Blog – Page 55 – Irish Bill's Sports

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.

64 Days to Kickoff – Navarre Raiders

June 24, 2023June 22, 2023 by irishbillsports

64 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.

64 games ago – Navarre 60, Tate 28 (Playoffs – 2016)

Navarre…13 12 14 21 – 60
Tate…7 14 0 7 – 28

Another night, another school record for Michael Carter as he rushed for 333 yards on 21 carries and four touchdowns. Carter added a 99-yard kickoff return (school record) as the Raiders turned a four point halftime lead into a route in the second half.

Caine Adamson completed 5-8 passes for 105 yards with the majority coming on a 70-yard touchdown pass to Dante Wright. Wright contributed 96 yards rushing on four carries and a score as well.

Joshua Carter led the defense with 13 tackles, three tackle for loss and a sack and Bo Hering added 10 tackles and an interception.

64th win in school history – Navarre 28, B.T. Washington 7 (2011)

Navarre…7 0 14 7 – 28
Washington…0 7 0 0 – 7

Dusty Jones passed for 196 yards and three TDs and Jay Warren led the defense with 12 tackles.

Raiders that have worn #64:
OL William McCullough – Class of 2000 – first graduating class
OL Jonathan Chavers – Class of 2008
OL Niel Tidwell – Class of 2011 – serving in U.S. Navy
OL Colton Mapoles – Class of 2014
OL Bryson Garner – Class of 2019

Stats that involve #64:
64 – solo tackles in a career – Virgilio Hunter (2010-11)
64 – receptions in a career – Gatlin Casey (2011-13)
64 – assisted tackles in a season – Xavier Fernandez (2014)
64 – assisted tackles in a career – Aaron Mitchell (2014-15)

Navarre is 47-17 in their last 64 games and lead the overall series against Tate, 5-2.

65 Days to Kickoff – Navarre Raiders

June 21, 2023 by irishbillsports

65 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.

65 games ago – Navarre 40, Escambia 35 (Playoffs – 2016)

Navarre…7 14 13 6 – 40
Escambia…0 7 21 7 – 35

Michael Carter was the workhorse in this one as he toting the ball 28 times for 244 yards and four touchdowns, but it was the defense that came up big as they stopped the Gators on fourth down deep in Raiders territory in the waning seconds of the game.

Dante Wright added three receptions for 54 yards and a couple of TDs and Caine Adamson completed 6-12 passing for 79 yards and two scores.

Aaron Mitchell finished the night with 12 tackles and Caleb Dale contributed 10. Navarre’s defense forced three turnovers on the night.

65th win in school history – Navarre 56, Niceville 33 (2011)

Niceville…14 13 6 0 – 33
Navarre…14 28 0 14 – 56

The night belonged to RB Dwayne Carter as he set the school record for yards rushing (at that time) & rushing TDs in a single game. He finished the night with 307 yards rushing & found the end zone on six different occasions. The six rushing TDs are still a school record (tied with his younger brother, Michael).

WR Bradley Leggett pitched in six receptions for 129 yards & the other two Raider scores. The late Devin Colonel led the defense with 15 tackles & David Docarmo was perfect on the night as he went 8-8 on extra points.

Raiders that have worn #65:
OL Stephen Willoughby – Class of 2001
LB Ryan Green – Class of 2004
OL Steven Rannals – Class of 2011 – serving in U.S.M.C.
OL Brandon Herbert – Class of 2018
OL Tyler Colabine – Class of 2021
DL B.K. Kast – Class of 2023

Stats that involve #65:
65 – solo tackles in a season/career – Brian Commissiong (2007)
65 – receptions in a career – Donte’ Rome (2005-06)
65 – assisted tackles in a career – Virgilio Hunter (2010-11)
65 – total tackles (solo/assists) in a career – Dylan Main (2013-14)
65 – tackle points in a season – Xavier Fernandez (2015)
65.5 – tackle points in a season – Lee Jones (2016)
65 – total tackles (solo/assists) in a season – Devin Wright (2020)
65 – total tackles (solo/assists) in a season – Joshua Wilson (2022)

Navarre is 48-17 in their last 65 games and leads the overall series against Escambia, 7-3.

