64 Days Until Friday Night Lights Return – Navarre Raiders

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64 Days Until Friday Night Lights Return – Navarre Raiders
 
Built from the beginning.
Carried into the future.
The standard still stands.
 
Now, let’s continue to chart where the journey has already taken us…
 
64 games ago – Pine Forest 24, Navarre 6 (2019)
 
Navarre…0 3 3 0 – 6
Pine Forest…0 10 14 0 – 24
 
Stars of the Game
Offense – Marlon Courtney III (10-23, 144 yards)
Defense – Jaden Rivera (12 tackles, 8 solo/4 assists); Tyler England (12 tackles. 8 solo/4 assists); Bailey Huston (12 tackles, 7 solo/5 assists, TFL); Grady Kelly (6 tackles, 5 solo/assist, 2 sacks, 2 TFL, 3 QBH)
Special Teams – Preston Penton (2-2 FGs, 38 yards on both)
 
64th win in school history – Navarre 29, Washington 7 (2011)
 
Navarre…7 0 14 7 – 28
Washington…0 7 0 0 – 7
 
Stars of the Game
Offense – Dusty Jones (13-25, 196 yards, 3 TDs, 12 carries, 43 yards); Dwayne Carter (16 carries, 75 yards, 3 receptions, 36 yards, TD)
Defense – Jay Warren (12 tackles, 6 solo/6 assists, sack, TFL)
 
Raiders who wore #64
William McCullough – Class of 2000
Huston Hawkins – Class of 2003
Jonathan Chavers – Class of 2008
Neil Tidwell – Class of 2011 – US Navy
Colton Mapoles – Class of 2014
Bryson Garner – Class of 2019
Elijah Gaska – Class of 2028
 
Statistics 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)
64 – total tackles (solo/assists) in a season – Marquez White (2023)
 
Navarre is 34-30 in their last 64 games.

65 Days Until Friday Night Lights Return – Navarre Raiders

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65 Days Until Friday Night Lights Return – Navarre Raiders
 
Bound by tradition.
Driven by brotherhood.
Discipline. Toughness. Commitment. History.
 
Now, let’s continue to chart where the journey has already taken us…
 
65 games ago – Lincoln 35, Navarre 20 (2019)
 
Navarre…7 7 0 6 – 20
Lincoln…7 14 7 7 – 35
 
Stars of the Game
Offense – Marlon Courtney III (13-21, 228 yards, TD, rushing TD); Tyler England (4 receptions, 111 yards)
Defense – Grady Kelly (11 solo tackles, 8 TFL, 7 sacks (school record), 8 QBH)
 
On one possession, Lincoln had a first and 10 at the Navarre 29, after three straight sacks by Grady and a 15-yard penalty, the Trojans faced a 4th and 62.
 
65th win in school history – Navarre 56, Niceville 33 (2011)
 
Niceville…14 13 6 0 – 33
Navarre…14 28 0 14 – 56
 
Stars of the Game
Offense – Dwayne Carter (25 carries, 307 yards, 6 TDs – School Record); Dusty Jones (8-17, 150 yards, 2 TDs, 13 carries, 91 yards); Brad Leggett (6 receptions, 129 yards, 2 TDs)
Defense – the late Devin Colonel (15 tackles, 8 solo/7 assists, sack, QBH)
Special Teams – David Docarmo (8-8 XPs)
 
Raiders who wore #65
Stephen Willoughby – Class of 2001
Ryan Green – Class of 2004
Steven Rannals – Class of 2011 – U.S. Marine Corps
Brandon Herbert – Class of 2018
Tyler Colabine – Class of 2021
B.K. Kast – Class of 2023
Jaden Colabine – Class of 2025
 
Statistics 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)
65 – solo tackles in a season – Vinny Villanova (2023)
65 – total tackles in a career – Cooper Black (2023-24)
65 – assisted tackles in a career – Andre Spence (2022-24)
 
Navarre is 34-31 in their last 65 games.

66 Days Until Friday Night Lights Return – Navarre Raiders

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66 Days Until Friday Night Lights Return – Navarre Raiders
 
Different eras.
Same standard.
Brotherhood. Tradition. Toughness. Commitment.
 
