre 18, Gulf Breeze 9
 
Navarre is 4-14 in their last 18 games.

19 Days Until Friday Night Lights Return – Navarre Raiders

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19 Days Until Friday Night Lights Return – Navarre Raiders
 
Brick by brick. Log by log.
The fortress grows stronger with every generation.
The Raider Legacy marches on.
 
Let’s continue to chart where the journey has already taken us…
 
19 games ago – Choctaw 35, Navarre 0 (2024)
 
For only the second time in school history, the Raiders were held scoreless in back to back weeks; the other time was in 2008.
 
Choctaw…7 14 0 14 – 35
Navarre…0 0 0 0 – 0
 
Stars of the Game
Offense – Andre Spence (22 carries, 92 yards, 3 receptions, 21 yards)
Defense – Roan Strom (10 tackles, 2 TFL); Vinny Villanova (8 tackles, CF)
 
19th win in school history – Navarre 21, Gulf Breeze 13 (2002)
 
The Raiders registered one in the win column as they halted their five-game losing streak. This was the first-ever win against the Dolphins in the series. Navarre leads the overall series, 18-9.
 
Raiders that have worn #19
Teddy Harrell – Class of 2016
Tevin “TJ” Peltier – Class of 2021
Landon Mentzler – Class of 2023
Peyton Johns – Class of 2029
 
Statistics that involve #19
19 – rushing touchdowns in a career – Frank Willis (1999-2001)
19 – touchdown passes in a career – Dusty Jones (2009-11)
19 – rushing touchdowns in a season – Jay Warren (2010)
19 – touchdown passes in a season – Matthew Webb (2014)
19 – tackles for loss in a season – Anthony Miller (2014) – 3rd All-Time
19 – solo tackles in a season – Jay Klosinski (2014)
19 – solo tackles in a season – Lee Jones (2015)
19 – assisted tackles in a career – Dante Wright (2016-18)
19 – solo tackles in a season – Mitchell Hunt (2017)
19 – touchdown passes in a season – Marlon Courtney III (2018)
19 – assisted tackles in a season – Jordan Jefferson (2018)
19 – solo tackles in a season – Sebastian Melendez (2019)
19 – assisted tackles in a season – Dom Cunningham (2022)
19 – touchdown passes in a season – Hunter Pfeister (2022) – tied 2nd All-Time
 
Navarre is 4-15 in their last 19 games.

2026 Irish Bill Sports Broadcast Schedule

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Seminole Bob, Mardie Wilson and I will be back to unfold the 2026 season as the Raiders look to regain their winning ways.
 
August
21 Aug – Navarre at Florida High – 7 PM (Eastern)
25 Aug – IBs Twist on Sports – Culver’s
26 Aug – BWW Coaches Show
28 Aug – Washington at Navarre
 
September
1 Sep – IBs Twist on Sports – Culver’s
2 Sep – BWW Coaches Show
4 Sep – Milton at Navarre
8 Sep – IBs Twist on Sports – Culver’s
9 Sep – BWW Coaches Show
11 Sep – Navarre at Niceville * – 7 PM
15 Sep – IBs Twist on Sports – Culver’s
16 Sep – BWW Coaches Show
18 Sep – Navarre at Catholic – 7:30 PM
22 Sep – IBs Twist on Sports – Culver’s
23 Sep – BWW Coaches Show
29 Sep – IBs Twist on Sports – Culver’s
30 Sep – BWW Coaches Show
 
October
2 Oct – FWB at Navarre
6 Oct – IBs Twist on Sports – Culver’s
7 Oct – BWW Coaches Show
9 Oct – Navarre at Tate * – 7 PM
13 Oct – IBs Twist on Sports – Culver’s
14 Oct – BWW Coaches Show
16 Oct – Pace at Navarre *
20 Oct – IBs Twist on Sports – Culver’s
21 Oct – BWW Coaches Show
23 Oct – Crestview at Navarre *
27 Oct – IBs Twist on Sports – Culver’s
28 Oct – BWW Coaches Show
30 Oct – Navarre at Gulf Breeze – 7:30 PM
 
November
3 Nov – IBs Twist on Sports – Culver’s
4 Nov – BWW Coaches Show
 
* Denotes District Game
 
All Navarre home games will start at 7:30 PM (Central).
 
Irish Bill’s Twist on Sports and the Buffalo Wild Wings Coaches Shows will take place at 8 PM (Central).
 
All shows and games will be broadcast live on YouTube at IrishBillSportsLive944 and via the IrishBillSports website.