66 Days to Kickoff – Navarre Raiders

June 20, 2023 by irishbillsports

66 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.

66 games ago – Navarre 42, Niceville 28 (2016)

Navarre…7 7 14 14 – 42
Niceville…21 7 0 0 – 28

After falling behind 21-7 at the end of the first and 28-14 at the half, the Raiders would rally and shutout the Eagles in the second half, 28-0, to finish the regular season at 9-1.

Both Navarre QBs would pass for over 100 yards; Caine Adamson, 6-12, 142 yards, 3 TDs and Sage Chambers, 5-8, 115 yards). Michael Carter rushed for 223 yards on 26 carries and three touchdowns and also added three receptions for 65 yards and a score. Dante Wright pitched in with two receptions for 129 yards in the win.

Bo Hering led the defense with 12 tackles and a tackle for loss, while Ryan Struck added four tackles for loss and Joshua Carter had 2.5 sacks.

66th win in school history – Navarre 42, Crestview 23 (2011)

Crestview…7 10 0 6 – 23
Navarre…14 7 7 14 – 42

Dusty Jones passed for 314 yards (3rd most in Raider history), going 18-28 with 2 TDs. Dwayne Carter continued his hot streak with 145 yards on 20 carries and three TDs (giving him 789 yards and 17 TDs in his last four games).

Jordan Leggett added 7 receptions for 100 yards and Marquis Hagewood pitched in 6 receptions for 100 yards and a score, while Demetrius Brown led the defense with 14 tackles and Jay Warren contributed 10.

Raiders that have worn #66:
OL Mark Coburn – Class of 2006
DL Johnathon Elliott – Class of 2010
OL Drayton Taylor – Class of 2013
OL Austin Bost – Class of 2014 – currently serving in U.S Army
DL Trey Campbell – Class of 2019
OL Marcus Feliciano – Class of 2021
OL Jaden Colabine – Class of 2025

Stats that involve #66:
66 – solo tackles in a career – Justin Wilson (2002-04)
66 – points scored in a season/career – Kwamane Howard (2008)
66 – solo tackles in a career – Ronnie Wesson (2006-08)
66 – solo tackles in a career – Elijah Appel (2011-12)
66 – total tackle points in a career – Kyle Arrasmith (2013-14)
66 – total tackles (solo/assists) in a career – Charlie Alevras (2015-16)

Navarre is 49-17 in their last 66 games and leads the overall series against Niceville, 8-5.

67 Days to Kickoff – Navarre Raiders

June 19, 2023 by irishbillsports

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

67 games ago – Gulf Breeze 31, Navarre 28 (2016)

Gulf Breeze…7 10 7 7 – 31
Navarre…7 14 0 7 – 28

The Raiders drop their first and only game of the regular season as their final drive came up a little bit short. Caine Adamson completed 20-30 passes for 222 yards and two touchdowns, but was outdone by Gulf Breeze’s QB Tyler Phelps, 23-38 for 327 yards and three touchdowns.

Michael Carter was held to lowest rushing yards on the season (18 carries, 85 yards, TD). Aaron Mitchell led the defense with 10 tackles and a sack.

67th win in school history – Navarre 35, Fort Walton Beach 14 (2011)

Navarre…7 21 0 7 – 35
Ft Walton Bch…7 7 0 0 – 14

Dusty Jones passed for 296 yards and a TD and Dwayne Carter added 174 yards and three touchdowns. Brad Leggett hauled in nine receptions for 112 yards and a score. Demetrius Brown led the defense with 12 tackles and three interceptions.