Now, let’s continue to chart where the journey has already taken us…
 
66 games ago – Navarre 21, Milton 13 (2019)
 
Navarre…7 14 0 0 – 21
Milton…0 7 0 6 – 13
 
Stars of the Game
Offense – Marlon Courtney III (10-15, 170 yards, 2 TDs); Tyler England (5 receptions, 112 yards, TD)
Defense – Devin Wright (14 tackles, 7 solo, 7 assists)
 
66th win in school history – Navarre 42, Crestview 23 (2011)
 
Crestview…7 10 0 6 – 23
Navarre…14 7 7 14 – 42
 
Stars of the Game
Offense – Dusty Jones (18-28, 314 yards, 2 TDs); Dwayne Carter (20 carries, 145 yards, 3 TDs); Jordan Leggett (7 receptions, 100 yards); Marquis Hagewood (6 receptions, 100 yards, TD)

Defense – Demetrius Brown (14 tackles); Jay Warren (10 tackles)
Special Teams – David Decarmo (5-5 XPs)
 
Raiders who wore #66
Mark Coburn – Class of 2006
Johnathon Elliott – Class of 2010
Drayton Taylor – Class of 2013
Austin Bost – Class of 2014 – U.S. Army
Trey Campbell – Class of 2019
Marcus Feliciano – Class of 2021
Kyle Snider – Class of 2027
 
Statistics 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)
66 – solo tackles in a season – Jayden Jones (2025)
66 – carries in a season – Roman Marshall (2025)
 
Navarre is 34-32 in their last 66 games.

Time Ticks Away For Everyone…

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Time ticks away for everyone, but that doesn’t mean you have to go down without a fight…
 
Some start playing football at an early age; while others sometime wait a little while longer. No matter when you pick up the game, the hard work you put into it, the friendships you make and the life lessons that you learn along the way are priceless and timeless.
 
I started playing football when I was seven or eight years old and had average skills at best. By the time I reached high school, I stood 5’7 and weighed 130 pounds on a good day. I quickly realized that my football playing days were likely behind me.
 
My brother Jim, however was a very talented football player, and I attended every one of his games…that’s where I truly fell in love with the game.
 
Many years later, I was afforded the opportunity to broadcast Navarre Raider football for Panhandle Sports Broadcasting in 2009. I learned the ins and outs of a profession that I had only dreamed of being a part of. I later developed those skills with Robert Williamson and JockJive.com, before launching IrishBillSports.com in 2019.
 
As a young broadcaster, then-Navarre Head Coach Chad Lashley, gave me the opportunity to broaden my horizons. I will forever be grateful to him for that chance. I didn’t realize it at the time, but that is when I truly became a part of Raider Nation.
 
Since opening its doors in 1996 and playing its first varsity season in 1998, Navarre football has been blessed with countless talented athletes. I’m not going to mention any names because I don’t want to leave anyone out, but I can tell you the list would be a long one.
 
You see, time slips away differently for everyone. But every year when I begin my countdown to kickoff for Navarre Raider football, it brings out that little kid in me once again. It reminds me how blessed I am do what I love and to be a part of a community I’ve called home since 1991.
 
Never forget the journey that you took and the challenges you endured to become the person you are today.
 
And always remember…
 
It’s Greater To Be A Raider.

2026 Football Schedule – Rocky Bayou Knights

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Rocky Bayou Knights
2026 Football Schedule – Rocky Bayou Knights
Head Coach – Mike Conway (1st Year)
 
8/20 – at Northview
8/28 – vs. Joshua Academy
9/4 – Open Week
9/11 – vs. Aucilla Christian
9/18 – vs. Franklin County
9/25 – vs. Brookwood
10/2 – at Bozeman
10/9 – vs. Central
10/16 – at Wewahitchka
10/23 – at Maclay
10/30 – Open Week

67 Days Until Friday Night Lights Return – Navarre Raiders

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67 Days Until Friday Night Lights Return – Navarre Raiders
 
Built to serve.
Trained for success.
Built to lead.
 
Now, let’s continue to chart where the journey has already taken us…
 
67 games ago – Navarre 34, Pace 0 (2019)
 
Pace…0 0 0 0 – 0
Navarre…13 14 7 0 – 34
 
Stars of the Game
Offense – Marlon Courtney III (13-20, 189 yards, 2 TDs); Jaydin Antonio (11 carries, 92 yards, 2 TDs); Tyler England (9 receptions, 75 yards)
Defense – Nate Hering (10 tackles, 2 TFL, QBH); Devin Wright (10 tackles, 2 TFL, QBH); Grady Kelly (9 tackles, 3 sacks, 3 TFL)
 
67th win in school history – Navarre 35, Fort Walton Beach 14 (2011)
 
Navarre…7 21 0 7 – 35
FWB…7 7 0 0 – 14
 
Stars of Game
Offense – Dusty Jones (21-29, 296 yards, TD); Dwayne Carter (174 yards rushing, 3 TDs); Brad Leggett (9 receptions, 112 yards, TD)
Defense – Jay Warren (12 tackles, sack); Demetrius Brown (12 tackles, 3 interceptions)
 
Raiders who wore #67
Ben Wangerin – Class of 2017 – U.S. Air Force
Austin Gray – Class of 2021
John Hochstratter – Class of 2024
Kyle Hughes – Class of 2026 – Huntingdon College (AL)
 
Statistics 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)
67 – completions in a season – Roman Marshall (2024)
67 – carries in a season – Keagan Gilbert (2024)
 
Navarre is 35-32 in their last 67 games.

68 Days Until Friday Night Lights Return – Navarre Raiders

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68 Days Until Friday Night Lights Return – Navarre Raiders
 
Built here…
The standard travels with you.
Proven everywhere.
 
Now, let’s continue to chart where the journey has already taken us…
 
68 games ago – Navarre 28, Gulf Breeze 21 (2019)
 
Gulf Breeze…7 7 0 7 – 21
Navarre…14 7 7 0 – 28
 
Stars of the Game
Offense – Marlon Courtney III (10-15, 171 yards, 2 TDs); Tyler England (3 receptions, 71 yards, TD)
Defense – Jeffrey Mattox (12 tackles); Mekhi Domino (10 tackles); Grady Kelly (10 tackles, TFL, 7 QBH)
Special Teams – Preston Penton (4-4 XPs)
 
68th win in school history – Navarre 32, Gulf Breeze 0 (2011)
 
Navarre…0 13 12 7 – 32
Gulf Breeze…0 0 0 0 – 0
 
Stars of the Game
Offense – Dwayne Carter (212 yards rushing, 2 TDs)
Defense – Nick Benton (8 tackles)
 
Raiders who wore #68
OL Nick Brahms – Class of 2017 – Auburn University (AL)
OL Lee Joyner – Class of 2022
OL Jaiden Nagellino – Class of 2025
 
Statistics 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 36-32 in their last 68 games.

South Warren (KY) Wins First State Softball Title

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On April 6th, I was loading up my cart and getting ready to set up for the Navarre vs. South Warren softball game. I came in contact with a couple of South Warren parents in the parking lot, I told them that their fans back home could watch the game on Irish Bill Sports. Their response kind of made me chuckle…they stated, “our fans are all here.”
 
I knew that this Spartan team was going to be a tough challenge for the Raiders; they were ranked nationally and were the #1 team in the State of Kentucky.
 
Navarre fought tooth and nail and managed to put up a run in the first inning to take a lead; the lone Raider hit was Natalia Taylor’s 100th. This was a rare feat against South Warren, as all season they had only trailed in a game four times.
 
All-American McLane Hudson tied the game up in the third with a home run to center field (one of her 28 homers on the season). Defense was the name of the game as both teams traded goose eggs until the 7th inning…still tied at one.
 
I told my broadcast partner, Mardie Wilson, the Spartans had their 6, 7, & 8 hitters coming up in the 7th and Navarre needed to avoid getting back to the top of their order. Well, South Warren had two outs and no one on with the bottom of the order coming up. After back to back two out hits, that brought up Hudson once again.
 