Raiders that have worn #67:
DL Ben Wangerin – Class of 2017
OL Austin Gray – Class of 2021

Stats that involve #67:
67 – receptions in a season – Chris Weaver (2007) – School Record
67 – receptions in a career – Michael Pettus (2007-09)
67 – solo tackles in a season/career – Kody Kelly (2012)
67 – total tackles (solo/assists) in a season – Alex Todd (2013)
67 – solo tackles in a career – Anthony “The Unit” Miller (2014-15)

Navarre is 50-17 in their last 67 games and lead the overall series against Gulf Breeze, 15-9.

68 Days to Kickoff – Navarre Raiders

June 18, 2023 by irishbillsports

68 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.

68 games ago – Navarre 70, American Heritage-Delray 26 (2016)

AH-Delray…12 14 0 0 – 26
Navarre…23 26 14 7 – 70

In the first ever meeting against the Stallions, the Raiders registered the most points ever scored in a single game in Navarre history.

Michael Carter broke the school record for yards rushing in a single game at the time with 18 carries for 331 yards and six touchdowns (tied the school record), giving him 26 touchdowns on the season. Navarre rushed for 502 yards on 30 carries on the night (16.7 yards per carry).

Carter produced a 91-yard kickoff return for a score as well, giving him seven TDs and a school record. Cade Taylor and Aaron Mitchell led the Raiders defense with 11 tackles each and Bo Hering pitched in 10 and two tackles for loss and two forced fumbles.

68th win in school history – Navarre 32. Gulf Breeze 0 (2011)

Navarre…0 13 12 7 – 32
Gulf Breeze…0 0 0 0 – 0

Dusty Jones contributed two touchdowns (one passing/two rushing) and passed for 169 yards, while Dwayne Carter rushed for 212 yards and two TDs. On defense, Nick Benton led the way with eight tackles as the Raiders finished the season at 5-5.

Raiders that have worn #68:
OL NIck Brahm – Class of 2017 – played at Auburn University
OL Lee Joyner – Class of 2022

Stats that involve #68:
68 – assisted tackles in a career – Joey Torres (2005-07)
68 – total tackles (solo/assists) in a career – Kyle Arrasmith (2013-14)
68 – total tackles (solo/assists) in a season – Cade Taylor (2016)
68 – total tackles (solo/assists) in a season – Andre Spence (2022)

Navarre is 50-18 in their last 68 games and have won the only game against American Heritage-Delray.

69 Days to Kickoff – Navarre Raiders

June 17, 2023 by irishbillsports

69 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.

69 games ago – Navarre 44, Milton 0 (2016)

Milton…0 0 0 0 – 0
Navarre…10 20 14 0 – 44

The Raiders start the season with their seventh straight victory for the second consecutive season behind senior QB Caine Adamson, who went 13-17 for 206 yards and three touchdowns. Adamson also produced 46 yards rushing on eight carries and a TD.

Michael Carter added 18 rushing attempts for 115 yards and his 19th touchdown on the season. Navarre received touchdown receptions from Jordan Williams, Sam Register and Dante Wright. Wright contributed a rushing TD as well.

Aaron Mitchell led the Raider defense with nine tackles and a sack in the shutout.

69th win in school history – Navarre 33, B. T. Washington 7 (2012)

Jay Walls gets his first win in his first game at the helm for the Raiders. Navarre is 19-5 all-time in opening games of the season.

Raider that has worn #69:
DL Dom Cunningham – Class of 2023

Stats that involve #69:
69 – solo tackles in a career – Jessie Holmes (2011-12)
69 – rushing TDs in a career – Michael Carter (2013-16) – School Record
69 – solo tackles in a career – Dante Wright (2016-18)

Navarre is 51-18 in their last 69 games and leads the overall series against Milton, 13-9.

70 Days to Kickoff – Navarre Raiders

June 16, 2023 by irishbillsports

70 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.

70 games ago – Navarre 17, Escambia 13 (2016)

Navarre…3 0 7 7 – 17
Escambia…13 0 0 0 – 13

The Gators jumped out to a 13-3 lead after one, but that is when the Raiders defense took over the game and shut down the high powered offense of Escambia to go 6-0 on the season.