Mardie and I were conversing on how to pitch to McLane in this at bat. One thing that I have learned over the years watching and covering sports…you never let the other teams #1 player beat you. With runners on first and second, I stated that I would walk her and take your chances with Hadley Borders. Navarre decided to pitch to her and Hudson as she has done all season was up for the challenge. She transported the ball over the centerfield fence for a 4-1 lead. Navarre would not put up a threat in the bottom of the 7th…South Warren 4, Navarre 1.
 
After that game, I started following the Spartans. They won 11 games in 7 days on their Spring Break trip…with impressive wins over Pace (FL) and Orange Beach (AL); both State Champions in their respective States in 2026.
 
The wins kept mounting and they worked their way into their first ever Kentucky State Championship against Bullitt East on Saturday night. On the season, they had 35 mercy rule games and 25 shutouts (outscoring their opponents, 565-37). Well, they added their 26th shutout as Courtney Norwood shut down the Chargers, holding them to one hit in a 8-0 win; giving the Spartans their first State softball title.
 
This team had one goal all season…to win a State title. What happened between the lines will go down as one of the most dominating seasons in Kentucky softball history. 45-0!
 
History Made…Legacy Secured…Perfection Achieved!

69 Days Until Friday Night Lights Return – Navarre Raiders

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69 Days Until Friday Night Lights Return – Navarre Raiders
 
One generation lights the torch…
Another prepares to carry it forward.
 
Now, let’s continue to chart where the journey has already taken us…
 
69 games ago – Crestview 49, Navarre 27 (Playoffs – 2018)
 
Crestview…7 0 14 28 – 49
Navarre…13 0 14 0 – 27
 
Bulldogs ran off 28 unanswered points in the fourth quarter to secure the Region title.
 
Stars of the Game
Offense – Marlon Courtney III (9-18, 185 yards, TD, rushing TD); Chris Williams (18 carries, 81 yards, TD); Tyler England (4 receptions, 71 yards, TD)
Defense – Joshua Carter (17 tackles, QBH)
 
69th win in school history – Navarre 33, Washington 7 (2012)
 
Jay Walls gets his first win in his first game at the helm for the Raiders. Also, this was the first of twelve wins on the season as Navarre claimed their first Region 1 title, leading to their first trip to the State Semifinals.
 
Raiders who wore #69
Dom Cunningham – Class of 2023
Joel Jackson – Class of 2026
 
Statistics 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)
69 – total tackles (solo/assists) in a season – EZ Gaska (2024)
69 – total tackles (solo/assists) in a season – Matthew Lee (2025)
69 – total tackles (solo/assists) in a season – Zeke Burgess (2025)
 
Navarre is 37-32 in their last 69 games.

70 Days Until Friday Night Lights Return – Navarre Raiders

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70 Days Until Friday Night Lights Return – Navarre Raiders
 
Forged in the trenches…
Commitment. Service. Pride.
Built to rise above the storm.
 
Now, let’s continue to chart where the journey has already taken us…

70 games ago – Navarre 50, Escambia 22 (Playoffs – 2018)
 
Escambia…0 7 15 0 – 22
Navarre…14 7 23 6 – 50
 
The Raiders got revenge for their only loss of the regular season in dominating fashion.
 
Stars of the Game
Offense – Chris Williams (16 carries, 145 yards, TD)
Defense – Joshua Carter (11 tackles, CF)
Special Teams – Kevin Taich (5-6 XPs, 3-3 FGs, 37,37,33)
 
70th win in school history – Navarre 19, Pace 13 (2012)
 
Navarre…6 0 7 6 – 19
Pace…0 6 7 0 – 13
 
This was the first of 14 straight wins for Coach Walls over the Patriots. He never lost to Pace in his tenure (14-0).
 
Stars of the Game
Offense – Derrick Smith (111 yards rushing, TD)
Defense – Christian Gill (2 sacks)
 
Raiders who wore #70
Paul Bowden – Class of 2003
Stephen Venegas – Class of 2007 – US Air Force
Armani Williams – Class of 2010 – played one year at Jacksonville State (AL)
Chas Swem – Class of 2014 – US Air Force
Lucas Marvel – Class of 2022
Drew King – Class of 2024
James Pruden – Class of 2027
 
Statistics 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 37-33 in their last 70 games.