Caine Adamson got the Raiders to within three on an eight yard run in the third and Michael Carter put them up for good on one yard run in the fourth. Carter finished the with 118 yards on 28 carries.

Bo Hering led the Navarre defense with 14 tackles, while Caleb Dale added 11 and Xavier Fernandez with 10.

70th win in school history – Navarre 19, Pace 13 (2012)

Navarre…6 0 7 6 – 19
Pace…0 6 7 0 – 13

Raiders who have worn #70:
OL Stephen Venegas – Class of 2007 – serving in U.S. Air Force
DL Armani Williams – Class of 2010 – played at Jacksonville State (AL)
OL Chas Swem – Class of 2014 – serving in U.S. Air Force
OL/DL Lucas Marvel – Class of 2022
OL Drew King – Class of 2024

Stats that involve #70:
70 – solo tackles in a career – Frank Willis (1999-2001)
70 – total tackle points in a career – Rocky Brock (1999-2000)
70 – total tackle points in a career – Andre Mahone (2000-02)
70 – solo tackles in a career – J. R. Milioti (2004-05)
70 – total tackle points in a season – Howie Walker (2013)
70 – total tackle points in a career – Jay Klosinski (2014-15)
70 – solo tackles in a career – Lee Jones (2015-16)
70 – solo tackles in a season – Cade Taylor (2017)
70 – total tackles (solo/assists) in a career – Mekhi Domino (2019-20)

Navarre is 52-18 in their last 70 games and leads Escambia in the series, 7-3.

71 Days to Kickoff – Navarre Raiders

June 17, 2023June 15, 2023 by irishbillsports

71 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.

71 games ago – Navarre 42, Pace 28 (2016)

Navarre…14 7 7 14 – 42
Pace…7 7 0 14 – 28

The Raiders went on the road looking for their fifth straight win to start the 2016 campaign and they found it against their Santa Rosa County foe.

Navarre had three players throw for a touchdown pass on the night; Caine Adamson, 11-16, 106 yards, Michael Carter, 1-1, 63 yards and Dante Wright, 1-1, 53 yards. Adamson contributed 137 yards rushing on 13 carries and two scores and Carter added 93 yards on 16 carries and a TD.

Jordan Williams was the recipient of two of those touchdown as he hauled in six receptions for 137 yards. Chandler Cooper added the other from 30 yards out.

The Raiders received nine tackles each from Aaron Mitchell, Bo Hering and Nolan Garrett. Neither team committed a turnover on the night.

71st win in school history – Navarre 35, Niceville 28 (2012)

Navarre ventured into hostile territory for the third straight week and pulled out a tough District win against Niceville.

Raiders that have worn #71:
OL Clay Bryan – Class of 2001
DL Nathan Stroud – Class of 2004
OL Johnathan Jones – Class of 2007
OL/DL Derek Santiago – Class of 2010
DE Joel Fry – Class of 2013
DL Sabine Melindez – Class of 2015 – serving in U.S.M.C.
OL Wesley Routh – Class of 2017
OL Elijah Melendez – Class of 2021 – playing at McNeese State (LA)
OL Ethan Newman – Class of 2023 – playing at Kennesaw State (GA)

Stats that involve #71:
71.5 – total tackle points in a career – Kris Metcalf (2000-02)
71.5 – total tackle points in a career – Michael Arnold (2009-10)
71 – total tackles (solo/assists) in a season – Anthony “The Unit” Miller (2014)
71.5 – total tackle points in a season – Bo Hering (2015)
71 – solo tackles in a career – Aaron Mitchell (2015-16)
71 – total tackle points in a season – Aaron Mitchell (2016)
71 – assisted tackles in a career – Sebastian Melendez (2019-21)

Navarre is 53-18 in their last 71 games and lead the overall series against Pace, 14-7. The Raiders are 42-26 vs. teams from Santa Rosa County.